Through the Open Rewards App, you can now earn 5% cashback on purchases at participating local businesses in Howard County.
Cashback earned can be redeemed at other local businesses in Howard County. The app is available on Android and Apple devices.
The program’s launch comes at the start of Howard County’s Summer 2025 Restaurant & Craft Beverage Weeks. From Aug. 11 to Aug. 24, residents can enjoy special menus and exclusive dishes at over 30 local restaurants.
“With the launch of the innovative new Open Rewards program and our 2025 Summer Restaurant Weeks, we are making it easier than ever to shop and dine local,” County Executive Calvin Ball said outside the Elkridge Furnace Inn. “Every dollar spent at a family-owned shop, neighborhood restaurant, or Main Street boutique helps support our entrepreneurs, create jobs, and keep resources right here in Howard County.”
Ball said he gave $200,000 in funding to launch and support the cashback program in Fiscal Year 2025.
Participating businesses can be identified with a “Local HoCo” sign.
The county said once you link a credit or debit card in the app, you automatically start earning cash back for businesses registered with Visit Howard County, Old Ellicott City and the Howard County Economic Development Authority.
“We are more excited than ever to deliver a rewards program built around our local economy,” said Amanda Hof, the executive director of Visit Howard County. “Even better—Open Rewards subscribers can continue earning rewards after Restaurant Weeks on purchases across the county, from retail and entertainment to attractions and even contributions to nonprofit organizations.”
For every $100 spent at local businesses, $68 remains in the community, according to Visit Howard County. Only $43 out of $100 spent at chain retailers stays in the local community.
“So not only are you going to experience new plates of delicious food, but you will also be supporting your communities and small businesses,” said Tricia Hudson, co-owner of Hudson Coastal Raw Bar & Grille and president of the Visit Howard County board.
Hudson’s restaurant is one of more than 30 participating in the county’s summer restaurant weeks. The two-week-long event showcases local restaurants with special menu items and beverages.
“At Anegada Delights Caribbean Cuisine and Circuit Grounds Café, we’re excited to be part of the Summer Restaurant Weeks kickoff and the launch of the Local HoCo Open Rewards program,” said Elizabeth Ndungu, owner of Anegada Delights Caribbean Cuisine. “Catering continues to be a vibrant part of our business — we love bringing the rich, Caribbean-inspired flavors from our kitchens to corporate events, celebrations, and gatherings throughout the community.”
You can find the list of participating restaurants on the Visit Howard County website – or look on the Open Rewards app and earn cashback.
“If you can’t work local, at least, play local. Learn local. Support local. Be local! Enjoy local and fix local where you can. We are your neighbors, your colleagues, your friends,” said Donna Wecker, Elkridge Furnace Inn owner and Visit Howard County board member.
