Programs and Services

Growth Acceleration Program

Helping bridge the GAP to your next level of success...

It has been documented that 80-90% of net new jobs are created by small businesses. We get this, and embrace the need to support exisiting small businesses to help get you to your next level of success.

To do this, the HCEDA is adopting an entrepreneurial approach to business growth, leveraging partnerships, expertise and resources. In addition to our core small-business-development assistance such as business-plan development and review, we are continuously building our programs to help growth-oriented companies with strategic issues like scaling, finding new markets, refining business models and developing advisory boards.

Additionally, working with the Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship (MCE) and other partner organizations, HCEDA offers training programs including technical and business development assistance, training, workshops, and counseling. Sample topics include:

• Employee Compensation Strategies
• Strategic Planning Tools
• Social Media Bootcamp
• Forming Your Board of Advisors
• Developing World-Class Marketing Strategies

Don't see what you need? Sign up for our newsletter as we are adding more programs daily or contact us with your specific needs.

Commercial Real Estate (CoRE) Events

Several times a year the HCEDA hosts events on topics that are important to the commercial real estate sector. A mixture of discussions, briefings, and expert panels is intended to not only bring the community together but provide actionable information and connections.  

Recent topics have included:

• General plan / land use
• The Rezoning process
• Howard County Commercial Real Estate Outlook
• Rt. 1 Corridor Study

Sign up for our enewsletter to receive information about future CoRE events.

In addition, the HCEDA business development team frequently tours buildings and sites to become familiar with local real estate properties so we can help our business clients connect around their real estate needs. If you would like to invite the team to tour your project, please contact us.

CEO Breakfasts

Each quarter, the County Executive invites local CEO's for a roundtable discussion. The purpose is to highlight projects that are vital for local businesses, but more importantly, to discuss issues on the minds of our local executives.

Sample topics have included:

• Workforce training
• Health care
• Update on the Inter-County Connector Broadband project
• Briefing on the Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship and related programs

Have a topic you would like to see addressed? Contact us with your suggestions or to receive notifications about the next CEO Breakfast. 

Business Appreciation Week

County Executive Ken Ulman and HCEDA CEO Lauran Neuman visiting MRA Digital

Howard County Executive Ken Ulman, in partnership with the Howard County Economic Development Authority, declares one week a year to be "Business Appreciation Week". During the week the County Exec visits 5-6 firms and team of ambassadors visit over 100 local companies to listen to their concerns and to thank them for choosing Howard County as their home.

"Savvy businesses have options where they locate," said Executive Ulman  "We want to show them we appreciate having them here in Howard County, providing jobs for our residents, and contributing to all that makes Howard County a wonderful place to live and do business. These visits also give us a chance to learn more about their businesses and how we can help them thrive."

Ambassador teams comprised of partner agencies and government department heads spend about an hour with each company, learning about their business. Survey results are compiled and then follow up action items are directed to the appropriate agency. "We plan to continue the open lines of communication with businesses in the County as part of our commitment to providing support and appreciation for them" said Executive Ulman