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.
Learn MoreInformation 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.
Learn MoreProfessional & 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
As the “Greenest Community in Maryland,” Howard County is committed to doing more than just talking about ESG investments. We’re taking action to ensure corporate responsibility in our community.
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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.
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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