Todd Dolbin, Business Development Representative, Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development 

With hackers in the headlines everyday, a growing force of cybersecurity entrepreneurs is developing technologies to stay ahead of the threats.  

But like all new businesses, these cyber startups need office space, business connections, funding, and access to research.

The Cync Program at UMBC is a unique partnership between Northrop Grumman and the Cyber Incubator@bwtech, with an eye toward commercializing technologies that protect the nation from a growing range of cyber threats. The program builds on bwtech@UMBC’s successful business incubator framework by offering a scholarship program for companies with the most promising cybersecurity ideas.

The competitive Cync Program is currently accepting applications from high-potential, early-stage companies from across the country looking to further develop and commercialize their technologies. If you’re an innovative, technology-driven startup company involved with Cyber, Data Sciences, Big Data, Secure Mobility, or Physical Systems, then this program is right for you.   

Selected participants will be able to draw on UMBC’s extensive research resources and have onsite access to senior representatives from Northrop Grumman who will provide technical and business advisory support. In addition, Cync companies will be provided with the same furnished, class-A office space and business support services that other Cyber Incubator companies enjoy – a value of more than $20,000 a year – all at no cost.

Check out the Cync Program Information Page and the Cync FAQ Sheet for more information about the program and how to apply. Good Luck!

bwtech@UMBC is the only Maryland enterprise to combine business incubators with a research and technology park serving companies by offering a full spectrum of company support: early-stage, emerging, and mature.  With over 118 tenants and almost 1,200 employees, bwtech@UMBC generates over $168 million in spending in the Baltimore region.  

For more information on locating in Baltimore County, contact the Baltimore County Department of Economic and Workforce Development at businesshelp@baltimorecountymd.gov or 410-887-8000, or visit our website. 

Kelly Hale, LCSW-C, Supervisor & Erica L. Fowlkes LCSW-C, Housing Coordinator, Project Home/Adult Foster Care, Baltimore County Department of Social Services

Wilma Robinson has been a Project Home/Adult Foster Care home-care provider for almost 20 years. Helping others appeals to her, but she admits the job isn’t for everyone.

“You really have to want to do it, and you really have to like people. You have to put your heart and mind into it,” the Halethorpe resident said.

Project Home and Adult Foster Care are two programs for Baltimore County adults who need some help with daily living but not the full services of a nursing home or other facility. The programs serve adults 18 and over who are on limited incomes and without family members who can help them. Most program participants are between the ages of 35 and 72. 

Both programs, which have different funding streams, offer these adults a safe, supportive setting in the community. Care providers such as Wilma Robinson may provide care for up to four adults. They, like Robinson, are Certified Adult Residential Environment (CARE) providers. As such, they undergo criminal background checks and receive training in CPR, First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens. Additionally, their homes must pass health and fire inspections.

Currently, Robinson has three adult women living in her home. She said she wears “many hats” in her job. As a home-care provider, she’s responsible for providing things such as three nutritious meals a day, snacks, personal care and help with shopping and budgeting. She also helps arrange transportation to clients’ medical appointments. Most importantly, she serves as the liaison between each client’s care team of doctors, psychiatrists and/or social workers. 

She said her decision to offer home care for Project Home and Adult Foster Care clients has been a satisfying one. “I really do like my people,” Robinson said. “Everybody needs somebody, and I’ve loved every minute of it.” 

To learn more about Project Home/Adult Foster Care, please contact Kelly Hale at 410-853-3511, Erica Fowlkes at 410-853-3518, or visit our website.