Trees, a small fence and lush green grass surround a blue lake during the day.

Why Howard County

Strategy Drives Howard County

Nestled between the thriving hubs of Baltimore, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Howard County offers unparalleled business support as well as unbeatable quality of life for residents. Rub shoulders with Fortune 500 companies and foster collaboration amongst a community of visionaries at incubators like HCEDA’s Maryland Innovation Center. With Howard County’s commitment to Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) values, businesses of all sizes find support for their sustainability goals and responsible practices, making the region an ideal environment for investment opportunities and rewarding careers. Howard County is also home to globally-renowned open spaces and parks, technologically advanced healthcare centers and the top-rated school district in the state of Maryland. So if you’re ready to do business in one of the greenest communities in the U.S. that supports both collaboration and healthy living, you’ll find it in Central Maryland.

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

Major Employers

From national telecommunication companies to the nation’s largest university-affiliated research center, businesses in Howard County seek and find some of the most highly educated talent in the U.S.

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Howard County Business Directory

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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An aerial shot of treetops and quaint buildings in a wooded downtown area.

Howard County Map

See the communities, amenities and transportation infrastructure that make up Howard County.

Explore the County

Taxes & Incentives

Growing your business comes with its perks in Howard County, from property tax credits for hiring new team members to a state refundable Small Business Relief Tax Credit for paid sick and safe leave.

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Workforce & Demographics

A workforce of more than two million highly educated individuals live within a 30-mile radius of Howard County, with additional workforce development tools through the Office of Workforce Development and continuing education at award winning local colleges.

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ESG Commitment

As the “Greenest Community in Maryland,” Howard County is committed to doing more than just talking about ESG investments. We’re taking action to ensure corporate responsibility in our community.

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