Letter from the Director
Greetings and Happy 2012! I sincerely hope each of you had a wonderful holiday season with your family, friends, and those you hold dear. As we embark upon a new and what we anticipate to be a very exciting year, the Mayor’s Office of Business Opportunity continues to work diligently in our efforts to Educate, Connect, and Grow small businesses. Read more
Public Works & Engineering: Business Development
Are you familiar with your business advocates in the Public Works & Engineering Department? If not, you should make it a priority. The PWE Small Business Development Group (SBDG) was established for the purpose of promoting equal access to contract and procurement opportunities in the PWE Department for Small, Minority, Women Owned Business Enterprises (S/MWBE). Read more
One Stop Business Center Adds Hire Houston First to Duties
By Neil Polansky, Program Manager Now as part of its daily operations as the premier supplier of free business regulatory information in Houston, the One Stop Business Center has added the administration of Mayor Annise Parker’s Hire Houston First (HHF) initiative to its duties. In addition to disseminating the acclaimed Getting Started Packet, One Stop is now charged with the designation process for Hire Houston First. Read more
Terminal B Redevelopment Underway
By Gracie Orr Houston IAH- It is official. The Houston Airport System’s George Bush Intercontinental Terminal B renovation is underway! On January 23, 2012, a groundbreaking ceremony launched the first phase of the three-phase redevelopment project, created through a public-private partnership between the Houston Airport System and United Airlines. Read More
Turner School of Construction Management: Graduation Ceremony
By Felicia Price On December 14, 2011, the Mayor’s Office of Business Opportunity and Turner Construction hosted the 17th Graduation Ceremony for the Turner School of Construction Management. Fifty participants received certificates of completion, and some of the featured classes offered throughout the course included: estimating and bidding, project management, and financial statements and cash flow management. The course offers individuals in the construction and engineering field, networking opportunities and possible connections to contract opportunities. Read more
Houston Business Development, Inc.: Helping Small Businesses Gain Capital
It is no news to small business owners that access to capital is challenging. If you ask Marlon Mitchell, president of Houston Business Development, Inc., (HBDi) he just might say he has got “your” number. Traditional banks at times are not the answer for credit or collateral challenged businesses. HBDi was created as a non-bank, community lending organization alternative to banks. The loan programs that HBDi offers are designed to meet the needs of the small business community. In fact, the programs are designed to help small businesses get the credit history they need to move to the larger banks. Read more
Success Story: Sunrise Delivery
By Roger Harris, External Affairs Manager Ask Denise Flores and she will tell you: Sunrise Delivery, Inc. delivers the goods. Her firm has been in operation since1981, and is certified by the City of Houston as a Minority and Woman-owned Business Enterprise. Sunrise Delivery, Inc. is a 24 hour delivery service accommodating the entire State of Texas. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that her firm offers delivery and courier services with a fleet of eight vehicles including bobtails, cargo vans, and flatbeds. Read more
Success Story: Hallmark Capital Group
By Roger Harris, External Affairs Manager With a business name like Hallmark Capital Group, one may think that it is a financial institution. However, according to Jason Freeman, President and CEO of Hallmark Capital Group, LLC, the company provides government support services and construction management. Since its inception in 2002, Hallmark has received numerous contracts in the government sector, and used their 8(a) federal designation, State of Texas Historically Underutilized Business, and City of Houston Minority, Small, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certifications to its advantage. Read more
Leave A Comment