Business Resources

Getting Started

Let’s Get Down to Business

Looking for a low-stress, high-reward environment to start your business? Howard County has you covered with incubators like our Maryland Innovation Center and the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC). The Catalyst Fund, powered by the HCEDA, grows the county’s small business community with a revolving loan fund of market rate capital to new and expanding businesses. The Howard County Public Library also has a list of resources for jumpstarting a business — whether you need assistance writing a business plan, researching licenses or permits or hiring employees.

Quick Links

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Connecting New Entrepreneurs to Experienced Business Owners

Located in Columbia, Maryland, our Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) is a 60,000 square-foot facility that stands as a dynamic hub of growth and support for local businesses. At the heart of MIC’s offerings is the Business Revitalization Initiative Through Entrepreneurship (BRITE), which empowers minority and underrepresented entrepreneurs by guiding them through strategic planning, brand management and talent expansion for sustained expansion. MIC’s Entrepreneur in Residence program also offers up to six hours of complimentary mentoring to Howard County business proprietors.

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Your Source for Relevant Market Trends

Serving as an invaluable ally for businesses across the developmental journey, the Maryland Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at HCEDA offers resources and comprehensive assistance regardless of growth stage, helping entrepreneurs navigate challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Through an array of workshops and seminars, the Maryland SBDC not only imparts vital insights into economic trends and market conditions, but also equips businesses with the knowledge and skills to thrive in a dynamic business landscape.