HoCo Higher Entrepreneur Accelerator Program Accepting Applications

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — Howard County’s Economic Development Authority has opened applications for a second cohort of “HoCo Higher,” a transformative entrepreneur accelerator program conducted in partnership with M&T Bank. The empowering program teaches early-stage and historically under-served entrepreneurs the essentials of business planning, operations, credit building, digital communication and financial management. Top business mentors, coaches and subject matter experts will lead the 10-week bootcamp at no cost to participants. To apply, click here.

“Small businesses are the economic engine that push Howard County forward and help our community thrive,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said. “This second class of entrepreneurs, especially those who are traditionally underserved, 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 trusted financial insiders. Enrollment is based on a competitive application process. The 10-week program begins March 23 and will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Maryland Innovation Center in Columbia.

Applicants must have 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.

“This public/private partnership is another great way to support our early-stage entrepreneurs,” EDA President Larry Twele said. “It is central to the mission of our Maryland Innovation Center and the myriad of programs under our BRITE (Business Revitalization Initiative Through Entrepreneurship) platform."

Entrepreneurs selected for the program will follow a curriculum curated by M&T Bank, the region’s top small-business lender. 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.

“We learned so much from the first cohort of HoCo Higher entrepreneurs and look forward to using that knowledge to make the program even better for the next group of business owners,” Rosa Scharf, a vice president and relationship manager for M&T Bank’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Banking team in Greater Baltimore, said. “We know the insights they will gain from the accelerator program will help fuel the growth of businesses owned by minorities, women and people of color, contribute to the generational wealth of those entrepreneurs and their families, and spur economic activity throughout Howard County.”