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E-Newsletter | July 28, 2022
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Chamber Events and Announcements |
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NOMINATIONS EXTENDED TO JULY 31! |
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BUSINESS RESOURCES AND PARTNER EVENTS |
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$10,000 - $65,000 Grants Available in Houston |
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OPEN FOR BUSINESS GRANTS OPENS AUG 9th |
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In February 2022, Wells Fargo announced a $20 million donation to the Houston Fund for Social Justice and Economic Equity, known as the Houston Equity Fund to provide small business owners with new ways to grow and own more of their businesses. The Houston Equity Fund will distribute the funding in the form of grants towards the purchase of property, equipment and other tangible assets, supporting economic development in underserved communities.
The purpose of the Open for Business Grant Program (i.e. OFB Grant Program) is to advance the mission of the Houston Equity Fund to enact transformational change by investing resources into organizations and initiatives that empower and uplift communities of color.
The OFB Grant Program will focus on serving mission-aligned diverse-owned small businesses with employees of 1-50 (including the owner) and are located in and positively impact vulnerable communities within the City of Houston.
Who is the Houston Equity Fund?
The Houston Equity Fund’s mission is to enact transformational change by investing resources into organizations and initiatives that empower and uplift communities of color. The Houston Equity Fund’s four pillars are Social and Racial Justice, Economic Development, Youth Empowerment and Education, and Community Building.
When and how do I apply for this grant?
Please visit the Houston Equity Fund’s website to find a link to the application portal. The online application portal for Round 1 will open at 9:00 AM on August 9, 2022. The application will close at 11:59 PM on August 23, 2022.
What are the terms of the grant?
Grants will range from $10,000 - $65,000. Grant award amounts will be made on a case-by-case basis. Generally, awards will not exceed 10% of 2021 Gross Annual Revenue. The grant period is 12 months. Grant funds must be fully utilized and/or committed within 6 months when the first report is due. A final report is due after the end of the 12-month grant period.
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ACE NextGen would like to extend a VIP invite to you for our 5th Annual National Conference on October 12-14, 2022 in Chicago at the McDonald’s Global Headquarters.
The conference theme this year is Unity. The intention is to unite, connect and empower AAPI entrepreneurs and business owners across the country. VIP tickets are available to you and your special guests for $150 each (Please use code UNITYACC at checkout). Alternatively, regular conference tickets are $1,000 and proceeds go back to our nonprofit initiatives to support AAPI small businesses.
- Access to 20 different speakers and workshops including Bing Chen of Gold House, Bryan Pham & Maggie Chui of Asian Hustle Network, & Andrew Yang of Humanity Forward. Topics include: Profit First, Traction 101, Crypto, & Mindfulness
- Gala Ticket to the Pathfinder Awards Ceremony Celebration with Live DJ/Poker
- Networking opportunities with 200+ AAPI entrepreneurs from across America
- Founder Pass to meet local Chicago AAPI business founders
- Meet speakers and special guests like Karen Eng of National ACE, Andrew Chau of Boba Guys, Ha Nguyen of 7leaves, Bill Imada of IW Group
- Free ACE NextGen membership for 2023
- Food and Beverage for the 2-Day Conference
Please email Kat Pham, the ACE NextGen Program Director, at kat@acenextgen.org if you have any questions.
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The Office of the Governor would like to announce the launch of a new recovery program, the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant Program (TTIR), which will begin accepting applications July 6, 2022. The purpose of this program is to provide grants to Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted due to COVID-19.
The TTIR program will issue a one-time grant of up to $20,000 to eligible Texas businesses in the following industries: arts, entertainment, and recreation; food services and drinking places; traveler accommodation; RV parks and recreational camps; traveler arrangement and reservation services; convention and tradeshow organizers; breweries; wineries; and distilleries.
Applications will be accepted in phases by industry group. Below is a listing of application timelines, based on business NAICS code.
Application Timelines:
- Category 1 – July 6 to July 31, 2022: NAICS 312120, 312130, 312140, 5615, 561920, and 7212
- Category 2 – August 1 to August 21, 2022: NAICS 71
- Category 3 – August 22 to September 11, 2022: NAICS 7211
- Category 4 – September 12 to October 2, 2022: NAICS 722
- Category 5 – If funds remain after the first four phases a fifth phase will revisit any unfunded applications to award the remaining funds.
The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office will host a series of webinars for specific industry groups to provide more information and answer questions on the program and application process. To register for the webinars and for eligibility and grant application details, deadlines, and more, click the link below.
Applications will be accepted through the TTIR Program Portal beginning July 6, 2022, in accordance with application timelines by industry grouping.
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Networking Events/ Opportunities
The inclusion of events in this eblast does not equal an endorsement of any products or services.
The Office of Business Opportunity Solution Center conducts workshops throughout the Houston Community. Some of our workshops are in partnership with SCORE, the Houston Public Library, the UH Small Business Development Center, and other business organizations.
Vision:
The Office of Business Opportunity’s vision is to eliminate systemic barriers to prosperity and economic opportunity in the Greater Houston region.
Mission:
The Office of Business Opportunity is committed to cultivating an inclusive and competitive economic environment in the City of Houston by promoting the success of small businesses and developing Houston’s workforce, with a special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.
Examples of our workshop topics include: Starting a Houston Business, Business Plan Basics, Financing, Franchising and Social and Media Marketing. Our upcoming workshops, programs, and appearances are detailed below.
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Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network or looking to diversify your talent, A World of Opportunity Awaits at WE22.
Join SWE from October 20-22, 2022 in Houston, TX for the world’s largest conference and career fair for women in engineering and technology. Each year, this highly anticipated event draws thousands of attendees of all career levels and disciplines together to pursue growth, expand their network and explore new career opportunities. 200+ professional development sessions, unique networking opportunities and a robust career fair make WE22 an effective opportunity to engage with the SWE community, reach recruitment goals and align your organization with SWE’s values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
See what awaits you at WE22 October 20-22, 2022 in Houston, TX. Visit we22.swe.org!
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Husch Blackwell is offering eligible minority businesses free legal services to see them grow and develop. If you are a small, minority-owned business or minority entrepreneur seeking legal assistance related to your business, apply at: huschblackwell.com/communities-for-change-intake-application. The ideal applicant is a viable company, meeting its financial obligations to expand and employ, but is unable to afford legal services. For more information, e-mail Quinncy McNeal, Pro Bono Counsel at quinncy.mcneal@huschblackwell.com or call 713-525-6253.
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Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator is dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers. Grow your business with access to financial support, strategic business guidance and mentorship, and marketing and promotional support. |
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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Applications are now open for the Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Fund - a new program created by a diverse group of community lenders aimed at helping small businesses and nonprofits navigate and rebuild from the Covid-19 health and economic crisis. Small business owners and nonprofits, with fewer than 50 employees, across the South can apply for very low interest loans of up to $100,000 and free business support. For more information and to apply, visit: www.TheSoarFund.org.
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U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx have teamed up to create the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program. This program helps small businesses prepare for a disaster and offers immediate relief funding for those prepared businesses when a disaster strikes their region. More than 100 grants of $5,000 each are expected to be distributed between June 2022 and May 2023.
"FedEx is proud to continue its long history of supporting small business resiliency and recovery. This multi-year commitment with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation allows us to contribute directly to small businesses that actively prepare for natural disasters," said Jenny Robertson, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Communications at FedEx.
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How it Works
This program is designed to encourage preparedness and resiliency. We want to ensure that all small businesses have what they need to deal with the impacts of a disaster in their community.
The R4R program provides resources and incentives for small businesses to take the actions they need to become more resilient, including the distribution of grants following a disaster.
Step 1: Complete the Preparedness Checklist
Download FedEx’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Small Businesses (available in English and Spanish), and make sure you have completed an Emergency Action Plan as outlined in the checklist.
Step 2: Apply
Step 3: Grants Awarded
- Your business is located within an area impacted by the declared disaster.
- Your application was submitted before the disaster occurred.
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National ACE’s AAPISTRONG Annual Conference will deliver engaging leadership programming and networking opportunities for AAPI business leaders. Attendees will discover innovative opportunities, receive legislative updates, and hear from founders, investors, and community leaders who are setting new industry standards. Breakout rooms will include a discussion led by panelists from industry leaders, who will share best practices for growth, contracting opportunities, and matchmaking, and will include a local chamber development track. Attendees can attend the Marketplace Expo, one-on-one matchmaker meetings between suppliers and top corporations, panels with Fortune 500 companies, and an awards dinner celebrating the achievements of our AAPI business leaders and community advocates.
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Governor's Small Business Webinar Series -
Basics of Business Licensing
When: Thursday, July 28 I 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Where: Online Webinar
About:
The Governor’s Small Business Webinar Series – Basics of Business Licensing will provide resources and information to small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs on how to license their business in Texas. This webinar is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and gain deeper knowledge about the business licensing and permitting process.
The Governor's Small Business Team, alongside the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, the Office of the Secretary of State, and a business law attorney are eager to share their expertise and answer any questions you may have.
Registration is free and includes a live Q&A!
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Fort Bend ISD's Small Business Enterprise Program (SBEP)
The Fort Bend Independent School District's Small Business Enterprise Program (“SBEP”) Focus Group is calling for participants.
Read more
asianchamber-hou.org
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OSHA's Guide in Preparing for Hurricane Season |
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LGBTBE Certified Firms now Searchable in the City of Houston’s Certified Firm Directory
The City of Houston’s certified firm directory now includes certified LGBT Businesses Enterprises (LGBTBE). This partnership was made possible through Executive Order 1-70: City Inclusion and Opportunity Initiative for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Business Community (E.O.), signed by Mayor Turner on March 4, 2021. This E.O. established a historic collaboration between the City of Houston, the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce, and the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber of Commerce. The formal recognition of LGBTBEs in City procurement will serve as a catalyst for increased access and economic gains for the LGBT business community.
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Employers looking to hire young, local talent can find great candidates through the #HireHoustonYouth Job Board, which is open for employers to post positions that are available to youth 16 to 24 on a year-round and summer basis.
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Work for Port Houston
Get in on the action at Port Houston where You can be a part of a great team; where You can help create an environment of excellence; where You can be a part of a tradition, more than 100 years in the making.
We want your work at Port Houston to be more than a job – we want it to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging and rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, competitive pay, benefits that protect you and your family, and a high performance culture that recognizes and values your contributions and helps you reach your career goals.
We offer all full-time employees benefits that allow employees to choose the benefits they desire and need.
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The MBDA seeks to resolve the challenges faced by minority business enterprises (MBEs) in the export industry. Through outreach to minorities in the masses, MBDA will identify those who are not exporting and would like to explore the opportunity to export. We provide technical assistance and business development services for MBEs to have greater access to new and global markets. The criteria to participate in this program is to have a registered business for three years or have a registered business with an export ready product. If you are new to business and would like to learn what it takes to become an exporter, your ambition is also welcome. We are thankful to expand the MBDA strategy by helping minorities grow, flourish, and gain greater access to global markets.
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
EVENTS & RESOURCES
WORKFORCE WEBINAR SERIES
In case you missed the Workforce Webinar Series, all recordings are now available on our website at http://houstontx.gov/obo/workforce_development_programs.html . Go on to hear from some wonderful partners like Dress for Success Houston, Houston Financial Empowerment Center, JW Marriott and more to hear about their offerings for job seekers.
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In an effort to assist small businesses in navigating the City’s procurement process, the Office of Business Opportunity, in collaboration with the Strategic Procurement Division, is pleased to present the new City of Houston (COH) Procurement 101 Tool. These web-based, on-demand training videos walk prospective City contractors through topics including How to Bid on Contracts, Responding to RFPs, RFQs, and ITBs, Pre-Bid Meetings, Structuring the Team – Prime & Sub, Contract Terms & Conditions, and much more. The web-based training videos are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. |
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Do you have a small business or a nonprofit affected by
COVID-19?
Get a FREE legal consultation
through our HSBLC Program.
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Stay Connected on Social Media |
PLATINUM CORPORATE MEMBERS |
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DIAMOND CORPORATE MEMBERS |
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GOLD BUSINESS MEMBERS
AARP Texas, Allegiance Bank, BlueCross BlueShield, China Star Restaurant Group, Cole Chemical & Distributing, Focused Care at Westwood, Foster LLP, Indus Communities, Jascole, Inc., Mattioli Vision Professionals, Nguyen & Chen, LLP, Offshore Intel, The Red Cardinal Group at Morgan Stanley, Royal Public Schools, Savve Concepts, Sheraton Houston Brookhollow, TexPower, Truist Bank, University of Houston-Victoria at Katy, and Utegration
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LIFETIME MEMBERS
Kristopher Ahn, Yong J. An, Dr. Parvin Bagherpour, The Honorable Theresa Chang, The Honorable Alice Chen, Donna Cole, Lucy DeVilla, Trung Doan, Harry Gee, Jr., Glen Gondo, Shahid Javed, Shirley Kwan, Catherine A. Le, Stephen Le, Jr., C.C. Lee, Kenneth Li, Chris Nam, Gordon Quan, Randy Sim, Y. Ping Sun, E. Allan Tiller, Irsan Tisnabudi, Linda Toyota, Don Wang, Don Woo, Jason Yoo, and Austin Zhao
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