Business Development Program Applications Close March 31

Small business owners interested in participating in Build Up Houston and the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program, cohort-based business development programs offered by the Office of Business Opportunity, have through March 31 to submit their applications. Both programs are offered free of charge and are set to begin in May.

Build Up Houston

An executive education program that provides small business owners with practical business education, a supportive business network, and access to contracting opportunities, Build Up Houston is open to all businesses, including those in construction, technology, and in the service, restaurant, and hospitality industries.

The program returns to an in-person setting this year and will take place 5-8 p.m. each Tuesday through November. The curriculum features the “StreetWise MBA” by Interise, which provides business knowledge, management know-how, and the networks needed to grow established small businesses.

“Build Up Houston gives you the benefits of classroom learning, real-world case studies and mentorship from industry experts,” said OBO Director Marsha E. Murray. “Based on program assessment data, graduates of this program have reported increased revenue and new insights on procurement practices in the public and private sectors.”

To qualify for Build Up Houston, a business must be: Certified with the City of Houston; Operating for a minimum of two years; One with a minimum of two (2) employees; One with a minimum annual revenue of $150,000.

To apply, go to programs.interise.org/ houston.

Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP)

The City of Houston, Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston Independent School District, Port Houston, Houston Community College, and Houston First Corporation has teamed together for the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP).

IMPP exists to strengthen effective working relationships and to foster long term stability between established companies and local agencies with emerging historically underutilized businesses. The goals of IMPP are to enhance the business skills and broaden the base of historically underutilized businesses by providing the knowledge and experience of established firms.

This 8-week program, held 6-8 p.m. every Tuesday beginning in May, will take place virtually.

Benefits of participating in IMPP include understanding business financials and bidding, creating and strengthening working relationships between established and emerging companies, understanding how to do business with local government agencies, and technical assistance in specific areas for protégés.

To qualify for IMPP, a business must be: Currently certified as a Small, Women-owned, Veteran-owned, Minority-owned, or Disadvantaged Business Enterprise with any, or all, of the partnering agencies: City of Houston, METRO, Port Houston, HISD, HCC, or Houston First Corporation; In continuous operation for at the last 24 months; One with an annual average revenue between $150,000 and $4 million in the past three years; One with a minimum of four (4) employees; Able to commit to nine (9) workshops; Able to identify the type of guidance needed for development.

For more information about Build Up Houston or the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program, contact porscha.jackson@houstontx.gov. More information is also at houstontx.gov/builduphouston or http://houstontx.gov/obo/mentor_protege.html.