Entrepreneurs selected for the program will complete a program hosted by M&T Bank. The program will include courses on starting a legal business, obtaining certifications, developing business plans, managing business and personal finances, sourcing capital, pricing strategies, risk management and business assurance, marketing strategies, etc.
“In partnership with Howard County, M&T Bank is excited to offer the HoCo Higher Business Accelerator program, which provides local entrepreneurs with the resources needed to help their businesses thrive,” said Jim Peterson, vice president and small business ambassador for M&T Bank. “The program curriculum was designed to provide small business owners with mentoring opportunities to improve their chances of success in a competitive business landscape, drive local economic growth and help build generational wealth.
“At the Maryland Innovation Center, we are excited to expand the HoCo Higher program into the award-winning BRITE series,” Chuck Bubeck, executive director of the Maryland Innovation Center. Through BRITE, we have served nearly 1,000 participants through mentoring, entrepreneurship training, and professional development. We are proud to support Howard County’s continued investment in the growth of current and future business leaders.
Since the program launched in 2021, more than 70 companies have graduated from the first four cohorts. County Executive Calvin Ball’s team and M&T Bank provided more than $400,000 in grants for HoCo Higher. Participants have the opportunity to participate in a shark-tank style pitch competition and win cash prizes.
“My experience in the HoCo Higher program has been nothing short of transformational. I was able to learn directly from subject matter experts who covered critical business topics ranging from financial analysis, government business relations, marketing and branding, and presentation your business,” said Stephen Conti, owner of Tocar Spa and HoCo’s #1 senior cohort. participant and 1st place winner. “I was able to take the lessons learned during the program and apply them directly into a winning three-minute pitch. Presenting the vision I have for Tocar Spa to the judges and my fellow entrepreneurs was an incredible opportunity. Not only did it help me focus better on my business, but it gave me the financial means to move into my new clinic. It was the boost Tocar Spa needed to take it to the next level.
