Howard County Economic Development Authority

Local Farms Meet Local Flavor at the 2nd Annual Farm-to-Fork Face-Off!

The 2nd Annual Farm-to-Fork Face-Off, an initiative of the Howard County Office of Agriculture and its HoCo Farms initiative, brought local farms, chefs and businesses together at the 80th Howard County Fair to showcase the quality and creativity of Howard County agriculture.

Three local chefs faced off in a 45-minute culinary challenge using locally raised beef and fresh local produce. Congratulations to this year's winners:

🏆 2026 Farm-to-Fork Steak Competition Champion: Mark Bucher, Medium Rare
🌽 Best Creative Use of Locally Grown Ingredients: Chef Daniel Bradescu, Blackwall Barn & Lodge - Columbia, whose local corn crème brûlée impressed the judges with its creativity.
🥕 Premier Presentation of Locally Grown Produce: Chef Rob Horner, Woodstock Inn

🥩 Mary Acres Farm, owned by Howie Feaga, provided the locally raised Delmonico and Porterhouse steaks, while produce came from Cruz Crops, Through the Forest Farm, Norman's Farm Market, Singh Sugar Maple Farm, Merry Acres Farm and the Office of Agriculture’s The Roving Radish.

The event brought together the Howard County Office of Agriculture, Howard County Fair, HCEDA, Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning, Westlake Ace Hardware Ellicott City, local farmers, chefs and businesses to celebrate and support Howard County’s more than 300 farms.

Thank you to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball for his continued support of Howard County agriculture and to all the partners who helped make this year's competition possible. We were proud to sponsor the chef gift cards and support the event judging.

🎉 Congratulations to Beyond Royalty Beauty Bar on its continued growth and success in Howard County!

During National Black Business Month, we're proud to celebrate businesses like Beyond Royalty that are creating jobs, investing in our community, and helping strengthen Howard County's diverse small business ecosystem.

Founded in 2018 by Brittney Middleton, Beyond Royalty has grown into a luxury beauty destination offering hair, nails, lashes, waxing, massage, and boutique retail, creating a one-stop experience for clients. The salon's recent expansion reflects both its continued success and its commitment to growing in Howard County.

Beyond Royalty's expansion will retain existing jobs while creating 10 new positions, supporting career opportunities and continued investment in our local economy.

Congratulations to Brittney and the entire Beyond Royalty team on this exciting milestone!

✈️ National Black Business Month Spotlight: DigiFlight

This National Black Business Month, we're celebrating the businesses and entrepreneurs strengthening Howard County's economy.

Based in Columbia, DigiFlight develops innovative cybersecurity, engineering and information technology solutions that help government and commercial clients solve complex technical challenges.

We're proud to recognize businesses like DigiFlight that drive innovation and strengthen Howard County's growing technology ecosystem.

Learn more: https://www.digiflight.com/

💡 Growth starts with the right resources.

Whether you're purchasing equipment, expanding your space, investing in inventory, or strengthening working capital, the LIFT Microloan Fund offers eligible Howard County businesses access to $10,000 to $30,000 in flexible financing.

The program also prioritizes supporting minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and other socially disadvantaged businesses while providing access to business coaching and technical assistance.

Discover how the LIFT Fund can support your next step: https://howardcountyeda.org/business-resources/financing-options/lift-microloan-fund/

🎥 Hear success stories from Howard County businesses on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSt1EXVCh9Q&list=PLYcIJQ-jcNvue365ih9fXAqpMSYOomM_L&index=3

Beautiful bouquets start close to home. Chesapeake Flower Exchange is a unique collective that brings together 13 local flower farms, including five in Howard County, making it easier than ever for florists and floral designers to source fresh, sustainably grown blooms from our region.

This August, one of the season's highlights is Shimmer Celosia, named the 2026 Cut Flower of the Year by the Association of Specialty Cut Flower Growers. True to its name, Shimmer catches the sunlight with vibrant, iridescent blooms that add exceptional color and texture to late-summer arrangements.

The Exchange's current selection features an abundance of seasonal flowers and foliage, including dahlias, zinnias, hydrangeas, lisianthus, rudbeckia, echinacea, celosia and more. Because they're grown locally and harvested at peak freshness, these flowers offer outstanding quality while supporting sustainable agriculture and small farms throughout Central Maryland.

Learn More 💐 https://chesapeakeflowerexchange.com/about/

🩺 National Black Business Month Spotlight: Adams Dermatology

This National Black Business Month, we're celebrating the businesses and entrepreneurs strengthening Howard County's economy.

Located in Columbia, Adams Dermatology provides comprehensive medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology services, helping patients achieve healthier skin through personalized care.

We're proud to recognize businesses like Adams Dermatology that improve quality of life while strengthening Howard County's healthcare community.

Learn more: https://www.adamsdermatology.com/

For 80 years, the Howard County Fair has brought the community together to celebrate agriculture, local traditions and family fun. From August 8–15, the fairgrounds in West Friendship will once again come alive with eight days of livestock shows, agricultural exhibits, competitions, live entertainment, carnival rides and some of the region's favorite fair food.

Visitors can enjoy crowd favorites like the Kids & Critters Barn, Little Farmers Building, agricultural demonstrations, horse pulls, music, contests and exhibits that showcase the talent and dedication of Howard County's farming community. Whether you're cheering on 4-H and FFA participants, exploring local exhibits or making memories on the midway, there's something for every age to enjoy. The 2026 fair will also include special celebrations recognizing America's 250th birthday, adding even more excitement to this milestone year.

The 80th Howard County Fair is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., with rides operating until 11 p.m. Admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for seniors (62+), and free for children 12 and under, with season passes also available.

🎟️ Plan your visit, view the full schedule and purchase tickets today: https://howardcountyfairmd.com/event/2026-howard-county-fair-2/

2026 - The 80th Howard County Fair - The Howard County Fair August 8, 2026 – August 15, 2026. Tickets available for purchase at our main gate and online. We take cash, credit cards, Google, and Apple pay at the front gate.…

Growing a cybersecurity startup takes more than a great idea.

Cyber Howard Accelerator participants gain:
✅ Expert mentorship
✅ Product development support
✅ Go-to-market strategy
✅ Compliance guidance
✅ Investor and government connections
✅ Business coaching

Applications for Cohort IV are open through September 1.

Apply today: https://howardcountyeda.org/business-resources/cyber-howard/

💼 National Black Business Month Spotlight: Anthony Management Group

This National Black Business Month, we're celebrating the businesses and entrepreneurs strengthening Howard County's economy.

Based in Columbia, Anthony Management Group delivers professional property management services that help communities operate efficiently while supporting residents, property owners and community associations.

We're proud to recognize businesses like Anthony Management Group that provide trusted expertise, create local jobs and help Howard County thrive.

Learn more: https://anthonymanagementgroup.com