Why Howard County
Strategy Drives Howard County
Nestled between the thriving hubs of Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Howard County offers unparalleled business support as well as unbeatable quality of life for residents. Rub shoulders with Fortune 500 companies and foster collaboration amongst a community of visionaries at incubators like HCEDA’s Maryland Innovation Center. With Howard County’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) values, businesses of all sizes find support for their sustainability goals and responsible practices, making the region an ideal environment for investment opportunities and rewarding careers. Howard County is also home to globally-renowned open spaces and parks, technologically advanced healthcare centers and the top-rated school district in the state of Maryland. So if you’re ready to do business in one of the greenest communities in the U.S. that supports both collaboration and healthy living, you’ll find it in Central Maryland.
Investment Opportunities for Businesses
Adjacent to Downtown Columbia and near the Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, the Columbia Gateway Innovation District is a successful office park and a 1,000+ acre development primed for mixed-use office and residential space.
Major Employers
From national telecommunication companies to the nation’s largest university-affiliated research center, businesses in Howard County seek and find some of the most highly educated talent in the U.S.
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Howard County Map
See the communities, amenities and transportation infrastructure that make up Howard County.
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Howard County Business Directory
With nurturing communities and a variety of resources for entrepreneurs, startups and growing enterprises, the HCEDA helps you get from business plan to business expansion.
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Taxes & Incentives
Growing your business comes with its perks in Howard County, from property tax credits for hiring new team members to a state refundable Small Business Relief Tax Credit for paid sick and safe leave.
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Current Business Trends
Regardless of business type or stage, the HCEDA and the Maryland Department of Commerce offer equitable funding for your enterprise, whether you’re a growth-oriented small businesses looking for low interest loans or a startup seeking capital to commercialize new technological advancements.
Learn MoreWorkforce & Demographics
A workforce of more than two million highly educated individuals live within a 30-mile radius of Howard County, with additional workforce development tools through the Office of Workforce Development and continuing education at award winning local colleges.
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ESG Commitment
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.
Learn MoreFeatured News + Events
Made in America Starts in Howard County
Every July, Made in America Month celebrates the businesses that design, manufacture and produce the products that keep our economy moving. In Howard County, manufacturing remains a vital part of our business community, creating high-quality jobs, supporting innovation and strengthening supply chains across a wide range of industries. From advanced machining and industrial equipment
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),