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
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