Industries
Serving the Biggest Industries in the World
Howard County is situated in a highly supportive business ecosystem — surrounded by Fortune 500 companies, major healthcare systems and 50 federal agencies. With such high-profile establishments in the county supporting some of the biggest industries in the world, relocating firms have access to a large pool of customers with which to do business. Whether it’s information technology, manufacturing, healthcare or agriculture, Howard County offers a vibrant economy with cutting edge-innovation centers and over 62% of its adult population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Howard County Office of Workforce Development
Collaborating with local businesses, the Howard County Office of Workforce Development works with a pool of over 150,000 prospects in the county and almost 2.5 million in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area to connect companies with talent across industries.
Agriculture
Need help starting your food processing business or diversifying your farm services? Howard County is cultivated in the field of agriculture, and offers the resources, economic insights and local support to take your business to a new level.
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Manufacturing
Howard County’s central location in Maryland and access to I-95 strategically positions manufacturing businesses for easy access to government contracting opportunities.
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Information Technology
Innovation is the motherboard that drives Howard County — supported by the Maryland Innovation Center for startups and the collaborative business environment for over 300 companies at Columbia Gateway Innovation District.
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Professional & Financial Services
Professional & Financial Services is the largest industry in Howard County with more than 48,000 employed and a projected growth of another 15% over the next five years.
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Cybersecurity and Howard County
Howard County’s strategic location, proximity to Fort George Meade, and key research institutions like Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab, make it a prime hub for the growing cybersecurity industry.
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Life Science and Health Innovation
With the state-of-the-art Johns Hopkins Howard County Hospital and research center, close to 200,000 employed in the medical industry and thousands graduating from area medical colleges each year, Central Maryland is the proving ground for innovative Life Science and Health Innovation businesses.
Learn MoreFeatured 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