Business Resources
Better Together
Local business owners love being a part of Howard County because of the supportive communities and diverse tools to secure funding, recruit talent and maintain growth. Whether you’re an international firm, a small or minority business or a decades-standing neighborhood staple, the HCEDA is here to champion your business. See how HoCo’s key partners, innovation centers and enhanced access to procurement dollars make central Maryland an ideal place to achieve commercial success.
Business Financing Options
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.
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Enterprise Zone
Enterprise Zone is a geographically designated area wherein investments in commercial development and redevelopment and job creation are eligible to receive tax credits.
Learn MoreGetting Started
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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Information Center
Whether you’re looking for detailed insights into Howard County’s infrastructure, updates on the regional economy, interactive maps of new county developments or information on the region’s cyber assets, the following resources will give you an elevated and comprehensive understanding of central Maryland’s business ecosystem.
Learn MoreInternational Business
Touchdown in the No. 4 largest consolidated market in the U.S. located between London and Los Angeles. Supportive business communities like the Maryland Innovation Center provide low-risk opportunities for networking, business counseling and relationship building with investors and potential research partners.
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North Laurel/Savage Façade Improvement Grant
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.
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Small & Minority Business
Small businesses in Maryland and Howard County thrive thanks to prioritized assistance obtaining loans, facilitated access to procurement dollars and supportive affinity groups at our Maryland Innovation Center.
Learn MoreFeatured News + Events
NextGen Founders: Building Howard County’s Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
This summer, high school and college students gained more than work experience through our 2026 summer internship program. They spent the summer working alongside our business units and Maryland Innovation Center companies while building the skills, connections and confidence to take their next steps. Through the Summer 2026 Youth in Business Series: NextGen Founders, interns also
LIFT Fund Helps Candles by Candy Turn Funding Into Business Growth
Access to capital can help a small business move forward. Pairing that capital with the right guidance can help an entrepreneur decide where to go next. For Candles by Candy, support through our LIFT Microloan Fund provided both. Founder Candace Bell has grown Candles by Candy from a passion for candle making into a Howard
What Howard County Businesses Gain from Business Appreciation Week
Running a business comes with plenty of opportunities and challenges. Business Appreciation Week gives Howard County businesses a direct way to share both with the people working to support the local business community. From September 28 through October 2, 2026, Ambassador teams will visit businesses across Howard County during Business Appreciation Week. The goal is simple: