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
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