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), creating two dedicated mobile experiences designed to strengthen communication, increase engagement, and improve access to resources across the county’s business ecosystem.
The HCEDA mobile application serves as a centralized hub for Howard County businesses, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders. Through the app, users can access economic development resources, business support programs, funding opportunities, events, announcements, and direct communications from HCEDA, all delivered through a modern mobile experience.
The Maryland Innovation Center application provides entrepreneurs, startup founders, mentors, investors, and innovation partners with a dedicated platform for collaboration and engagement. The app delivers access to startup resources, educational content, events, mentorship opportunities, member networking, and innovation-focused programming designed to help companies start, grow, and scale.
Together, the two applications create a connected digital ecosystem that enables HCEDA and MIC to engage their communities through personalized content, event notifications, resource libraries, member directories, and targeted communications delivered directly to users’ mobile devices.
“Our mission is to support the growth and success of Howard County’s business community, and effective communication is essential to achieving that goal,” said Jennifer Jones, CEO of the Howard County Economic Development Authority. “The App Beacon platform allows us to meet businesses and entrepreneurs where they are by delivering timely information, valuable resources, and meaningful engagement through a single mobile experience. The response from our community has been extremely positive, and we are excited about the opportunities these platforms create for stronger connections and greater impact.”
Since launch, the applications have generated significant engagement from users, helping HCEDA and MIC extend the reach of their programs while creating new opportunities to connect with businesses and entrepreneurs throughout the region.
“HCEDA has established itself as one of Maryland’s most innovative economic development organizations, and we are honored to support both HCEDA and the Maryland Innovation Center,” said Hector Ocasio, Founder and CEO of App Beacon. “These applications demonstrate how organizations can move beyond traditional communication channels and create personalized digital experiences that keep their communities informed, engaged, and connected. We are proud to play a role in supporting the entrepreneurs, innovators, and businesses that help drive Howard County’s economy forward.”
The App Beacon platform enables organizations to deliver branded mobile applications featuring push notifications, resource libraries, event calendars, member directories, interactive content, and personalized engagement tools that strengthen relationships with their communities.
About Howard County Economic Development Authority
The Howard County Economic Development Authority is dedicated to fostering economic growth, supporting businesses, attracting investment, and creating opportunities that strengthen Howard County’s economy and quality of life. Through strategic programs, partnerships, and resources, HCEDA helps businesses start, grow, and succeed.
About Maryland Innovation Center
The Maryland Innovation Center is Howard County’s premier innovation hub, providing entrepreneurs, startups, and emerging companies with the resources, mentorship, workspace, and connections needed to accelerate growth and commercialization.
About App Beacon
App Beacon provides community engagement systems delivered through fully branded mobile applications. The platform helps organizations strengthen communication, increase engagement, and create personalized experiences through mobile technology, enabling businesses, associations, economic development organizations, and community groups to build stronger relationships with their audiences.