Houston OBO Insights to Opportunity - Spring 2024

INSIGHTS TO

O P P O R T U N I T Y

THE OFFICE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF SERVICE

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The Office of Business Opportunity commemorates 40 years of dedicated service to the City of Houston. Established to foster economic growth and inclusivity, OBO plays a pivotal role in supporting small businesses and empowering historically underutilized enterprises in the Greater Houston region. Read more on page 10.

A Message From the Interim Director

Greetings,

As we continue our mission to foster growth, innovation, and inclusivity within our community, I want to take a moment to reflect on the core values that guide us at the Office of Business Opportunity:

Support Citizens: Our commitment to citizens is unwavering We strive to create an environment where everyone can access resources, opportunities, and mentorship By supporting local businesses, we empower individuals to thrive and contribute to the economic fabric of our city.

Educate Stakeholders: Knowledge is power We believe in transparency and education Whether providing workshops for entrepreneurs or sharing insights with our partners, we aim to equip stakeholders with the information they need to make informed decisions

Respect Teamwork: Collaboration drives progress Our success is a collective effort, and we value each team member’s perspective Fostering an environment of respect, trust, and open communication can help us achieve remarkable outcomes

Value Entrepreneurship: Innovation is at the heart of economic growth We celebrate risk-takers, visionaries, and those who dare to dream big. Our programs and initiatives encourage entrepreneurship, helping businesses flourish and ideas come to life.

Embrace Diversity: Our community is rich in diversity, and we embrace it wholeheartedly By celebrating different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives, we create a vibrant ecosystem where creativity thrives and barriers dissolve.

We will keep these values at the forefront of our work as we move forward They are not just words on paper but the compass guiding us toward a stronger, more resilient community

Meet the Insights to Opportunities Staff

Cylenthia Hoyrd, Interim Director

Norma Meadows, Chief of Staff

Brandon Jones, External Affairs Manager/Editor

Andrea Sidlauskas, Communications Specialist/Writer

Pillars for Success February 21, 2024

Pillars for Success (Pillars), operating within the Blue Wave Supplier Development Program, is the latest addition to the City of Houston’s business development programs.

On February 21, 2024, 16 entrepreneurs graduated from the first-ever cohort of Pillars - a dynamic initiative to foster growth and success for small businesses in the Houston area.

“I’m super proud of completing the program because there’s so much work,”

Rachel Cevallos de Gonzales, CEO of Identity Plus, LLC, said. “When I filled out the first assessment, it was so sad because I scored a zero But by the time I was going through the second and third assessments, I had all the documentation I needed to do business on a grand scale. I went from a zero to 99 percent”

Pillars was designed to impact diverse Houston-area firms through business growth by assisting entrepreneurs in expanding their business scope and vision, accessing new businesses and markets, strengthening supply chains, increasing visibility, recruiting and hiring qualified staff, and collaborating with key stakeholders

Our program, built on the foundation of seven pillars, offers a unique opportunity for businesses to connect and collaborate It's a journey towards transformational success, guided by practical workshops, self-assessments, coaching services, and invaluable sessions with industry experts and business peers. You're not alone in this journey.

Pillars continued

“I think having those particular pillars is critical,” said Charles Lang, President of Azuris Consulting “Anybody looking to participate in this program, don’t hesitate. It’s a great opportunity to grow your knowledge, business, and, most importantly, relationships”

Success isn’t just about reaching the top; it’s about building a solid foundation that supports sustainable growth Pillars for Success is a pathway to business excellence. These entrepreneurs gained the tools, knowledge, and connections needed to thrive in today’s competitive landscape by focusing on these seven pillars For more information on this transformative program, please visit https://www.houstontx.gov/pillars-forsuccess/indexhtml

The Asian Social Success Story

Celebrating

AAPI Heritage Month with a platform that connects users with all things Asian in Houston

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in the United States. This annual observance recognizes the significant contributions and influence of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islander Americans to America’s history, culture, and achievements

Vivienne Kwon founded AsianSocial, a platform that offers access to Asian food and culture.

“I came up with The AsianSocial so that we can close the gap a little bit more so that both Asian and nonAsian groups can engage more easily,” Kwon said

The AsianSocial website provides information about Asian food and culture

Users can save their favorite flavors, discover Asian restaurants, businesses, and events, and connect with people in their local area

Whether users are looking for dim sum, bubble tea, or authentic Indian dishes, AsianSocial helps them find the best spots. The website also keeps users informed about events happening in their community. Users can connect with others who share similar interests and attend exciting gatherings.

"Asian culture is very diverse," Kwon said "There's a lot of mystery. By using AsianSocial, we can educate one another and bridge the unknowns together to become more familiar."

AsianSocial is more than just a platform; it's a vibrant community of food enthusiasts, travelers, and culture lovers. Connect with like-minded individuals, share your favorite spots, and learn from each other's experiences Your voice matters here

If interested, you can sign up on the AsianSocial website to explore and participate in this vibrant community

Turnaround Entrepreneurship Program Program Highlight

Program aims to assist Houstonians touched by criminal justice system

The Turnaround Entrepreneurship Program (TEP), administered by the Office of Business Opportunity with support from Houston’s Complete Communities and the Houston Health Department’s Community Re-Entry Network Program, is a vital initiative launched to address the barriers to employment many Houstonians face. This program provides essential resources, training, and support to help individuals turn their lives around and achieve economic independence.

On March 28, 2024, 10 participants graduated from the 10-week program that guides participants through the process of launching their own

businesses. The program covers essential topics such as business planning, marketing, financial management, and legal considerations Participants receive mentorship, workshops, and practical tools to build successful enterprises.

“I learned how to revamp my business as a person affected by the criminal justice system,” Dorian Dovai, owner of Stamped Vintage, LLC, said. “Much of the information I’ve been given in this program isn’t as easily and readily accessible to implement, and now I have something tailored for me.”

TEP focuses on two key objectives: business start-up and financial literacy. Throughout the program, previously incarcerated individuals learn how to start and operate their businesses, and participants work to increase their credit scores, which enhances their access to capital and financial opportunities

"If you want to start a new business, and you know the struggles that we go through being justice impacted, then the best thing to do to get economically stable is to learn how to have your own business," Tandy Marshall, owner of Accrue A New, LLC, said

TEP exemplifies OBO's dedication to creating opportunities for all residents By empowering individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to start and sustain their businesses, TEP contributes to a stronger, more resilient Houston. Since the program's inception in 2019, there have been four cohorts and 29 graduates.

“This program is an amazing service offered by the City of Houston,” OBO Business Development Coordinator Jessica DelGreco said. “I’m proud to stand with the City of Houston and the programs offered to help the community.”

As we continue to celebrate success stories, let us recognize the transformative impact of entrepreneurship on our community

For more information about applying for the next TEP cohort, please email Jessica.DelGreco@houstontx.gov. Applications will open in the Fall.

The Office of Business Opportunity has made significant strides since its inception in 1984. Here are a few ways OBO has had a positive impact on the Houston community in the last 40 years:

$4B

Awarded to Minority, Women, and Small Business Enterprises

56

Graduates from the Build Up Houston capacity building program

29

Formerly incarcerated individuals learned startup business skills with the Turnaround Entrepreneurship Program

Average MWSBE participation rate in Fiscal Year 2023, the highest in OBO’s recorded history 36.2%

In start-up capital awarded to emerging entrepreneurs in the Liftoff Houston Start-Up Business Plan Competition OVER

5,650

Firms certified by the City of Houston

6,730

Job seekers participated in 22 Turnaround Houston Readiness and Disaster Recovery Hiring Fairs

1,014

Graduates from Turner School of Construction Management

$330,000

40 YEARS OF SERVICE

For four decades, the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) has been a beacon of progress in the heart of Houston. Established as the Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance (AACC) in 1984, OBO has tirelessly championed the cause of small businesses, historically underutilized enterprises, and disenfranchised individuals.

“Before the Office of Business Opportunity came about, we had the Affirmative Action and Contract Compliance Division,” OBO Chief Financial Officer Patsy Jackson said. “AACC provided contract compliance, certification, training, and workshops. They did some of the things that we do now, but not on the scale that we do it”

In a city as diverse as Houston, equity matters. OBO has been unwavering in its commitment to historically underutilized businesses (HUBs). By fostering an inclusive environment, OBO has assisted in leveling the playing field, ensuring that all entrepreneurs regardless of background have a fair shot at success. OBO has not just streamlined but has also made the certification process a breeze, making it easier for businesses to qualify for city contracts.

“The driving force behind OBO's establishment was a deep-rooted commitment to small businesses,” Jackson emphasized. “Our aim is to witness their triumph, expansion, and evolution. We are steadfast in our resolve to provide the necessary programs for their growth and development”

OBO, acknowledging the pivotal role of small businesses in a thriving economy, has actively championed their success We have not just provided resources, mentorship, and access to opportunities, but have also been instrumental in helping entrepreneurs secure contracts and offering workshops on business development. OBO has been a beacon of support for countless visionaries, igniting the spark of growth and success.

As OBO embarks on its fourth decade, our vision remains resolute: to eradicate systemic barriers to prosperity and economic opportunity in the Greater Houston region Under the leadership of Interim Director Cylenthia Hoyrd, OBO will persist in driving positive change, uplifting communities, and forging pathways to success

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