Career Counseling

Howard Community College's Office of Counseling and Career Services offers career and academic counseling. Call 410-772-4840 for information or to set up an appointment.

Career Research

The Office of Workforce Development (410-290-2620) operates a one-stop CareerNet in conjunction with the State Job Service and provides career counseling and assessment.

Career Resources

The Howard County Library (410-313-7850) has an extensive collection of job search and career related materials.

Available Bids

Call Purchasing's Bid Information Line (410-313-6370), watch GTV or read notices in local papers to find out what goods and services the county plans to buy.

Bid and Performance Bonds

Bid bonds and performance bonds are seldom required for county goods and services; however, most construction projects require bonds. Call Purchasing's recording (410-313-3316) for details.

Bidders List

To get on the county's bidders list, call Purchasing's recording (410-313-3316) for an application.

Business Certification

Women, minorities and people with disabilities who own businesses can request a certification application from Management Services (410-313-2050).

Purchasing Seminars

Call the office of Purchasing (410-313-6370) to arrange a purchasing workshop.

Area Employers

Economic Development (410-313-6500) can furnish information about businesses and employers in the county.

County Hiring

For information about available county government positions and requirements, call the Job Line (410-313-4460), watch GTV or stop by the Human Resources Office. Applicants who meet minimum qualifications for an open position are considered, and the top three to ten candidates receive an interview with the selecting authority.

Government Job Openings

Employment Application

Employment Assistance for People of Low Income

Social Services (410-872-4201) provides employment assistance to applicants for and recipients of cash assistance and food stamps.

Employment for People with Disabilities

See People with Disabilities.

Employment Information

The Howard County Library (410-313-7850) maintains up-to-date electronic and print resources about businesses in the county.

Hiring Employees with Disabilities

Disabilities Services (410-313-6402) maintains a list of agencies assisting qualified individuals with disabilities in their job search.

Job Partnership

The Job Service Employer Committee (410-312-5762) is a partnership between employers and the Maryland Job Service to improve delivery of job services, employment training, international marketing and business development, and financing programs.

Job Placement

The Office of Workforce Development (410-290-2620) helps economically disadvantaged persons age 16-up, displaced homemakers, dislocated workers, welfare recipients, people who are homeless, offenders, and people with disabilities in their job search.

Job Referrals

Unemployed or underemployed individuals may apply at the state's Job Service office (410-312-5762) for job leads, referrals and announcements.

Police Recruiting

The Police Human Resources division (410-313-2206) selects cadet and officer candidates. Recruits attend the Police Academy for education and training.

Business Recycling

Businesses can call Environmental Services (410-313-6444) for free referrals and assistance in developing a recycling program.

Buy Recycled

There are hundreds of recycled products on the market, from recycled printing papers, toner cartridges and janitorial supplies to recycled plastics and products for vehicle fleets, construction and transportation. Call Environmental Services (410-313-6444) for information on buying recycled products. Remember, it's not recycled until it's used again!

Sewer Surcharge

Food service and food processing establishments pay a sewer use surcharge to cover the costs incurred by the county for treating wastewater which exceeds domestic strength. For details, call the Bureau of Utilities (410-313-4900).

Wastewater Permits

Utilities (410-313-4900) issues wastewater discharge permits to industrial and commercial users after reviewing site development plans, construction plans and permit applications.

Wastewater Pretreatment

Some establishments such as restaurants, garages, photo and x-ray developers, car washes, and regulated industrial operations are required to install wastewater pretreatment equipment. Call the Bureau of Utilities (410-313-4900) for information.

Dealing with Businesses

Business Licenses

Businesses operating within the county can get license applications from the Clerk of the Court (410-313-5850), obtain approval from Finance and Planning and Zoning, and return to the Clerk of the Court to pay fees and/or penalties.

Concert Permits

Inspections, Licenses and Permits employees (410-313-2455) issue concert permits in cooperation with other county agencies. There is a fee schedule.

Food Service Licenses

Environmental Health (410-313-2640) licenses food service facilities. The fee depends upon the type of business.

Licenses & Permits Required

Contact Inspections, Licenses and Permits (410-313-2455) for information about:

• Building permits
• Cat and dog licenses
• Electrical contractor licensing
• Electrical permits
• Fire protection system permits
• Grading permits
• HVACR (heating, ventilating, air conditioning, refrigeration) permits
• Massage technician licenses
• Mobile home park licenses
• Plumbing permits
• Rental housing licenses
• Sign permits
• Taxi cab licenses for drivers and cab company owners
• Utility contractor licensing

Liquor Licenses

To obtain a liquor license for your establishment, call the Department of Inspections, Licenses and Permits (410-313-2008).

Public Pool Licenses

Environmental Health (410-313-2640) licenses public swimming pools and spas. There is a fee.

Septic Waste Haulers

Septic waste haulers need a permit (fee) from the Little Patuxent Water Reclamation Plant (410-880-5810) for treatment of septage.

Solicitors' and Peddlers' Licenses

Door-to-door sales people are required to register (fee) with Consumer Affairs (410-313-6420).

Towing Licenses

Trespass tow companies are required to register (fee) with Consumer Affairs (410-313-6420).

Commercial Alarms

Commercial subscribers to alarm systems can call the Police Department (410-313-3216) for information about false alarm legislation and enforcement.

Security Survey

Businesses can call the Community Services section of the Police Department (410-313-4780) for a free security survey.

Business Accessibility

Businesses can call Disabilities Services (410-313-6402) for recommendations on accessibility and compliance with federal and state laws prohibiting discrimination.

Business Counseling

Residents starting or expanding a business can call the Small Business Development Center (410-313-6550) for state-funded counseling.

Business Resource Center

The Economic Development Authority's Business Resource Center (410-313-6550) provides assistance to start-up and growing small businesses in areas such as business planning, marketing, finance and international trade. Services include one-on-one counseling, training programs, a reference library, computer facilities and referrals to other area resources for technical and specialized assistance.

Business Training

Howard Community College's Business Training Center (410-772-4808) offers computer, management and advanced technology programs. Services include on-site training, customized curricula and analysis of a company's training needs. The BTC operates the State of Maryland's Advanced Technology Center for the information technology industry.

Commuting Options

See Transportation & Roads.

Discrimination Law

Businesses and non-profit agencies can call the Office of Human Rights (410-313-6430) to arrange training on the discrimination law.

Employee Recruitment

County businesses may ask the Office of Workforce Development (410-290-2620) to recruit, screen and refer employees or applicants. Consult the center about hiring employees, or request help with closing or downsizing.

Equal Opportunity

Howard County has a goal-oriented equal business opportunity program. For a list of certified MBE, WBE or DBE firms (Minority, Women's or Disabled Business Enterprises) or specific capabilities, call Management Services (410-313-2050) or Economic Development (410-313-6500).

Fire Inspections

Life Safety Bureau (410-313-6040) inspectors evaluate each business to ensure compliance with fire and life safety codes.

Fire Safety Education for Your Work Place

Call the Life Safety Bureau (410-313-6040) for information about evacuation plans, smoke detectors, sprinklers and fire lanes.

Help for Industries

Economic Development (410-313-6500) provides information and helps new and existing industries obtain sites, permits, industrial revenue bonds and export grants.

Home Occupations

See Your Residence.

Injury Prevention

Life Safety (410-313-6040) will provide information on injury prevention awareness in the work place.

NeoTech Incubator

The Economic Development Authority's NeoTech Incubator (410-313-6500) was created to assist start-up firms in the areas of telecommunications and hardware or software development. The Incubator offers hands-on management assistance while providing shared services such as conference rooms, Internet/cable access, a small business library and a variety of business development resources. Its main goal is to graduate businesses that are financially viable and self-sufficient.

Statute Information

Small businesses can call Consumer Affairs (410-313-6420) for information about local, state and federal statutes and advice against scams.

Substance Free Work Places

Businesses can call the office of Substance Abuse Impact Services (410-313-3784) for referrals and information about setting up a substance free work place.