ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Howard County’s Department of Community Resources and Services’ Office of Veterans and Military Families (OVMF) is seeking vendors and sponsors for its first-ever Veteran Owned Small Biz Expo on Saturday, October 28th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Maryland Innovation Center, located at 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive in Columbia.
Our veterans are at the heart and soul of America’s freedom and behind every great military member, is the strength, support, resilience and courage of their family. I encourage all our veterans and active duty and military spouses who own a business to take part in this inaugural event. I also invite all our community members to come out on October 28th and show their support for our veterans and military families, and to thank them for all they have done and continue to do to ensure our country’s freedom.
Veteran, active duty or military spouse owned businesses who meet the following requirements to vend, sponsor or feature their business at this year’s event are encouraged to apply:
- Veteran/Military Owned – Businesses owned by veterans, active duty or military spouses
- Howard County Based – Businesses located/based in or near Howard County or business owner residing in Howard County
- Direct to Consumer – Businesses offering goods to sell or services (including artwork and books) to feature at the Expo
Interested vendors should complete OVMF’s initial interest form. Once approved by OVMF, the registration fee is $25 per table space. Event sponsorship levels are also available.
Held in partnership with the Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA), the Expo celebrates both Howard County Business Appreciation Week and National Veteran’s Small Business Appreciation Week. The event will also feature live entertainment, food, and activities to promote veteran owned small businesses.
“A priority of HCEDA is to foster a culture that values and supports veteran entrepreneurship. They not only support the health of our economy but enrich and sustain our local community,” says Jennifer Jones, HCEDA CEO. “Supporting veteran-owned businesses is an investment in our future and an important way to show our appreciation for the veterans who have served our country.”
OVMF provides guidance, information and access to Howard County veterans, military families, their dependents and survivors; promotes activities that serve veterans of all ages; and collaborates with other service providers to address more complex issues.
For more information about the Expo, contact the OVMF at 410-313-0821 (voice/relay) or email Lisa B. Terry, OVMF Manager, veterans@howardcountymd.gov.