Howard County Economic Development Authority

Howard County Economic Development Authority The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is here to help businesses in Howard County.

For continued business updates regarding the coronavirus, please visit: www.hceda.org/coronavirus In our privatized role as the County's economic development agency, the Authority assists businesses with land and building selection, financing, employee recruitment and training, permit and regulatory issues, and provides other development support services.

This week’s farm feature highlights Plot Twist Horse Farm, recipient of a 2026 Howard County Agricultural Grant.Founded ...
05/30/2026

This week’s farm feature highlights Plot Twist Horse Farm, recipient of a 2026 Howard County Agricultural Grant.

Founded in 2018 by Jennifer Sulin-Stair, Plot Twist Horse Farm provides riding lessons, agricultural education, and hands-on learning experiences for the community. 🐎 https://www.plottwisthorsefarm.com/

Grant funding will support infrastructure and safety improvements that help strengthen daily operations and support the farm’s continued growth and community impact.

Howard County’s Agricultural Grant Program continues investing in farms and agricultural businesses that expand opportunities, strengthen local agriculture, and create lasting community connections.

05/29/2026

Weekly Data Dive: Howard County’s Workforce Continues to Grow 📈

Howard County’s seasonally adjusted labor force is now the largest it’s been since early 2020, reflecting continued momentum across the local economy.

📊 Over the first 3 months of 2026 an additional 2,800 county residents became employed, while the labor force grew by nearly 2,700 people.

📈 Nonfederal jobs in Howard County increased by nearly 1,500 since the beginning of 2025, highlighting continued growth across industries driving innovation and opportunity in the region.

🏢 HCEDA has also supported 1,327 business assistance cases this fiscal year, helping businesses navigate growth, expansion, funding opportunities, workforce connections, and long-term planning.

From entrepreneurship and cybersecurity to healthcare innovation and small business growth, Howard County continues building a strong and evolving economy designed for the future.

This morning, we joined the team at ROCO Kitchen & Coffee for their official ribbon cutting celebration in Columbia. ☕✂️...
05/29/2026

This morning, we joined the team at ROCO Kitchen & Coffee for their official ribbon cutting celebration in Columbia. ☕✂️

We’re excited to celebrate another growing local business choosing to invest in Howard County and contribute to the vibrancy of our local small business community.

Congratulations to the entire ROCO team on this exciting milestone, and we look forward to seeing what’s ahead. 🎉

Disasters can disrupt operations quickly, but preparation can make recovery easier.Join us on Thursday, June 11 at 1:00 ...
05/29/2026

Disasters can disrupt operations quickly, but preparation can make recovery easier.

Join us on Thursday, June 11 at 1:00 PM for the Business Disaster Workshop: Navigating Insurance After a Disaster, designed to help business owners better understand insurance claims, state-supported recovery resources, and best practices for protecting their business after an unexpected event.

Participants will learn how to work with the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), document damages effectively, avoid common claims delays, and strengthen business continuity planning.

Presented in partnership with the Howard County Office of Emergency Management, this workshop supports local businesses in building resilience and preparing for the unexpected.

Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-disaster-workshop-navigating-insurance-after-a-disaster-tickets-1989305331798?aff=oddtdtcreator

May is World Trade Month, and HCEDA was proud to participate in Maryland Export Day alongside strong federal, state, and...
05/28/2026

May is World Trade Month, and HCEDA was proud to participate in Maryland Export Day alongside strong federal, state, and regional partners supporting international business growth. Maryland exported approximately $16.5B in goods globally last year, led by sectors including cybersecurity, aerospace & defense, advanced manufacturing, and technology.

Thank you to the Maryland–DC District Export Council and US Commercial Service for their leadership in promoting exports and supporting businesses across our region. HCEDA is also proud that our Head of Business Development, Bob Zhang, serves on the Council.

Interested in export assistance or international growth opportunities? Connect with Bob Zhang to learn more about available resources and programs through HCEDA. https://howardcountyeda.org/international/

⏰ Time is running out! The deadline to nominate a business for Business Appreciation Week 2026 is May 31. ⏰In partnershi...
05/28/2026

⏰ Time is running out! The deadline to nominate a business for Business Appreciation Week 2026 is May 31. ⏰

In partnership with County Executive Calvin Ball, Business Appreciation Week recognizes the businesses helping drive Howard County’s economy and strengthen the local community.

Each year, ambassadors visit businesses across the county to hear success stories, understand business needs, and connect directly with the entrepreneurs and companies shaping Howard County’s future.

General registration opens in July, but now is the time to help spotlight the businesses making an impact across our community.

🔗 Submit your nomination today → https://bit.ly/3RDlA0F

Looking to strengthen your small business loan application? Join us for a practical session focused on what lenders look...
05/27/2026

Looking to strengthen your small business loan application? Join us for a practical session focused on what lenders look for, SBA requirements, and how to better position your business for funding.

Led by Rosa Scharf of Fulton Bank, this workshop will cover how to prepare financial documentation, separate personal and business finances, and build a stronger, more complete funding request while protecting your personal credit.

Get actionable guidance designed to help your business prepare for growth and future financing opportunities. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulton-bank-series-business-loan-application-prep-sba-tickets-1975145005882?aff=oddtdtcreator

Governments across Southeast Asia are making major investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infras...
05/26/2026

Governments across Southeast Asia are making major investments in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, healthcare modernization, smart manufacturing, and financial technology, creating significant opportunities for U.S. technology companies looking to expand internationally.

Join the U.S. Commercial Service Tech Team for a complimentary webinar exploring AI opportunities across Southeast Asia, a region with more than 670 million people and a digital economy projected to exceed $300 billion in the coming years. The region’s AI market alone is expected to grow to $30.3 billion by 2030.

Participants will hear directly from U.S. Government Tech Trade Experts representing markets across Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Attendees will also have the opportunity to schedule complimentary one-on-one consultations to discuss market-specific opportunities and available U.S. Government support resources.

🔗 Register today: 4f2e3263-01c4-40c1-90fd-6544ac05d54a@a1d183f2-6c7b-4d9a-b994-5f2f31b3f780" rel="ugc" target="_blank">https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/4f2e3263-01c4-40c1-90fd-6544ac05d54a@a1d183f2-6c7b-4d9a-b994-5f2f31b3f780

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the service members who gave their lives in service to our country.As we gather...
05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the service members who gave their lives in service to our country.

As we gather with family, friends, and community this weekend, we pause in gratitude for the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who made that freedom possible.

Wishing everyone a safe and meaningful Memorial Day.

2026 Agricultural Enhancement Grant Recipient Feature 🌱Gorman Farms has been awarded a 2026 Agricultural Enhancement Gra...
05/23/2026

2026 Agricultural Enhancement Grant Recipient Feature 🌱

Gorman Farms has been awarded a 2026 Agricultural Enhancement Grant supporting farm-wide infrastructure stabilization of its water system for agricultural production, helping strengthen long-term sustainability and operational resilience across the farm.

Located in eastern Howard County, Gorman Farms grows fresh, sustainably produced vegetables for more than 600 local families through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Since opening in 2009, the farm has focused on connecting families directly to local agriculture through weekly produce memberships, hands-on farm experiences, and a strong commitment to community giving.

Beyond food production, the farm also supports the community through regular donations of fresh produce to local schools and food pantries, helping improve access to healthy food across the region. https://gormanfarmscsa.com/

Address

6751 Columbia Gateway Drive Ste 500
Columbia, MD
21046

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+14103136500

Website

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