November 20, 2020
Media Contact:
Scott Peterson, Director of Communications, Office of Public Information, 202-277-9412
Pair deliver $22,500 in grants
ELLICOTT CITY, MD – Today, Howard County Executive Calvin Ball was joined by Maryland’s First Lady Yumi Hogan to visit Korean businesses in Howard County and deliver $22,500 in HoCo RISE Business Grants. Ball and Hogan visited nine businesses along Baltimore National Pike in Ellicott City, meeting with owners and awarding each a $2,500 grant. Photos of their visits can be found here.
“Diversity is a hallmark of Howard County, and our Korean-American community serves a vital role in contributing to the cultural vibrancy that makes our County one of the most attractive locations to live, work and play in the country,” said Ball. “Howard County is home to more than 12,000 Korean-Americans, and many live or operate businesses in Ellicott City. It was a joy to deliver these much-needed business grants alongside the First Lady who was a resident of Howard County and continues to serve here.”
"I commend Howard County Executive Dr. Calvin Ball and his administration for understanding the importance of Korean businesses and helping with their unprecedented challenges during this pandemic,” said First Lady Yumi Hogan. “I am truly impressed and inspired by our Korean business owners who have shown strength and resilience despite extremely difficult times. Maryland will continue to work together with the county to support them in any way possible.”
The pair presented checks and met with owners from:
- Daall House Inc (Kim Bob Na Ra)
- IKKYU
- IS Manna Inc
- K Pocha Inc
- WIBS LIC (ShinChon Garden)
- HKGDJ Inc. (Mannarang)
- Hanjoongkwan
- Uma Uma Inc
- Tous Les Jours Bakery & Café LLC
To date, County Executive Ball has allocated $5.7 million HoCo RISE Business Grants to:
- 249 child care providers
- 202 retail businesses
- 146 restaurants
- 45 farms
- 21 hotels, and
- 3 performing art venues
Recently, Ball announced a second round of business grants for these same sectors and additional funding through Maryland’s Restaurant Relief Fund for restaurants. Businesses that received a grant in the first round, are eligible to receive one this second round. Businesses that did not receive a grant in the first round may apply now at www.hceda.org/c19grants. The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m., November 29, 2020.
To track Howard County’s CARES Act spending, please visit the newly launched CARES Spending Dashboard.