HoCo Global Navigator
Your Roadmap to International Growth
Expanding internationally is more than exporting, it’s about identifying new markets, building strategic partnerships, and growing your business globally. Through HoCo Global Navigator, the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) helps Howard County businesses develop and execute an international growth strategy by connecting them with the right resources, partners, and opportunities.
As your local economic development partner, HCEDA works alongside state, federal, and international organizations to help businesses navigate the international expansion process. Rather than duplicating existing export services, we help you understand where to start, identify the right resources, bridge gaps between programs, and remain engaged as your business grows globally.
How HoCo Global Navigator Works
1. Assess
Every international growth journey begins with understanding your business goals and global potential. HCEDA works with you to evaluate your products or services, discuss your growth objectives, identify promising international markets, and determine the best path forward based on your company’s stage of growth.
2. Prepare
Once international expansion becomes part of your business strategy, we’ll help you prepare for success. Together, we’ll identify the resources, capabilities, and next steps needed to position your company for international opportunities and prepare you to engage with specialized state and federal export programs.
3. Connect
HCEDA connects Howard County businesses with a network of trusted local, state, federal, and international partners. Whether you need export counseling, market intelligence, international business matchmaking, trade missions, financing resources, or regulatory guidance, we’ll introduce you to the organizations best equipped to support your international growth.
4. Navigate
International expansion often involves multiple resources from organizations, programs, and specialized service providers. HCEDA helps businesses navigate that process by coordinating available resources, identifying gaps in existing programs, making strategic introductions, and connecting companies with technical assistance that supports successful market entry and long-term international growth.
As part of this effort, HCEDA is launching an Export Assistance Grant [link to grant page] in September 2026 to help eligible Howard County businesses offset technical assistance costs associated with approved state and federal export programs.
5. Grow
International growth is an ongoing journey. HCEDA remains a long-term partner by helping businesses identify new market opportunities, strengthen global partnerships, participate in trade missions and international programs, and continue expanding their global footprint.
Why HoCo Global Navigator?
HCEDA serves as your local international business development partner.
While our state and federal partners provide specialized export services and technical expertise, HCEDA helps businesses develop an international growth strategy, coordinate the right resources, and navigate the path from local success to global opportunity.
One local partner. A world of resources.
Ready to begin your international growth journey? Please complete the HoCo Global Navigator Initiation Form.
