ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County Executive Calvin Ball today launched the new Savage Mill Bucks program during an announcement at Savage Mill, alongside the Winer family, the owners of Savage Mill for more than 75 years. This small-business program will offer $10 business vouchers to residents and visitors to shop at the more than 70 small businesses located at Savage Mill during summer 2025. Photos of the event can be found on the County's Flickr webpage.
In recent years, major renovations have embraced Savage Mill’s industrial heritage while giving the campus a modern feel, enhancing visitor and resident experiences alike. Through strong partnerships with Visit Howard County, the Economic Development Authority, and institutions like Savage Mill, we’re making meaningful progress to support our small business ecosystem. This program directly supports the entrepreneurs and small business owners who have taken the courageous leap to start a business and contribute to our local economy.
Howard County is investing $10,000 in the program, which will support approximately 1,000 small business vouchers that can be spent at small businesses and shops in Savage Mill. The program will promote shopping at local businesses and encourage tourism to Historic Savage through a small business voucher program made available to residents and visitors.
Thank you, County Executive Ball, and thank you to your Administration and Visit Howard for your continued support of Savage Mill and our small business community. Supporting small businesses isn’t just something we believe in; it’s woven into the identity of today’s Savage Mill. Every space here is home to a small, independently owned business, and initiatives like Savage Mill Bucks help us expand our reach and introduce these businesses to new audiences who are eager for fresh experiences, local flavor, and places that feel anything but ordinary.
The Savage Mill Bucks program will run from June 2025 – August 2025. Savage Mill Bucks can be picked up at two locations in Howard County: Artcraft at Savage Mill or the Howard County Welcome Center in Ellicott City. Artcraft is open Monday – Friday from 10am to 6pm, and Sunday from 11am to 6pm. The Howard County Welcome Center is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am to 5pm. Savage Mill Bucks will be available to Howard County residents and visitors while supplies last.
“I’m thrilled to celebrate the kickoff of Savage Mill Bucks. The Mill is truly an amazing place. When you pay a visit to Savage Mill, you can spend the entire day here with friends, family, and loved ones, all while exploring everything that the Mill’s businesses have to offer,” said Howard County Councilmember Christiana Rigby, District 3. “Come down to Savage Mill this summer and take part in this special community of shops and businesses.”
“These Bucks will directly support small and local businesses at Savage Mill”, said Amanda Hof, Executive Director of Visit Howard County. "According to our tourism data, the average visitor spend for Savage Mill in June is $145. If each Buck distributed brings a visitor to the Mill, and that visitor spends even half of that average, consumers could spend over $72,000 at Savage Mill businesses through the BUCKS program.”
This program builds on the County’s successful Old Ellicott City Bucks program launched in December of 2018, shortly after Ball became County Executive. Business data from that program has shown that for every $10 business voucher offered, visitors spend more than $20 of their own money at local shops, restaurants, and businesses. This 2-1 return on investment creates a significant economic impact to small businesses during the summer, which can be a slower time of year for retail business.
“Candles by Candy began as a simple hobby in my kitchen during the pandemic and has since grown into a thriving business with two locations in Howard County. Savage Mill and Howard County has played a vital role in our journey, providing not only space but ongoing support, and I'm thankful,” said Candace Randall-Bell, Owner of Candles by Candy at Savage Mill. “Programs like Mill Bucks make a big difference. They give shoppers real money to spend and encourage them to check out local businesses they might not have visited before. They also help bring more people through our doors during the slower summer months when many are away on vacation. We’re very thankful to Howard County for supporting small businesses like ours. It shows that our local government cares about business owners and understands how important we are to the community.”
“It is clear that the Mill is becoming a gem in Howard County. With so many amazing business models and all in one place: Savage Mill,” said Jeannette Kendall, Executive Director of Success in Style. “Thank you for the gift of the Mill Bucks, and for an amazing shot in the arm for Savage Mill.”
“Savage Mill Bucks program will be an invaluable tool for not only us small business owners, but the community as well,” said Tabitha Clark, Owner of More than Java Café at Savage Mill. “This will give those who are not as familiar with the Mill a chance to come experience what we all have to offer.”