Networking Events/Opportunities | |
The inclusion of events in this eblast does not equal an endorsement of any products or services.
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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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Deadline to register is today! | |
Applications close on Friday! | |
Schedule today for Wed, August 30! | |
Join the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity and SCORE Houston for a panel discussion designed for City of Houston vendors. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about doing business with the City of Houston and how SCORE Houston can support you while running your business. During each monthly meeting get your business questions answered by industry and Office of Business Opportunity experts and SCORE Mentors. Gain the information and support you need to provide your products and services as a City of Houston vendor. | |
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Are you an entrepreneur with a great business idea?
Are you ready to take your business to the next level?
Join the SURESM Program at the University of Houston!
This award-winning program for local entrepreneurs offers:
- Business education with no tuition or fees, just your hard work and total commitment.
- Open enrollment to the public—you do not have to be a UH student.
- Lectures given by industry experts in their field and mentorship by UH business students.
- Topics cover accounting, finance, marketing, supply chain management, and more.
You can expect great benefits that include:
- How to write a business plan.
- Preparing to pitch to banks and other institutions for funding.
- Developing networking skills and effective communication.
- Learning strategies to create a demand for your product and/or services.
- Structuring a sustainable and scalable business.
To apply for Fall 2023, you must attend the SURESM Application Day in person at
University of Houston on August 12th.
Click here to get your free tickets to the
SURESM Application Day.
If the above link does not work, enter this URL into your internet browser: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fall-2023-suresm-program-application-day-tickets-657736747317
If you still have questions or need more details, please email [email protected].
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Houston Public Works’ Premier Construction and Engineering Networking Event! | |
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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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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Houston Small Business Legal Consultations (HSBLC)
The HSBLC coalition is a coordinated effort with the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity and participating law firms providing FREE, holistic, focused consultations via telephone with pro bono lawyers assisting Houston area small businesses.
Get a FREE legal consultation
through our HSBLC Program.
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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 [email protected] 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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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.
For contact information,
please visit our website at www.mbdaexporthouston.com.
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The due date for the 2022 Economic Census has now passed. Businesses who received an invitation to respond to the census but have not yet replied are receiving past due notices from the U.S. Census Bureau with instructions on how to respond and how to get assistance. Response is required by law. We support and encourage response to the 2022 Economic Census.
Check the How Do I Get Started page for detailed instructions on how to create an account to begin reporting, to check filing status or ask for an extension. Businesses that need to request an extension can do so by logging into their account via the respondent portal, entering the authentication code sent to them by mail or email (found on the invitation to participate) and accessing their survey card. Help completing the survey is available Monday – Friday, 8am to 8pm ET by calling the customer help line on their letter.
By completing the Economic Census, companies contribute to a wealth of valuable data that can help grow their business. For more information visit:
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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
EVENTS & RESOURCES
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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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