Howard County Economic Development Authority

Financing, guidance and the Maryland Innovation Center in Howard County

Government AgencySuburban Maryland

About Howard County Economic Development Authority

What it is

The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) is a public-private partnership and quasi-governmental agency whose mission is to promote economic growth and stability in Howard County, Maryland. Its CEO sits on the County Executive's Cabinet, and it reports to a board of private sector business leaders. HCEDA helps businesses start, grow, relocate or expand in the county and is based at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 500, in Columbia.

What it offers founders

Financing: HCEDA's Business Financing Options include the FLEX Business Line of Credit ($30,000 to $100,000), the LIFT Microloan Fund ($10,000 to $30,000 over three to five years), Catalyst Fund loans for growth-oriented small and minority-owned businesses at the pre-banking stage, a Collateral Assistance Fund, and an Apprenticeship Retention Grant of $5,000 per apprentice, up to $15,000 per employer.
Maryland Innovation Center: The Maryland Innovation Center (MIC), run by HCEDA at the same Columbia address, hosts networking events, workshops and pitch competitions, offers membership tiers, resident office space and rentable meeting space, and runs the BRITE Program for early-stage startups and established Howard County businesses.
Accelerators: The Cyber Howard Accelerator is a 12-week program for early-stage U.S. cybersecurity startups with in-house products. HoCo HIVE, run with Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center, is an 8 to 10 week program for medtech and digital health companies to test products in clinical settings. Fed to Founder offers mentorship and training to former federal employees and contractors starting businesses.
Small and minority business: Resources include the county's Equal Business Opportunity program, a Minority-Owned Business Directory, and links to the state Minority Business Enterprise Program.

Who it is for

HCEDA serves businesses located in or moving to Howard County, from first-time founders and microbusinesses to international companies establishing a U.S. presence. Accelerators target specific sectors, and some financing, such as the FLEX line, is aimed at businesses that may not qualify for regular bank loans.

How to engage

According to HCEDA, core support such as site selection, technical assistance and incentive guidance is free, and many workshops and programs are free or low cost. Financing inquiries go through the Business Finance Form or the business finance team, and LIFT applicants email a completed form to edamicroloans@hceda.org. Accelerator applications open by cohort; check each program page for current status. General questions can go through the contact page.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

Howard County sits between Baltimore and Washington, and HCEDA's featured industries include cybersecurity, information technology, life sciences, manufacturing and agriculture. HCEDA combines county lending, sector accelerators and a physical innovation center in one organization, which makes it a practical first stop for founders in central Maryland.

Programs

Maryland Innovation Center (MIC)
HCEDA's innovation hub in Columbia offering events, workshops, pitch competitions, membership tiers, resident office space and rentable meeting space.
BRITE Program
Maryland Innovation Center program serving early-stage startups and established businesses in Howard County.
FLEX Business Line of Credit
Lines of credit from $30,000 to $100,000 to cover short-term cash flow shortfalls for Howard County businesses, including those that may not qualify for regular bank loans.
LIFT Microloan Fund
Microloans of $10,000 to $30,000 with three to five year terms for working capital, inventory, equipment and improvement costs.
Catalyst Fund Loans for Small Business
Loans for growth-oriented small and minority-owned businesses at the pre-banking stage, funded with proceeds from Maryland's Video Lottery Terminal program. A Collateral Assistance Fund helps borrowers who lack sufficient collateral.
Apprenticeship Retention Grant
$5,000 per apprentice, up to $15,000 per employer, for Howard County employers that retain apprentices beyond their first year.
Cyber Howard Accelerator
Twelve weekly three-hour sessions for early-stage U.S. cybersecurity startups with in-house products, offering mentorship, investor preparation and industry connections.
HoCo HIVE
An 8 to 10 week program with Johns Hopkins Howard County Medical Center for medtech, diagnostics and digital health companies to get clinician feedback and pursue pilots, ending in a Demo Day.
Fed to Founder
HCEDA and Maryland Innovation Center program offering mentorship, startup training and funding connections to former federal employees and contractors launching businesses.

Who it serves

Startups, small and minority-owned businesses, and expanding or relocating companies in Howard County, Maryland, with sector programs for cybersecurity, health tech and former federal workers.

Frequently asked questions

Does HCEDA charge for its services?

HCEDA says its core support, including site selection, technical assistance and incentive guidance, is free, and many of its workshops and programs are free or low cost.

What is the smallest loan I can get from HCEDA?

The LIFT Microloan Fund offers $10,000 to $30,000 with three to five year terms. Apply online and email the detailed LIFT application form to edamicroloans@hceda.org.

Is HCEDA a government agency?

It is a public-private partnership and quasi-governmental agency. Its CEO sits on the Howard County Executive's Cabinet, and it reports to a board of private sector business leaders.

When can I apply to the Cyber Howard Accelerator or HoCo HIVE?

Cyber Howard applications for the current cohort are closed, with the next cohort expected in early spring 2027. HoCo HIVE reviews applications on a rolling basis and runs two cohorts per year.

Where is HCEDA located?

HCEDA and the Maryland Innovation Center are both at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Suite 500, Columbia, MD 21046.