ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball and Howard County’s Economic Development Authority announced “HoCo Higher: Accelerator Business" program in partnership with M&T Bank. The program will teach 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 intensive 10-week bootcamp at no cost to participants. To apply, please click here.
Small businesses are the economic engine that pushes Howard County forward and help our community thrive. 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 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 on September 8, 2021 and will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6:00 -7:30 p.m. at the Maryland Innovation Center in Columbia.
Applicants 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.
“As we emerge from the pandemic and the economy begins to grow, this is a time for businesses to re-tool and re-imagine,” said Larry Twele, Howard County Economic Development Authority president and CEO. “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 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.
M&T Bank is passionate about helping entrepreneurs grow and sustain their businesses, so they can leave a lasting legacy for their families and communities. This curriculum was intentionally developed to create an ecosystem that helps businesses owned by minorities, women and people of color overcome obstacles to success, and we’re honored to have the opportunity to work with Dr. Ball and his team to offer it to entrepreneurs in Howard County.