October 2024

Tammi Wallace (she/her/hers)

Co-Founder and President & CEO

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

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We are excited to announce that Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP (GRSM) is one of our newest Impact Partners. So why does that matter to you as a small business? As part of our partnership with Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, we are rolling out an informative learning series, "In the Know: Legal Essentials for Small Businesses." We are kicking off this series this fall, with three more sessions planned for 2025. Thank you, GRSM!

This first workshop series will explore various topics to support our small business. Make your plans to join us for our first workshop in this learning series on November 12 titled "Employee Issues Keeping You Up at Night?". If you're a small biz owner and you have employees, the answer is probably yes. This section will focus on how employment laws impact business. Reserve your spot for this session! It will fill up fast.

BUY HOUSTON. BY HOUSTON.

The Houston Sports Authority launched Buy Houston, By Houston Supplier Diversity Program (BHBH) to engage with diverse local suppliers to maximize procurement opportunities in partnership with high-profile events, starting with the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. This programming supports minority, woman, LGBTQIA+, and veteran-owned businesses through professional development sessions, networking events, and access to subcontract opportunities.

The Houston Sports Authority is actively registering companies for the BHBH program to keep them updated on future opportunities.

First up! Check out the recently issued FIFA RFI to learn about current opportunities. The Houston Sports Authority wants to ensure that Houston area vendors are provided information about these types of opportunities coming down the pipeline.

NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK AWARDS

SBA is now accepting nominations for National Small Business Week which will be celebrated in May 2025! The submission deadline is Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 3:00pm CT

2025 Award Categories: 

• Small Business Person of the Year (National Category)
• Small Business Exporter of the Year (National Category)
• Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year
• Veteran-Owned Small Business of the Year
• Woman-Owned Business of the Year
• Innovation (SBIR/STTR) Recipient of the Year
• Small Business Media Advocate of the Year
• Small Business Community Partner of the Year
• Rural Entrepreneur of the Year

Nomination Guidelines & Forms:

HELP IMPROVE WHAT'S KNOWN ABOUT SMALL BUSINESSES: SURVEY NOW OPEN

The Federal Reserve’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce is a partner in this effort. Owners and key financial decision makers of for-profit businesses, share your recent experiences about whether and how you use debt, what financial conditions you face, and more.

Answers to these questions contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours. Take the 12-minute survey now.

The survey is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. All responses are confidential.

The survey closes November 1, 2024. Questions? Contact Hal Martin at hal.martin@clev.frb.org.

CORPORATE TRANSPARENCY ACT

All businesses are required to report information about ownership to the government.

DEADLINE IS JANUARY 1, 2025

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) went into effect on January 1, 2024. U.S. small businesses are now required to report information about ownership to the government. Enacted in 2021, the CTA aims to combat illicit business activity. Under the new legislation, all small businesses that fall under the criteria of a reporting company must submit a Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI) Report to the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network(FinCEN), providing details identifying individuals who are associated with the reporting company.

HARRIS COUNTY OPPORTUNITY FUND LAUNCHES! APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Recently the Harris County Opportunity Fund Program launched to support small businesses. Loan applications are being accepted now. Whether you’re looking to gain access to capital, purchase new equipment, or invest in marketing, Harris County is here to support your growth. The streamlined application makes it easier than ever to access the funding you need to take your business to the next level. 

Don’t miss out on this opportunity! Apply now and empower your vision with the resources to succeed. For more details, including eligibility criteria, and how to apply, please visit the Harris County Opportunity Fund.

Did you know that the U.S. Small Business District Office is a strategic partner with the Chamber? The Houston District Office hosts many events throughout the month to support small businesses. Search events on the calendar here.

In the fall issue of Business Intersections, we are highlighting our Pride In Business Award Honorees including some of our small biz members!  

Check out the article about Star Sailor, who was honored as the LGBTQ+ Business of the Year.

We are here to support you! Did you enjoy this issue of Small Biz Insights? Do you want to see more or less? Hit reply and let us know!  

With Pride,



The Chamber Team

Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce 

www.houstonlgbtqchamber.com