Howard County Economic Development Authority

If you’re attending the From Federal Employee to GovCon Entrepreneur event, here’s how to make the most of it: Come with questions – Experts in business finance, government contracting, and entrepreneurship will be available to provide guidance. Bring your experience – Your federal career has provided valuable skills that can be leveraged into a thriving business. Take advantage of networking – Connect with business mentors, funding specialists, and procurement advisors who can support your transition. 📅 March 26 is almost here! 🎟 Register now: https://bit.ly/41BkSCw #HCEDA #FromFederalToEntrepreneur #GovCon #SmallBusinessSupport #Entrepreneurship

📢 Former federal employee turned entrepreneur? Ready to grow your business beyond $50K in revenue? The HoCo Higher: Growth Accelerator is a 7-week, in-person program designed to help you work on your business, not in it. Build your growth plan, sharpen your strategy, and secure the funding you need—right here at the Maryland Innovation Center. Apply now and take your next big step. https://bit.ly/3EZ2Cvq #HoCoHigher #VeteranEntrepreneur #SmallBizGrowth #HowardCounty

Weekly Data Dive: National Ag Day – Howard County Agriculture on the Rise   As we celebrate National Agriculture Day, it's the perfect time to recognize the growth and impact of Howard County's agricultural sector. Over the past five years, local farming has expanded significantly, with more farms, larger operations and an increase in farmland. These trends underscore the county’s commitment to sustainable agriculture, local food production and economic development.   Farms are growing in both number and scale: 🚜 345 farms in Howard County – a 7% increase over the past five years. 🌻 37,639 acres of farmland – a 16% expansion, showing a strong commitment to agricultural sustainability. 🐄109 acres – the average farm size, up 8%, reflecting the county’s shift toward larger, more productive farms.   Agriculture plays a critical role in Howard County’s economy and sustainability efforts. As Howard County continues to embrace innovative farming practices and economic opportunities, its agricultural future looks bright. #AgDay #HowardCounty #LocalFarming #Sustainability

The From Federal Employee to GovCon Entrepreneur event is just one week away! If you’re a former federal worker or contractor looking to take the next step toward business ownership, this is your opportunity to connect with the resources that will help you succeed. 📅 March 26, 2025 | Maryland Innovation Center 🔹 Expert guidance on funding and government contracting 🔹 Insights from economic development leaders and small business mentors 🔹 Networking opportunities to help you launch and grow your business Don’t wait—secure your spot today: https://bit.ly/41BkSCw #HCEDA #FromFederalToEntrepreneur #GovCon #SmallBusinessSupport #Entrepreneurship

✨ And the Winners Are… ✨ What a night! The Lucky Pitch brought together incredible startups, game-changing ideas and an electric crowd. A huge congratulations to our winners: 🥇 1st Place: Lexx, Revvl $5,000 🥈 2nd Place: Larry Davis, Green Mechanics $3,000 🥉 3rd Place: Hilda, VersaBall $2,000 🏆 Crowd Favorite: Lexx, Revvl $1,000 A big shoutout to all the amazing founders who pitched, our expert judges and everyone who joined us for an unforgettable evening! 📸 Were you there? Drop your favorite moment in the comments and tag us in your photos! #TheLuckyPitch #StartupSuccess #NetworkingEvent #PitchAndMingle #Entrepreneurship

One Week Left – Prepare Now Before It's Too Late! Flood emergencies can happen at any time—will your business be ready? Our Business Disaster Preparedness Workshop on March 27 is your opportunity to learn how to protect your business and property from unexpected flooding events. Act now—secure your future today!🔗 Register now: https://bit.ly/41ndqfz #FloodPreparedness #DisasterReadiness #BusinessResilience #HowardCounty

Upgrade Your Business, Strengthen Your Community—Apply for the Route 1 Tax Credit! Revitalizing Route 1 starts with local businesses like yours! If you're improving your commercial or industrial property, Howard County’s Route 1 Tax Credit Program can help offset costs while you invest in your business, property, and the community. From exterior upgrades to stormwater improvements, this program rewards projects that enhance the appearance, safety and sustainability of the corridor. Apply now and be part of the positive change along Route 1! 📍 Get the details: https://bit.ly/4hGGX9x #Route1TaxCredit #HowardCountyMD #InvestInYourBusiness #CommercialRevitalization #StrongerCommunities

Howard County is leading the way in supporting federal employees affected by recent workforce changes. This event will connect you directly with: 🔹 County and state business resources 🔹 Small business funding and government contracting programs 🔹 Experts in business law, procurement, and entrepreneurship "We are dedicated to working alongside County Executive Calvin Ball and our partners to support federal workers and contractors impacted by recent layoffs," said Jennifer Jones, CEO of HCEDA. 📅 March 26, 2025 | Register now: https://bit.ly/41BkSCw #HCEDA #FromFederalToEntrepreneur #GovCon #SmallBusinessSupport #Entrepreneurship

Your years of federal experience have equipped you with specialized skills, leadership expertise, and deep industry knowledge—why not use them to build your own business? At the From Federal Employee to GovCon Entrepreneur event, experts will guide you through the process of: ✅ Securing business loans and grant funding ✅ Navigating government contracting opportunities ✅ Connecting with mentors and business development programs If you’re considering starting your own business, don’t miss this opportunity to get the guidance and resources you need. 📅 March 26, 2025 | Maryland Innovation Center 🎟 Secure your spot now: https://bit.ly/41BkSCw #HCEDA #FromFederalToEntrepreneur #GovCon #SmallBusinessSupport #Entrepreneurship

🍀 Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with Innovation & Cocktails at The Lucky Pitch! 🍀 Join us for Pitch & Mingle: The Lucky Pitch on March 20, where fresh ideas and bold flavors come together! Enjoy a night of networking, inspiration and competition as early-stage startups pitch for their share of $11,000 in prizes—all while sipping on specialty St. Patrick’s Day cocktails from Cured. Featured Cocktails: 🍸 Four Leaf Fizz – A lucky blend of gin, plum syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling wine 🌟 Pitch Perfect Margarita – A refreshing twist on a classic favorite Plus, enjoy delicious food, wine and beer while connecting with entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders. Don’t miss out on this high-energy night of innovation and celebration! Register Today: https://bit.ly/4izYaC1 #LuckyPitch #PitchMingle #StPatricksDay #Networking #Innovation #SpecialtyCocktails