Millworks Business Resource Center and Coworking Space Opens in Ellicott City
The center will provide businesses access to recovery resources
Columbia, MD (January 19, 2017) – The Howard County Economic Development Authority (HCEDA) cut the ribbon and opened the door on Millworks, a new business resource center and coworking space on Main Street Ellicott City, named after the towns legacy as a mill town.
The center, which is located at 8098 Main Street, will provide a central location for businesses and property owners to gain access to business and recovery resources.
“We are grateful to have such an amazing team of partner organizations committed to helping us rebuild Ellicott City,” said Lawrence Twele, CEO of the HCEDA. “After all the work we have done to help the businesses here it only felt right to continue this journey alongside them in the heart of Ellicott City as they continue the rebuilding process.”
Organizations participating in the center include the HCEDA, SBA (Small Business Administration), SBDC (Small Business Development Center), DHCD (Maryland Department of Housing & Community Development), Preservation Maryland, One EC Recovery Project and the Ellicott City Partnership (ECP).
“The property owners, business and residents of Main Street and the West End have made a remarkable recovery in the last six months, but we know there is still more to do,” said Howard County Executive Allan H. Kittleman. “The presence of this resource center on Main Street is another commitment of our resolve to continue working with the community and rebuilding Ellicott City as a model resilient community.”
Coworking space and free WI-FI will be made available during business hours for individuals looking for a place to work for the day, along with space for special events and training.
“We want this to be a place for the community,” said Twele. “We want people to come into Ellicott City often to see what is going on here and to be a part of the rebuilding process.”
Two additional offices on the upper floor will be leased out for business use. The Ellicott City Partnership will take over one of the office spaces, after selecting Millworks as the new location for their organization on Main Street.
The other office will be occupied by NextLOGiK, Inc., a resident company at the Maryland Center for Entrepreneurship, who will be using the space as an additional location outside the incubator.
“We are humbled to be a part of rebuilding historic Ellicott City,” Says Kirk Couser, CEO NextLOGiK. “Our community has shown how strong it is in the wake of disaster and has come together to not only rebuild and restore but revitalize. We look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead through our partnerships with the Howard County Economic Development Authority and Ellicott City Partnership.”
Millworks will be open for limited hours today and tomorrow. Starting Monday, January 23 it will be open Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. The building was available for rent at the time of the flood.
About HCEDA
The Howard County Economic Development Authority is a public-private partnership whose primary goal is to promote economic growth and stability by supporting existing businesses, targeting new businesses, and attracting corporate/regional headquarters. The Authority also maintains several programs aimed at the special needs of small and agricultural businesses. Additionally, the Authority strives to preserve the distinctive quality of life in Howard County. The Authority can be reached at www.hceda.org.
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Media Contact:
Brian Sheavly
Howard County Economic Development Authority
Office: (410) 313-6500
Cell: (443)-841-2265
bsheavly@hceda.org
