'HoCo Higher' Accepting Applications For Third Session

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Applications have opened for a third session of “HoCo Higher,” an entrepreneur accelerator program launched in 2021 in partnership with M&T Bank. The program teaches early-stage and historically underserved entrepreneurs the essentials of business planning, operations, credit building, digital communication and financial management.

Business mentors, coaches and subject matter experts will lead the intensive eight-week bootcamp at no cost to participants.

“Small businesses are the economic engine that push Howard County forward and help our community thrive,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “This new class of entrepreneurs will be able to reach new heights, access important resources and build connections with the help of HoCo Higher. 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 unique opportunity to get in financial shape and learn best practices from financial insiders. Enrollment is based on a competitive application process. The eight-week program begins Sept. 28 and will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Maryland Innovation Center in Columbia.

Applications can be found online here and to be eligible to apply, applicants must meet the following minimum requirements:

1. At least two years in business operations, and
2. Be a Howard County based business and in good standing.

“This public/private partnership is another great way to support our early-stage entrepreneurs,” said EDA President Larry Twele. “We appreciate the county executive’s leadership and the participation of M&T Bank to support our local small business owners.”

Entrepreneurs selected for the program will follow a curriculum curated by M&T Bank and 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.

Since the program’s launch, 48 businesses have graduated from the first two cohorts. The county and M&T Bank have provided nearly $300,000 in grant funding for HoCo Higher. Each participant receives $5,000 and one business in each cohort wins a $25,000 prize.