Small & Minority Business
Find Support For Your Business
Get plugged into a community driven by an entrepreneurial spirit, where the majority of businesses are small and support runs deep. Howard County places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, actively supporting minority, women-owned and disability-owned enterprises through the Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) program, which ensures that these businesses have equitable access to county contracts. And for entrepreneurs that are just starting out, our Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) provides a nurturing environment to build a business in Maryland that’s centered on learning, growth and mutual support
Fast Facts
of Howard County’s 10,000 Businesses are Small Businesses
of Proceeds from Maryland VLTs Allocated to Small, Minority & Women-Owned Businesses through HCEDA’s Catalyst Fund
Local Firms Certified with the Howard County Purchasing Office
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.
Featured News + Events
NextGen Founders: Building Howard County’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
This summer, high school and college students gained more than work experience through our 2026 summer internship program. They spent the summer working alongside our business units and Maryland Innovation Center companies while building the skills, connections and confidence to take their next steps. Through the Summer 2026 Youth in Business Series: NextGen Founders, interns also
LIFT Fund Helps Candles by Candy Turn Funding Into Business Growth
Access to capital can help a small business move forward. Pairing that capital with the right guidance can help an entrepreneur decide where to go next. For Candles by Candy, support through our LIFT Microloan Fund provided both. Founder Candace Bell has grown Candles by Candy from a passion for candle making into a Howard
What Howard County Businesses Gain from Business Appreciation Week
Running a business comes with plenty of opportunities and challenges. Business Appreciation Week gives Howard County businesses a direct way to share both with the people working to support the local business community. From September 28 through October 2, 2026, Ambassador teams will visit businesses across Howard County during Business Appreciation Week. The goal is simple: