
Click the flyer to register!
The 2026 Howard County Small Business Summit brings together entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals for a day focused on adapting, growing, and strengthening their businesses in an ever-changing landscape. This year’s program explores the realities of running a business across different stages, offering practical guidance to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
We’ll begin with an engaging conversation on how understanding people (how they communicate, what they respond to, and how they perceive you) can transform the way you build relationships in business. Attendees will gain insight into reading personalities, refining their own presence, and using these skills to interact more effectively with clients, partners, and teams.
Throughout the day, expert-led breakout sessions will dive into the tools and knowledge small businesses need at pivotal moments. Learn how to prepare for various types of lenders and funding opportunities, develop a smart approach to succession planning, sharpen your elevator pitch and mission statement to communicate your value clearly, and strengthen your cybersecurity practices as your business grows.
Whether you're refining your operations, preparing for expansion, or planning for the future, this summit offers actionable strategies, fresh perspectives, and meaningful connections. It’s a day designed to help you think differently, stay prepared, and confidently navigate the next steps in your business journey.
Join us and invest in the future of your business!
Event Sponsors
Date and Time
Wednesday Jun 17, 2026
7:30 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
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7:30 - 8:00 am- Registration, breakfast, networking
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8:00 am - Welcome remarks from event hosts and County Executive
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8:25 - 9:30 am - Keynote
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9:30 – 9:45 am - BREAK
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9:45 - 10:30 am - Breakout Sessions
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Lenders in the Marketplace - Platinum Room
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Cybersecurity - Classroom 6
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10:30 - 10:45 am - BREAK
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10:45 - 11:30 am - Breakout Sessions
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Your Story is the Strategy - Platinum Room
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Succession Planning - Classroom 6
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11:30 - 11:45 am - Move to main session room
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11:45 am - Closing Comments, Door Prize drawing
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12:00 pm - Program Concludes
Location
Maryland Innovation Center
6751 Columbia Gateway Dr.
Columbia, MD 21046
Fees/Admission
$40 general admission
Breakfast included with ticket purchase.
Event Cancellation Policy: Cancellations must be received 48 hours before the event to receive a refund. Tickets are available at the door as space accommodates, with FULL payment upon arrival. Walk-in ticket pricing is adjusted to reflect venue and industry demands. If the Howard County Government offices are closed due to inclement weather, HCCC events will be canceled and rescheduled.
Contact Information
Brianna Scott, Events Manager
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