Howard County Economic Development Authority

Applying for a business loan? Preparation matters more than most entrepreneurs realize.

Join our Fulton Bank Series: Business Loan Application Prep (SBA) to learn what lenders are really looking for, how to strengthen your application, and why separating personal and business finances is critical when seeking funding.

📄 Learn how to:
• Prepare strong financial documentation
• Structure your business finances effectively
• Protect your personal credit
• Present a more competitive SBA loan application
• Understand what lenders evaluate during the approval process

This practical session will be led by Rosa Scharf of Fulton Bank as part of our ongoing business education series.

Register Today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulton-bank-series-business-loan-application-prep-sba-tickets-1975145005882?aff=oddtdtcreator

The 2026 Howard County Small Business Summit will bring together entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals for a day of practical insight, strategy, and connection focused on navigating growth in an evolving business environment.

From building stronger connections to improving business resilience, the summit is designed to provide meaningful resources, fresh perspectives, and valuable networking opportunities for Howard County’s entrepreneurial community.

Register today: https://business.howardchamber.com/events/details/2026-howard-county-small-business-summit-5754

This week’s farm feature highlights Plot Twist Horse Farm, recipient of a 2026 Howard County Agricultural Grant.

Founded in 2018 by Jennifer Sulin-Stair, Plot Twist Horse Farm provides riding lessons, agricultural education, and hands-on learning experiences for the community. 🐎 https://www.plottwisthorsefarm.com/

Grant funding will support infrastructure and safety improvements that help strengthen daily operations and support the farm’s continued growth and community impact.

Howard County’s Agricultural Grant Program continues investing in farms and agricultural businesses that expand opportunities, strengthen local agriculture, and create lasting community connections.

This morning, we joined the team at ROCO Kitchen & Coffee for their official ribbon cutting celebration in Columbia. ☕✂️

We’re excited to celebrate another growing local business choosing to invest in Howard County and contribute to the vibrancy of our local small business community.

Congratulations to the entire ROCO team on this exciting milestone, and we look forward to seeing what’s ahead. 🎉

Disasters can disrupt operations quickly, but preparation can make recovery easier.

Join us on Thursday, June 11 at 1:00 PM for the Business Disaster Workshop: Navigating Insurance After a Disaster, designed to help business owners better understand insurance claims, state-supported recovery resources, and best practices for protecting their business after an unexpected event.

Participants will learn how to work with the Maryland Insurance Administration (MIA), document damages effectively, avoid common claims delays, and strengthen business continuity planning.

Presented in partnership with the Howard County Office of Emergency Management, this workshop supports local businesses in building resilience and preparing for the unexpected.

Reserve your spot today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/business-disaster-workshop-navigating-insurance-after-a-disaster-tickets-1989305331798?aff=oddtdtcreator

May is World Trade Month, and HCEDA was proud to participate in Maryland Export Day alongside strong federal, state, and regional partners supporting international business growth. Maryland exported approximately $16.5B in goods globally last year, led by sectors including cybersecurity, aerospace & defense, advanced manufacturing, and technology.

Thank you to the Maryland–DC District Export Council and US Commercial Service for their leadership in promoting exports and supporting businesses across our region. HCEDA is also proud that our Head of Business Development, Bob Zhang, serves on the Council.

Interested in export assistance or international growth opportunities? Connect with Bob Zhang to learn more about available resources and programs through HCEDA. https://howardcountyeda.org/international/

⏰ Time is running out! The deadline to nominate a business for Business Appreciation Week 2026 is May 31. ⏰

In partnership with County Executive Calvin Ball, Business Appreciation Week recognizes the businesses helping drive Howard County’s economy and strengthen the local community.

Each year, ambassadors visit businesses across the county to hear success stories, understand business needs, and connect directly with the entrepreneurs and companies shaping Howard County’s future.

General registration opens in July, but now is the time to help spotlight the businesses making an impact across our community.

🔗 Submit your nomination today → https://bit.ly/3RDlA0F

Looking to strengthen your small business loan application? Join us for a practical session focused on what lenders look for, SBA requirements, and how to better position your business for funding.

Led by Rosa Scharf of Fulton Bank, this workshop will cover how to prepare financial documentation, separate personal and business finances, and build a stronger, more complete funding request while protecting your personal credit.

Get actionable guidance designed to help your business prepare for growth and future financing opportunities. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fulton-bank-series-business-loan-application-prep-sba-tickets-1975145005882?aff=oddtdtcreator