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.
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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: