Getting Started
Let’s Get Down to Business
Looking for a low-stress, high-reward environment to start your business? Howard County has you covered with one of Maryland’s top incubators, the Maryland Innovation Center. The Catalyst Fund, powered by the HCEDA, grows the county’s small business community with a revolving loan fund of market rate capital to new and expanding businesses. The Howard County Public Library also has a list of resources for jumpstarting a business — whether you need assistance writing a business plan, researching licenses or permits or hiring employees.
Fast Facts
City with Least Amount of Stress Related to Work (Columbia)
Early-Stage Startup Growth Program BRITE Located at the Maryland Innovation Center in Howard County
Resident and Affiliate Startups and Small Businesses Across Industry Sectors at the Maryland Innovation Center
Minority-Owned Business Directory
With more than 500 businesses presented on HCEDA’s Minority-Owned Business Directory, the county is ripe with opportunities for businesses seeking visibility and community support.
Connecting New Entrepreneurs to Experienced Business Owners
Located in Columbia, Maryland, our Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) is a 60,000 square-foot facility that stands as a dynamic hub of growth and support for local businesses. At the heart of MIC’s offerings is the Business Revitalization Initiative Through Entrepreneurship (BRITE), which empowers minority and underrepresented entrepreneurs by guiding them through strategic planning, brand management and talent expansion for sustained expansion.
Your Source for Relevant Market Trends
Serving as an invaluable ally for businesses across the developmental journey, the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at HCEDA offers resources and comprehensive assistance regardless of growth stage, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Through an array of workshops and seminars, the Maryland SBDC not only imparts vital insights into economic trends and market conditions, but also equips businesses with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a dynamic business landscape.
Cyber Howard Accelerator
The Cyber Howard Accelerator, led by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) in partnership with the Technology Advancement Center (TAC), is designed to support early-stage cybersecurity companies. This program provides mentorship, funding connections and technical resources to help entrepreneurs refine their products, scale operations and secure investment.
Queen Takes Book and the HCEDA Catalyst Fund
Owner of Queen Takes Book discuss the HCEDA Catalyst Fund and how it helped them fulfill a lifelong dream.
Featured News + Events
Libraries That Power Our Economy
Howard County is moving forward with a bold new Central Library at the Columbia Lakefront—a transformational project that will serve as both a civic anchor and economic engine for years to come. As County Executive Calvin Ball and HCLS President & CEO Tonya Aikens announced renewed momentum for the project, we are proud to release
SphereHub to Compete at Pumpkin Pitch 2025
The Pumpkin Pitch 2025 is right around the corner and the Maryland Innovation Center will once again open its stage to five promising startups on Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM. Each company has a story, a vision and a solution to some of today’s most pressing challenges. This year, SphereHub is one of the
Appellate Takes the Stage at Pumpkin Pitch
The countdown is on for Pumpkin Pitch 2025, one of Howard County’s most exciting celebrations of entrepreneurship and innovation. On Tuesday, October 7, from 5–8 PM at the Maryland Innovation Center, five incredible startups will pitch their ideas live for a chance to win $10,000 in prizes. Among them is Appellate, a company tackling a