At the Howard County Chamber of Commerce's Business Outlook Luncheon, County Executive Calvin Ball struck an optimistic tone regarding the area's economic health. The annual State of Business Address positioned Howard County as a hub for development and growth. Ball cited many recent accomplishments, like the AAA bond rating Howard County secured this week from all three major credit agencies, indicating a stable fiscal environment. "While tough fiscal realities and uncertainties loom across our great state and country, Howard County stands as the ‘Gateway to opportunity’, driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and job growth," Ball said, emphasizing the addition of 5,400 jobs in the last quarter and numerous new business openings in 2024 – remarks directly reported by Howard County's news portal.
The County Executive used his platform to boast about past successes and announce key initiatives to solidify the county's economic future. Among them was the launch of a Cyber Howard Accelerator and a Vulnerability Disclosure Program, furthering Howard County's ambition to be recognized as the global cyber capital. Ball also unveiled the Howard County Economic Development Authority's new Small Business FLEX program, which will offer businesses credits starting at $30,000 and scaling up to $100,000, designed to help cover short-term financial needs.
Howard County's appeal as a tourist destination was another focal point of Ball's address. Visitor spending reportedly hit nearly $800 million from 3.1 million visitors in 2023. The positive commercial impact of the Summer Bucks program in Old Ellicott City was also highlighted. Plans are underway to expand this initiative to the Historic Savage Mill to support additional small businesses.
The county is forming strategic partnerships to create job opportunities. Collaborations with groups like Anne Arundel Workforce Development, Fort Meade, and the Autism Society of Maryland help service members, people with autism, and ex-offenders. A $3.5 million investment in Howard Community College's Complete4Success scholarship aims to improve education. In January, the county also set aside $1 million to support the growth of childcare facilities, recognizing their role in building a strong workforce.
Howard County's Local Business Initiative ensures local businesses benefit from county spending. In the first half of FY 2025, $44 million was spent with local businesses, the highest amount ever.
