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 and impact. Here’s a look at the many benefits of partnering with HCEDA through event sponsorship, along with some specific opportunities to consider.

Enhanced Brand Visibility and Digital Promotion

One of the most significant advantages of sponsoring an HCEDA event is the extensive digital promotion your business will receive. Before the event, your brand will be prominently featured in our promotional materials, including social media posts, email newsletters and event-specific web pages. This pre-event exposure ensures that your business is top-of-mind for attendees and builds anticipation around your brand.

After the event, the visibility continues. HCEDA will share post-event recaps, highlights, and photo galleries, all featuring our sponsors. This extended digital reach helps reinforce your brand’s presence and keeps your business in the spotlight long after the event has concluded. By leveraging our digital platforms, you can reach a broader audience and maximize your return on investment.

Direct Exposure to Event Attendees

HCEDA events attract a diverse group of attendees, including local business leaders, entrepreneurs and community members. As a sponsor, your business will benefit from direct exposure to these individuals. Whether it’s a networking event, a business expo or a pitch competition, your brand will be prominently displayed, ensuring that all attendees recognize your support and commitment to the community.

During the event, sponsors often have opportunities to interact with attendees through booth displays, networking sessions and speaking opportunities. This face-to-face engagement allows you to connect personally with potential clients and partners, build relationships and showcase your products or services in a meaningful way.

Inclusion in HCEDA’s Newsletter and Blog Features

HCEDA’s newsletter and blog are essential communication channels that reach a wide audience of business professionals and community members. As a sponsor, your business will be featured in these publications, giving you additional exposure and reinforcing your brand’s association with HCEDA’s mission and events.

Our newsletters and blogs highlight sponsor contributions, share event insights, and provide updates on ongoing activities. By being included in these communications, your business benefits from increased visibility and credibility within the community. It’s an excellent opportunity to showcase your commitment to local development and connect with a broader audience.

Valuable Networking Opportunities

Networking is a crucial component of any successful event, and HCEDA-sponsored events offer numerous opportunities for meaningful connections. As a sponsor, you’ll have access to exclusive networking sessions where you can engage with other business leaders, potential clients and key stakeholders. These interactions can lead to valuable partnerships, collaborations and new business opportunities.

Our events often feature high-profile guests, industry experts and influential community leaders. As a sponsor, you’ll have the chance to meet and interact with these individuals, gaining insights and expanding your professional network. This access can be invaluable for building relationships and establishing your business as a key player in the local community.

Community Impact and Corporate Social Responsibility

Sponsoring an HCEDA event also demonstrates your business’s commitment to community development and corporate social responsibility. By supporting HCEDA’s initiatives, you contribute to the growth and success of local businesses, economic development and workforce development. This alignment with HCEDA’s mission not only enhances your brand’s reputation but also strengthens your company’s role as a responsible and engaged community member.

Supporting local events and initiatives helps build goodwill and positive relationships with the community. It showcases your business’s dedication to making a difference and highlights your role in fostering a vibrant and thriving local economy.

Explore Sponsorship Opportunities

Here are some specific sponsorship opportunities to consider:

End of Summer Bash (September)

• Summary: A fun evening where businesses and partners network and make new connections.
• Audience: 150+ businesses/partners
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Presenting sponsor, food/drink sponsor

Business Appreciation Week Expo (October)

• Summary: An event where businesses learn about HCEDA resources and partner resources. Part of Business Appreciation Week, during which we visit over 150 businesses with the County Executive’s Office and a team of ambassadors.
• Audience: 200+ entrepreneurs/small business owners
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Food/drink sponsor, vendor table

Jazzy New Year (January)

• Summary: A networking event for businesses and partners to make new connections in a relaxed setting.
• Audience: 150+ entrepreneurs/business owners, elected officials
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Presenting sponsor, food/drink sponsor

Pitch & Mingle – Pumpkin Pitch (Oct), Lucky Pitch (Mar)

• Summary: A pitch competition where businesses present their ideas in front of an audience, with prizes for the top pitches.
• Audience: 50-60 community members
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Pitch sponsor, food/drink sponsor

HoCo Higher Cohorts (3x per year)

• Summary: An 8-to-10-week bootcamp that teaches essential business skills to entrepreneurs, particularly from underserved communities.
• Graduation Audience: 30-40 community members/family members
• Sponsorship Opportunities: Cohort sponsor, food/drink sponsor, pitch sponsor

Sponsoring an HCEDA event offers a wealth of benefits that can significantly enhance your brand’s visibility, credibility and impact. By choosing to sponsor our events, you support important initiatives and position your business for long-term success and growth. We invite you to join us in making a positive difference in the community and taking advantage of the many opportunities that come with being an HCEDA event sponsor.