Industries

Serving the Biggest Industries in the World

Howard County is situated in a highly supportive business ecosystem — surrounded by Fortune 500 companies, major healthcare systems and 50 federal agencies. With such high-profile establishments in the county supporting some of the biggest industries in the world, relocating firms have access to a large pool of customers with which to do business. Whether it’s information technology, manufacturing, healthcare or agriculture, Howard County offers a vibrant economy with cutting edge-innovation centers and over 62% of its adult population holds a bachelor’s degree or higher.

Howard County Office of Workforce Development

Collaborating with local businesses, the Howard County Office of Workforce Development works with a pool of over 150,000 prospects in the county and almost 2.5 million in the Baltimore-Columbia-Towson metro area to connect companies with talent across industries.

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Agriculture

Need help starting your food processing business or diversifying your farm services? Howard County is cultivated in the field of agriculture, and offers the resources, economic insights and local support to take your business to a new level.

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Manufacturing

Howard County’s central location in Maryland and access to I-95 strategically positions manufacturing businesses for easy access to government contracting opportunities.

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Information Technology

Innovation is the motherboard that drives Howard County — supported by the Maryland Innovation Center for startups and the collaborative business environment for over 300 companies at Columbia Gateway Innovation District.

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Professional & Financial Services

Professional & Financial Services is the largest industry in Howard County with more than 48,000 employed and a projected growth of another 15% over the next five years.

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Health Services

With the state-of-the-art Johns Hopkins Howard County Hospital and research center, close to 200,000 employed in the medical industry and thousands graduating from area medical colleges each year, Central Maryland is the proving ground for innovative health services businesses.

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Featured News + Events

News

Discover the New HCEDA Website

Enhanced Functionality, Data-Driven Insights and Improved Usability The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) has always been committed to fostering a thriving business community and supporting the entrepreneurs, innovators and professionals that make Howard County such a dynamic place to live and work. Now, with the launch of its newly redesigned website, HCEDA is taking […]

September 18th, 2024 Learn More

News

Howard County Fair: Connecting with Our Community

The Howard County Fair is an annual celebration of local culture, agriculture and community spirit and this year’s event was no exception. Despite the challenging weather, the fairgrounds remained a hub of activity and engagement. Our team at the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) had the pleasure of participating in this cherished tradition […]

September 16th, 2024 Learn More

News

HCEDA’s Economic Edge Wins Silver at IEDC Awards

The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) has been awarded the prestigious 2024 Excellence in Economic Development Silver Award from the International Economic Development Council (IEDC) for its e-newsletter, Economic Edge. Recognized in the Magazine & Newsletter category for regions with populations between 200,000–500,000, this award highlights HCEDA’s commitment to supporting local businesses and strengthening […]

September 11th, 2024 Learn More

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Sponsor HCEDA Today: Elevate Your Brand and Boost Your Impact

Sponsoring an event can be a powerful way to elevate your brand, connect with your target audience, and contribute to your community. When you choose to sponsor a Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) event, you’re not just making a financial investment; you’re gaining valuable exposure and opportunities that can significantly enhance your business’s visibility […]

September 4th, 2024 Learn More

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