HoCo Higher: Accelerator Business Program Accepting Applications

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A recently unveiled program designed to teach early-stage and historically under-served entrepreneurs the essentials of business planning, operations, credit building, digital communication and financial management will take root in Howard County.

HoCo Higher: Accelerator Business program will be carried out by Howard County’s Economic Development Authority in partnership with M&T Bank. Top business mentors, coaches and subject matter experts will lead the intensive 10-week bootcamp at no cost to participants. To apply, click here.

“Small businesses are the economic engine that pushes Howard County forward and help our community thrive,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “HoCo Higher will help entrepreneurs, especially those who are traditionally underserved, reach new heights and access important resources and support structures. I encourage small business owners to apply for this unique and exciting opportunity to learn best practices and set their business up for success.”

Emerging and existing small business owners are invited to apply for this opportunity to get in financial shape and learn best practices from trusted financial insiders. Enrollment is based on a competitive application process. The 10-week program begins Sept. 8 and will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Maryland Innovation Center in Columbia.

Applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

• At least two years in business operations;
• Annual gross revenues of $150,000 or more; and
• Be a Howard County-based business and in good standing.

“As we emerge from the pandemic and the economy begins to grow, this is a time for businesses to re-tool and re-imagine,” Larry Twele, Howard County Economic Development Authority president and CEO, said. “We are excited to be a partner in this initiative where we can leverage the assets and expertise of the Maryland Innovation Center to further benefit entrepreneurs in our community.”

Entrepreneurs selected for the program will follow a curriculum curated by M&T Bank. The curriculum will include lessons on legal business formation, obtaining certifications, developing business plans, managing business and personal finances, sourcing capital, pricing strategies, risk management and business insurance, marketing strategies and more.