Howard County Economic Development Authority

Howard County’s business community is built on an incredible mix of ideas, industries, and people. As we continue our Business Appreciation Week highlights, we’re celebrating another group of organizations that contribute to our local economy and community!

This round features:
⚡ Capital Energy Solutions
🌿 Flourish Spa
🌱 Community Ecology Institute
🎨 African Art Museum of Maryland
💼 Entrust LLC

From energy and wellness to environmental education, arts and culture, and professional services, these organizations reflect the diversity of Howard County's business and nonprofit community.

Thank you for welcoming our team, sharing your stories, and choosing Howard County as a place to grow and make an impact!

Sometimes the next step for a small business comes down to having the capital to actually take it.

Our LIFT Microloan Fund provides eligible Howard County small businesses with loans of $10,000 to $30,000 for working capital, inventory, equipment, improvements, buildouts, expansion costs, and similar business expenses.

And funding is only part of it. Businesses can also connect with coaching, training, and other resources through the Maryland Innovation Center to help turn that investment into sustainable growth.

If your Howard County business has been operating for at least one year and you’re ready for the next stage, see if LIFT could be a fit.

The businesses behind Howard County’s economy come in all shapes and sizes, and we’re continuing to highlight the people we connected with during Business Appreciation Week!

This round features:
🥋 Krav Maga Maryland
🎉 Hyper Kidz Columbia
💼 APTBE
📱 Upping App
🛍️ Dani’s Bazaar

From fitness and family entertainment to technology, professional services, and retail, these businesses are part of what makes our local business community so dynamic.

Thank you for welcoming our team, sharing your stories, and choosing Howard County as a place to grow!

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but cybersecurity is part of Howard County’s economy year-round.

Our location puts businesses close to Fort Meade, NSA, U.S. Cyber Command, major defense contractors, research institutions, and a highly skilled regional workforce. But a strong cybersecurity ecosystem takes more than geography.

Through the Cyber Howard Accelerator, the Maryland Innovation Center, industry partnerships, business resources, and programs, we’re working to create more opportunities for cybersecurity companies to start, connect, and grow here.

Throughout October, we’ll be highlighting more of the businesses, programs, and people behind Howard County’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

We’re keeping the Business Appreciation Week spotlight going! 🌟

Today, we’re highlighting another group of businesses we had the opportunity to visit and learn more about:

🥊 Elite Boxing & Fitness
💬 Cochran Coaching LLC
🏢 Edwards & Hill
🔬 W. R. Grace & Co.
🏠 Bohemian House

These visits are all about connecting directly with our business community, hearing their stories, and learning more about the work happening across Howard County.

Thank you to each business for taking the time to connect with us and be part of this year’s Business Appreciation Week!

What do you wish you knew before your first job, internship, or attempt at starting something of your own?

Youth in Business: Entrepreneur Exchange gives students a place to start figuring it out.

Building on our summer Youth in Business program, this free monthly virtual series connects students with local entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals to talk honestly about building businesses, navigating careers, overcoming challenges, and finding opportunities.

Sessions will also tackle practical skills like networking, personal branding, interviewing, financial literacy, and more.

The first session on October 13th will introduce the series and the Howard County Association for Student Entrepreneurs.

Business Appreciation Week may be over, but we’re not done highlighting the businesses and organizations that make Howard County a great place to do business!

Today, we’re featuring a few more stops from this year’s visits:
✨ Divas, Dolls, & Dudes, LLC
💬 Village Counseling
⚙️ BVF Engineering, Inc.
🎮 GameOn Bar+Arcade
🤝 Springboard Community Services

From professional services and community support to entertainment and more, each visit gave us the opportunity to learn more about the people and organizations behind Howard County’s business community.

Thank you to each of these businesses for welcoming us!

Fall doesn’t last forever. Here’s your Howard County bucket list before the season gets away from you. 🍂

🎃 Pick pumpkins, take a hayride, and grab apple c***r donuts at Clark’s Elioak Farm.
🍎 Pick your own apples and pumpkins, tackle the corn maze, and try the fresh apple fritters at Larriland Farm.
🍺 Spend an afternoon at Manor Hill Brewing, Howard County’s farm brewery.
🥾 Take in the fall colors at one of Howard County’s parks and trails.
🛍️ Shop your way down Main Street in Historic Ellicott City, then grab dinner at Manor Hill Tavern.
🎃 Make a trip to Mary’s Land Farm for pumpkins, fall activities, and a stop at the farm store.

What’s already checked off your list?

From fitness and dance to hospitality, retail, and recreation, our Business Appreciation Week visits continue to highlight the variety of businesses that make Howard County unique.

🥊 Watchdog Krav Maga
🏨 Merriweather Lakehouse
💃 NK Dance Services
⭐ Cosmo Stars
📚 Backwater books

Behind every visit is a chance to hear directly from local businesses about their experiences, celebrate what they’re building, and make sure they know about the resources available to support their next steps.

Thank you to each business for welcoming us and sharing a little of your story!

Howard County Farm Feature: Bowling Green Beef 🐄

For ten generations, the same family has called Bowling Green Farm home. Today, Bowling Green Beef in Sykesville continues that tradition by raising 100% grass-fed beef while caring for the land that has supported their family for generations.

The farm offers beef by the quarter, half, or whole cow, along with individual cuts and bundle options. Customers can order online and have their beef delivered directly from the farm to their home.