Entrepreneur Accelerator Program Launched By Howard County, M&T

Ellicott City MD

15 July, 2021

9:50 PM

Description

ELLICOTT CITY, MD — Howard County officials and Howard County's Economic Development Authority have announced "HoCo Higher: Accelerator Business," a 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, click here. "Small businesses are the economic engine that pushes Howard County forward and help our community thrive," said County Executive Calvin Ball in a news release. "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 chance 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 Sept. 8 and will meet weekly on Wednesdays from 6 to 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; andBe 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 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.