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
Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Marks 20 Years in Howard County
The Howard County Economic Development Authority recently joined Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and the Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in celebrating 20 years of serving patients throughout Howard County and the region. Since opening in 2005, Columbia Aesthetic Plastic Surgery has delivered cosmetic and reconstructive surgical care while helping patients achieve their personal goals with
Press Release – App Beacon and HCEDA Partnership
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Howard County Economic Development Authority Selects App Beacon to Power Community Engagement for Howard County Businesses and Entrepreneurs COLUMBIA, Md. — The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) has selected App Beacon as its community engagement platform provider for both Howard County business support initiatives and the Maryland Innovation Center (MIC),
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