5 Compelling Reasons to Start Your Business in Howard County, Maryland
Are you considering starting a business in Maryland? Howard County offers an exceptional environment for entrepreneurs and established business owners alike. From Columbia to Ellicott City, this thriving county provides the perfect blend of strategic location, educated workforce, and business-friendly policies that can help your venture succeed. Here are the top five reasons why Howard County should be your choice for starting a business.
1. Strategic Central Location Between Two Major Markets
Howard County's geographic positioning is unmatched. Located perfectly between Baltimore and Washington, D.C., businesses operating in Columbia, Ellicott City, or any of Howard County's communities enjoy exceptional access to federal government opportunities and major commercial markets.
The proximity to critical government and defense facilities—including Fort Meade, the National Security Agency (NSA), U.S. Cyber Command, and Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory—creates unique opportunities for businesses, particularly in technology, cybersecurity, defense contracting, and research sectors.
Major Cities and Communities in Howard County:
Columbia
Ellicott City
Jessup
Savage
Clarksville
Fulton
Laurel
Elkridge
Whether you're looking to serve government contracts or tap into the vibrant consumer markets of the Baltimore-Washington corridor, Howard County puts you at the center of it all.
2. Access to a Highly Educated Workforce
Howard County boasts one of the most educated workforces in the nation. With nearly 10,000 businesses already thriving here, the talent pool is deep and diverse. The county's public school system consistently ranks among the top in the country, ensuring a pipeline of skilled workers for the future.
For businesses requiring specialized talent in technology, healthcare, finance, or other professional services, Howard County delivers. The educated workforce means you'll find employees who can drive innovation, adapt quickly, and contribute to your company's growth from day one.
3. Comprehensive Business Support Ecosystem
Starting a business can be challenging, but Howard County makes it easier with robust support systems:
Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) provides 30 years of experience supporting businesses with:
Site selection and permitting assistance
Catalyst Fund loans for startups and expanding businesses
A Minority Business Directory featuring over 500 local businesses
Agricultural grants for innovation and expansion (up to $10,000)
Maryland Innovation Center (MIC) offers:
63,000 square feet of business incubation space across four floors
Video and podcast studios
150+ person conference space
Five membership levels from free "Circle" memberships to comprehensive "Empower" packages
Business mentorship, coaching, and acceleration programs
Government contracting assistance
The Howard County Chamber of Commerce, with over 700 member businesses, provides networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources to help your business thrive.
4. Exceptional Quality of Life Attracts Top Talent
Quality of life matters—not just for you as a business owner, but for attracting and retaining the best employees. Columbia was named the #1 "Best Place to Live" in the United States by Money Magazine in 2016, and it's easy to see why.
Howard County offers:
3,600 acres of open space
114 miles of walking and biking paths
Safe, welcoming communities with excellent schools
Vibrant downtown Columbia with ongoing revitalization
Historic Ellicott City with its charming Main Street
Cultural attractions including Merriweather Post Pavilion
When you start a business in Howard County, you're not just choosing a location—you're choosing a lifestyle that helps you attract talented professionals who want to work and live in a thriving, balanced community.
5. Business-Friendly Government Policies
Howard County's local government actively supports business growth through smart policies and programs:
Local Business Initiative - Executive order giving local businesses a "fair chance" to bid on and participate in government projects, ensuring county procurement dollars support the local economy.
Tax and Financial Incentives - Access to state and local programs including:
Workforce training grants
Building and site location assistance
The Maryland Industrial Partnerships Program for research commercialization
Strategic Development Zones:
Columbia Gateway Innovation District - 920 acres with 8.1 million square feet of commercial space
Maple Lawn/Fulton - Mixed-use development with 1.4 million square feet of Class A office space
Route 1 Corridor - Manufacturing and distribution hub
Route 40 Corridor - Growing commercial and retail center
The county's commitment to supporting business is evident in programs like the Howard Tech Council, which provides technology companies with networking, education, and the Chief Information Security Officer In Residence program.
Let Us Help You Navigate the Financial Side of Starting Your Business
As an accounting firm based in Columbia, Maryland, we understand the unique opportunities and challenges of doing business in Howard County.
Don't navigate the financial complexities of starting a business alone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.