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 one of Maryland’s top incubators, the Maryland Innovation Center. 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.

An aerial view of an office complex surrounded by trees and paved streets.

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.

A row of smiling people sit at a desk while attending a workshop.

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.

Cyber Howard Accelerator

Cyber Howard Accelerator

The Cyber Howard Accelerator, led by the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) in partnership with the Technology Advancement Center (TAC), is designed to support early-stage cybersecurity companies. This program provides mentorship, funding connections and technical resources to help entrepreneurs refine their products, scale operations and secure investment.

Cyber Howard Accelerator