Celebrating Growth, Innovation and Community

Howard County’s Business Appreciation Week 2024 was an exciting celebration of the local business community’s achievements, challenges and growth. Held from October 7-11, 2024, this annual event organized by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), in collaboration with County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball, brought together businesses of all sizes and industries for an invaluable exchange of ideas and experiences.

With a key focus on supporting and fostering the growth of local businesses, Business Appreciation Week served as an opportunity for county leaders, business owners and community stakeholders to connect and collaborate. Throughout the week, ambassador teams—comprised of county department heads, government officials, community organization leaders and HCEDA members—visited close to 200 local businesses. These visits provided a platform for business owners to share their success stories, challenges and insights directly with county leadership, ensuring that Howard County’s policies and programs continue to support business growth and sustainability.

Listening to Local Businesses

The heart of Business Appreciation Week lies in its mission to hear directly from business owners. By visiting businesses in person, the ambassadors gained first-hand insights into the day-to-day realities of operating in Howard County. This year’s visits offered a diverse snapshot of industries, ranging from tech startups and healthcare services to retail stores and food service providers.

Business owners highlighted their growth milestones and discussed challenges like workforce shortages, supply chain disruptions and access to capital. In response, HCEDA and county leadership committed to reviewing feedback and identifying new ways to support businesses as they continue to adapt and grow.

Business Resource Expo: Your One-Stop-Shop for Business Growth

In addition to the visits, one of the highly anticipated events of the week was the Business Resource Expo (BRE). Held at the Maryland Innovation Center, the expo brought together representatives from a wide range of county agencies, departments and business organizations, creating an unparalleled opportunity for business owners to access resources and services in one convenient location.

Whether you’re looking to expand your business, improve operational efficiency, or navigate regulatory challenges, the Business Resource Expo served as the ultimate one-stop-shop for business growth. Attendees had the chance to meet with experts in everything from workforce development and financing to marketing and sustainability.

The Business Resource Expo provided an unparalleled opportunity for business owners to network with one another, access new resources and learn from the success stories. It was a day filled with dynamic conversations and practical takeaways, with many attendees leaving feeling energized and ready to take their businesses to the next level.

Celebrating Excellence: The Small Business Award Winners

This year’s Small Business Awards were a highlight of Business Appreciation Week, honoring Howard County’s outstanding businesses across a variety of categories. These awards recognized local companies for their exceptional leadership, innovation and community impact.

The winners were celebrated during a special ceremony at the Business Resource Expo, where County Executive Calvin Ball and HCEDA CEO Jennifer Jones presented the awards to businesses that have made a significant impact on Howard County’s business landscape.

Here’s a look at the incredible businesses recognized:

• Pivot Prodigy Award: Ally Ramsey Photography
  Recognizing creative growth and bold business moves, Ally Ramsey Photography was celebrated for its innovative approach and commitment to capturing the beauty of Howard County’s community.
• Wellness Trailblazer: Centennial Medical Group
  Honoring businesses making strides in health and wellness, Centennial Medical Group was recognized for its tireless efforts to improve the well-being of residents through innovative healthcare solutions.
• Eco Warrior: Certis Biologicals
  For its commitment to sustainability and environmental innovation, Certis Biologicals earned the Eco Warrior award, leading the way in eco-friendly agricultural products.
• Community Crusader: Consult Lemonade
  This award celebrated Consult Lemonade’s dedication to community service and engagement, as they continue to empower the next generation through tech education and outreach programs.
• Social Butterfly: The Face Place Spa and Wellness Center
  For their outstanding engagement with the community on social media, The Face Place Spa and Wellness Center was recognized as a social media leader, effectively using their platforms to connect and inspire.
• RiskyBiz Award: Queen Takes Book
  This award recognized Queen Takes Book for its willingness to take calculated risks and push boundaries in the literary world, paving the way for future entrepreneurs.
• Digital Disrupter: Online Marriage
  Online Marriage received this award for its groundbreaking approach to digital services, revolutionizing the way couples connect through their innovative online wedding platform.

These businesses exemplify the creativity, dedication and community spirit that makes Howard County’s business ecosystem so vibrant. Their achievements are not only a testament to their hard work but also serve as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs to continue pushing the boundaries of innovation.

Continuing the Journey of Growth and Collaboration

The Business Appreciation Week visits, expo and awards ceremony all reinforced the message that Howard County is a place where businesses of all sizes and industries can thrive. By continuing to engage with local businesses and respond to their needs, HCEDA and the county leadership are committed to building an even stronger business environment in the years to come.

If you missed out on this year’s Business Appreciation Week, don’t worry! There will be plenty of opportunities in the future to connect with county resources, attend networking events and continue building relationships that can help your business grow. Stay tuned for updates from HCEDA on future events, resources and programs designed to support your business journey.

Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/hceda1/albums/72177720317475556/