Why Howard County

ESG Commitment

Build a Business Your Stakeholders Can Trust

As one of the oldest planned communities in the U.S., Columbia, MD and the greater region of Howard County espouse a strong sense of community and social responsibility. To this day the county works to promote racial and economic inclusivity along with a robust underpinning of sustainability and environmental care.

Guided by these principles, Howard County offers notable support for sustainable businesses, minority entrepreneurs and farms of every size. Businesses that stand on the foundation of environmental, social and governance (ESG) find impeccable support to remain compliant in Central Maryland.

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Save Money and the Environment

The Live Green Howard initiative is a forward-thinking program that extends its support to commercial property owners in Howard County. By providing excellent financing options, it empowers commercial property owners to make clean energy improvements to their buildings, fostering sustainability and environmental responsibility. Additionally, the program offers attractive utility incentives that can substantially offset the cost of energy-efficient projects, often covering between 40-75% of the expenses — making it a compelling choice for businesses looking to invest in a greener future.

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Multiple Baskets for Your Eggs

Over 300 farms exist throughout the county, and the HCEDA serves as a valuable resource for both established and new farms. Whether it’s the burgeoning agritourism scene, farmers’ markets, value-added processing or farm festivals, the HCEDA works to help farmers diversify their revenue streams. One notable program backed by the Howard County government is HoCo Fresh, which encourages restaurants and businesses to source their products locally, fostering a sense of community and sustainability. The Howard County Farm Academy and the Farm City Celebration organized by HCEDA also play pivotal roles in enhancing urban residents’ understanding of the interdependence between farms and cities.

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A Diverse and Educated Population

A rich pool of diverse talent helps businesses achieve their ESG objectives in Howard County. Nearly half of its 330,000+ population are from a minority background, with a high percentage of individuals identifying as Asian, Hispanic and African American attaining their bachelor’s degree of higher. The county is also home to a vibrant community of minority-owned businesses and startups, supported by an abundance of initiatives. The county’s commitment to diversity and inclusion was underscored in late 2022 when it received a perfect score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equity Index, highlighting its welcoming and inclusive environment for all gender identities, sexual orientations, races and ethnic backgrounds.