Houston OBO Insights to Opportunity - January to March 2021

INSIGHTS TO OPPORTUNITY January - March 2021 | Vol 22 | Issue 1

WHAT’S INSIDE

News & Events from Houston OBO | houstontx.gov/obo

OBO, Strategic Partners Share Mission of Assisting Small Business Community

SBERP Grants Provide Relief For City’s Small Businesses Page 5

Learn Ways to Succeed in Government Procurement Page 7

FROM THE DIRECTOR Greetings, My hope is that despite the hits we have been taking as a community, including the impact from the recent winter storm, that you remain resilient. Undoubtedly, navigating the seemingly unending challenges businesses face is made easier by leaning on those who can provide assistance.

OBO remains here for you as a resource, and in line with our “Strategic Partnership” theme for this newsletter, we certainly don’t do it alone. In this issue, we highlight the importance of relationships we have forged with existing local partners to provide you with support and information.

One example is our partnership with District Director Tim Jeffcoat and his wonderful team at the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) in Go to DIRECTOR, page 10

STRONG PARTNERSHIPS: Collaborative relationships are paramount to the success and impact of OBO’s programs and services.

By: Pearl K. Cajoles

T

he U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) brought together its partner organizations – the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO), BakerRipley, the Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Cámara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber and LiftFund – in a Strategic Alliance Memorandum (SAM) virtual signing held on Jan. 7.

This event formalized the alignment of their missions and their shared commitment to serving Houston’s small business community.

“We are proud and excited about the collaborative relationship we have with the SBA and other strategic partners,” said OBO Director Marsha E. Murray. “The assistance we have all provided to the small business community through the years could not have been possible if we didn’t lean on each other to help implement our programs and services.”

In 2020, OBO and SBA partnered to

educate aspiring entrepreneurs with SBA’s Business Smart workshop, as well as hosting a series of webinars about disaster preparation, international trade and senior citizen entrepreneurship. Several workshops will be announced through the end of the year. The SBA also provides information during OBO’s I’m Certified, What’s Next quarterly workshops and in the Liftoff Houston Startup Business Plan Competition.

And, through the SBA’s informational sessions about the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL), OBO has been able share accurate information with the small business community.

In addition to the organizations present during the SAM signing, OBO also partners with other governmental and nonprofit agencies, Houston-area chambers of commerce, Houston City Council district offices, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and corporate and community partners for mutual assistance with Go to PARTNERSHIPS, page 2

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Partnerships: Collaborative efforts make a difference Continued from page 1 sharing information, instruction and speaking opportunities, and other forms of community programs.

These collaborative partners have been key to the success of OBO’s business and workforce development programming, including the Liftoff Houston, Houston Small Business Legal Consultations Program, the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program, Turner School of Construction Management, Ascend Houston, and the Turnaround Houston Readiness Fairs. Visit houstontx.gov/ OBO to learn more about the scope of OBO’s free services.

“With the recent winter storm and the pandemic continuing through 2021, it is even more important to assist Houston’s small business community with muchneeded information and resources,” Murray said.

“We are so grateful for the invaluable assistance of our strategic partners, and in return, we are eager to help them advance their missions. By working together collectively now and in the future, we look forward to making a real difference in the communities we serve.”

4 Ways Partnerships Can Benefit a Company Foster a Culture of Collaboration Leverage Local Ties Build Trust with a Community Increase Brand Awareness

STRATEGIC ALLIANCE: Representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration and its strategic partners – the Office of Business Opportunity, BakerRipley, the Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Cámara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston, the Greater Houston LGBT Chamber and LiftFund – gathered virtually to formalize their shared commitment to serving Houston’s small business community.

OBO Programs and Partners: Liftoff Houston Startup Business Plan Competition: Houston Public Library, Capital One Bank, SCORE, LiftFund, PeopleFund, U.S. Small Business Admistration, Houston Community College, Houston Business Development, Inc. Houston Small Business Legal Consultations Program: Vinson & Elkins, Akin Gump, Arnold & Porter, Blank Rome, DLA Piper, Fish & Richardson, Greenberg Traurig, Hunton Andrews Kurth, Kilpatrick Townsend, Kirkland & Ellis, Latham & Watkins, Mayer Brown, Morgan Lewis, Norton Rose Fulbright, Orrick, Perkins Coie, Sidley Austin, Simpson Thacher, Weil, Gotshal & Manges, and Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP Ascend Houston: LiftFund, Houston Community College Interagency Mentor Protégé Program: Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County, Houston Independent School District, Port Houston, Houston Community College, and Houston First Corporation Turner School of Construction Management: Turner Construction Company Turnaround Houston Readiness Fairs: Texas Workforce Solutions For more Information about OBO’s business development and workforce development programs, go to houstontx.gov/ obo.

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OBO named GHBPF Strategic Partner of the Year “Each organization has its strengths, and partnering with them allows us to do more collectively than we can independently.”

MAKING CONNECTIONS: The Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBPF) hosts events to assist small businesses in gaining contracting opportunities, a goal also shared by OBO. To learn about GHBPF, go to houstonbiz.org.

By: Damita Roberts

T

he Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) thrives on partnerships with local and national organizations to bring education, opportunities, and counseling to thousands of small businesses in Houston. Starting the year on a high note, OBO was honored as Strategic Partner of the Year during the 29th Annual Awards Celebration of the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum (GHBPF).

Established in 1991, GHBPF has worked to advocate opportunities that promote and enhance the success of economically and socially disadvantaged businesses.

GHBPF has hosted over 300 breakfast events and forums with over 10,000 attendees to connect small business owners with resources and education to acquire contracts, industry information, and assistance from government agencies and large businesses.

To solve challenges that small business owners experience, there is no better strategy than partnerships. After all, two heads are better than one. Bridging the gaps between businesses and organizations is one of the best paths for companies who are looking to grow their operations to a larger scale, gain more knowledge of their industry, and increase their access to potential clients. More than ever, the do-it-yourself plan does not yield many gains or acceleration in a world that revolves around partnerships and collaborations.

“The Forum has relevant topics and speakers who are there to inform and assist business owners about how they can work on current and upcoming projects throughout the local area and access resources to position their company for these opportunities. This is in direct alignment with OBO’s efforts and mission,” said Jackson.

“Each organization has its strengths, and partnering with them allows us to do more collectively than we can independently. Entrepreneurship is hard and can be discouraging, so with partnerships, we are better equipped to meet the needs of business owners,” said Dr. Porscha Jackson, Business Development Manager of OBO.

OBO’s dedication and commitment to small businesses is also prevalent in its workshops, events, and programs created to help small businesses shore up their foundation and education, which enables small business to have longevity and growth.

Jackson also received an Award of Merit from GHBPF for her contributions to the business community through her work with OBO. Being on the frontline managing and continuing to build OBO’s programs, she is driven by a personal

ANNUAL EVENT: The GHBPF has reached the small business community since 1991.

mission to support business owners.

With a common goal in mind, GHBPF and OBO have worked hand in hand in developing small businesses in the City to prepare and access procurement and bid opportunities.

“OBO values its partnership with the Greater Houston Business Procurement Forum. Their efforts, under the leadership of Mr. Milton Thibodeaux, help to provide the ultimate space where business owners can connect with the people, resources, and opportunities of the major state and government agencies and prime contractors,” Jackson said.

“The impact of this partnership is immeasurable due to the number of people who we have helped as a result of GHBPF and who have benefitted from our referral to GHBPF over the years.

Through our involvement, we are able to see the matriculation of businesses from startups to profitable subcontractors and/or prime contractors and know that together, through our partnership, we’ve made a difference in the Houston business community.”

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BUSINESS PROFILE

Strategic allocation of disaster relief funds helps Dandelion Café owner keep doors open By: Angel Rodriguez

I

n the best of times, owning and operating a restaurant can be an uphill battle, a daunting task, a labor of love – that often – is more labor than love.

For many businesses in the leisure and hospitality sector, the worst of times came when the pandemic brought the economy to a standstill and businesses, especially restaurants and bars, were forced to pause or close permanently.

In May 2020, employment in the leisure and hospitality sector was down 41 percent, a sharp decline compared to other sectors that ranged from 2 to 18 percent declines, according to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Advocacy. Restaurants and bars, which make up the largest category of the leisure and hospitality sector, sought assistance from the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

Sarah Lieberman owns and operates Dandelion Café, a Houston coffee shop and restaurant that has about 15 employees. Lieberman has always had a passion for coffee and parlayed her

OPEN FOR BUSINESS: Although the hospitality industry has been grossly affected by the pandemic, federal disaster relief funds have helped restaurants like the Dandelion Cafe stay afloat.

The PPP allowed Lieberman to keep her payroll cash flow, and she used part of the EIDL to help with kitchen renovations that were necessary for meeting the higher demand for takeout orders.

“The hardest-hit businesses may be eligible for a second PPP loan.”

LOCAL FAVORITE: Dandelion Café, 5405 Bellaire Blvd., is open seven days a week. Visit them on the web at dandelionhouston.com.

personal experience in working at coffee shops into building a small business of her own. In early 2020, when the pandemic had just hit Texas, Dandelion Café benefited from Lieberman’s business savvy and due diligence after applying for and receiving funds from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) offered by the SBA.

A year since the start of the pandemic, Dandelion Café has pivoted its operations by serving customers with curbside pickup, doorstep delivery and open-air dining. Socially distant dining is also available inside the restaurant.

As a result of the ongoing pandemic, small businesses can still apply for the PPP and EIDL. The PPP is designed to assist business owners with payroll, rent, utilities, mortgage interest, personal protection equipment for employees and other qualified costs. This loan

is calculated based on the applicant’s average monthly payroll; the loan recipient may be eligible for funds up to 2.5 times their average monthly payroll.

Borrowers are eligible for full loan forgiveness, with the caveat that at least 60 percent of the proceeds are spent on payroll costs.

The EIDL is designed to assist small businesses pay off debts that were in existence before the disaster occurred, e.g., payroll, fixed debts, accounts payable and other expenses affected by the disaster. EIDL does not offer loan forgiveness, however, the terms are flexible with 30-year repayments and interest rates at 3.75 percent and 2.75 percent for small businesses, private and non-profit organizations, respectively.

Abigail Gonzalez, Economic Development Specialist with the SBA, advised small businesses to be prepared to provide information on average monthly payroll and carefully document all expenses utilizing the PPP funds, to successfully apply for PPP loan forgiveness.

Go to DANDELION, page 8

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City’s SBERP Grant Allocates $35 Million for Small Businesses This component included assistance in strategic planning, financing, marketing and human resources management. All funds were disbursed to grant recipients

by Dec. 30.

“Our goal has always been for this program to make the most impact and to reach as many people as possible,” said OBO Director Marsha E. Murray.

To see the Houston Small Business Economic Relief Program Impact Report, go to houstontx.gov/OBO.

By Pearl K. Cajoles

I

n response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the City of Houston took action to assist small businesses economically and financially by creating the Small Business Economic Relief Program (SBERP). The program, developed by the Office of Business Opportunity, allocated $35 million of federal CARES Act dollars to provide grant dollars to eligible small businesses and chambers of commerce operating within the limits of the City.

The SBERP helped 1,072 small businesses sustain their operations with the average grant amount totaling $30,000.

Recipients of the grant included microbusinesses with five or less employees, as well as businesses that were not able to obtain any other type of financial assistance from other economic relief programs such as U.S. Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funds or its Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL).

The grant was funded with an initial allocation of $15 million of federal CARES Act dollars, which Mayor Sylvester Turner and Houston City Council unanimously approved on July 28. The SBERP application portal was open for two weeks from Aug. 19 - Sept. 4. More than 12,000 businesses applied for grant funds.

Due to the overwhelming number of grant applicants and the continued need

for immediate, short-term assistance to small businesses, Mayor Turner and City Council approved additional infusions of funds for the SBERP in 2020 – $5 million in September; $5 million in November; and $10 million in December.

Under the SBERP, the maximum grant amount eligible businesses and chambers of commerce were able to receive was $50,000. Permitted use of grant dollars included such things as payroll, accounts payable, rent, mortgage, personal protective equipment for employees, and marketing strategies, including creating an online presence and other sales alternatives.

Businesses were required to be located within the Houston city limits.

To allow equitable distribution of funds and to achieve the goals of the SBERP, grant applications were not selected for processing on a first-come, first-served basis, but rather prioritized based on categories which included, but were not limited to financial need, geography, access to capital challenges, resiliency, and job retention impact.

Grant funds were disbursed in two phases. The first half of the funds were awarded upon grant approval.

The second half was awarded after confirmation that the grant recipient successfully completed the required Recovery and Resiliency Technical Assistance component of the program.

“COVID affected my business by causing a drastic slowdown in customer foot traffic. Hence, we were not able to receive the normal level of –Bernard Johnson revenue needed The Bridge Imports to pay our basic business and payroll responsibilities. A few of the ways we used the funds received were to catch up on past due bills, keep workers, and purchase badly needed inventory.”

“The SBERP grant gave us a welcomed supplement to our working capital needs for the new year and provided a safety net for –Jess Hughes the company Citizen Pilates to continue to employ the majority of our staff and instructors at all locations. Our team’s mental health is at the forefront of all we do. We are striving to change the human capital landscape of Houston’s boutique fitness industry to provide employees with fair and legal compensation. This in turn, affords our team the financial and mental confidence to continue to offer the best fitness experience to our community.”

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: PATSY JACKSON By: Angel Rodriguez Patsy Jackson, Chief Financial Officer of the Office of Business Opportunity, has dedicated her career to public service and is the epitome of a team player. In addition to her role in managing OBO’s financial activities, Jackson is also an enthusiastic OBO ambassador. She is one of the first people to greet new OBO employees and make herself available to answer questions. Many recognize Jackson because she is involved in every aspect of OBO. More recently, she was the recipient of the OBO Director’s Award.

Q

What drives you to work at OBO?

A: The challenge of the job (each day

is never the same) and the feeling of accomplishment I get when helping others achieve their goals. I am like a Sumo wrestler; I pin down one opponent and then another is waiting there in the wings. This keeps the job fresh because I am always looking around the corner for the next challenge.

Q

What has kept your interest in working at the City so long and what is your role here?

A: The unique day to day challenges

have kept my interest. As an achiever, you are always looking for the next

conquest. Even if I say “I did it,” I’m telling myself I never want to do it again; I am always looking for that next challenge.

In my current role, I serve as the OBO liaison to all City departments. I am the Chief Financial Officer, managing the department’s budget, along with other financial matters that may arise. I’m also involved in managing the Play or Pay Program. The best way to describe my attitude is through a poem by William Cowper, “The Task,” which it says “that variety is the spice of life, that gives it all its flavor.”

Q

What do you like to do outside of work, what hobbies do you have?

A: I like challenges. I really like lots of

mini vacation trips and visiting theme parks. I love games, reading, exercising and pushing the limit. I was so hooked on electronic video games, so much that I had to cease and desist in order to get a good night’s sleep. That competitive streak thing kept me going. I am happy to announce today that I am currently game free.

Q

What are some of your favorite places to visit in the Houston area?

A: I like sceneries and being outdoors;

I enjoy taking trips to the Houston Zoo and the Arboretum and Nature Center. I like visiting the Buffalo Soldiers

National Museum and the Museum of Natural Science. When I want to take in a live show, I will frequent the Ensemble Theatre or the Miller Outdoor Theatre. I love to eat all foods barbeque, but my favorite local restaurant is Brenner’s on the Bayou.

Q

Where are you originally from?

What was your childhood like where you grew up? How long have you been in Texas?

A: I am originally from Louisiana. I

grew up on a farm with lots of open air and plenty of space. I enjoy the great outdoors! The quiet, solitude and peace are awesome. I moved to Texas in 1977 and joined the rat race.

I have been in Houston for 43 years on that hamster wheel. I like Houston because it seldom snows, stays relatively warm year-round, and the people are more apt to be friendly than not.

DID YOU KNOW? J.P. Morgan Chase Tower in ➡ Houston is the tallest five-sided

building in the world. Initial plans for an even taller height were restricted due to concerns about interference with air traffic going in and out of William P. Hobby Airport.

➡

Houston’s metropolitan area is bigger than the state of New Jersey (the Houston metro area takes up over 8,778 square miles, making it bigger than the state of New Jersey, which is 8,729 square miles).

The first successful human heart ➡transplant was performed in Houston

by Dr. Denton Cooley 1968.

Children’s Museum of Houston is ➡the highest attended youth museum

in the country for its size and rated number one in the country by Parents magazine.

➡

Houston is home to the first traditional Hindu temple in the nation, which is constructed from 33,000 pieces of hand-carved Italian marble and Turkish limestone.

Houston is home to the third largest concentration of Fortune 1000 companies.

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OBO PROGRAMS & OPPORTUNITIES

Course Offers Strategies for Successful Procurement By: Niyonsaba Magnifique

F

or many entrepreneurs, doing business with the government is a high priority. However, the government procurement process is competitive and bid awards are earned, not given. Contractors must demonstrate they have the expertise, equipment, and manpower to perform the scope of work on any desired contract. Successful contractors have insights on competing for bids; nonetheless, many small business owners struggle with navigating the government procurement process.

In Houston, local small business owners have been vocal about wanting to learn how to successfully bid in the City of Houston’s procurement process. Therefore, the Office of Business Opportunity and Level 3 Corporation partnered to offer, at no cost, Procurement Basics for Contractors (PBFC), a virtual training course to enhance the competitive contracting skills of new and existing contractors.

The course was taught by Ervin Hughes Jr., the executive vice president of Level 3 Corporation, a minority-owned and woman-owned consulting firm that has been awarded approximately $3 million in government contracts.

In PBFC, Hughes coached contractors on six key topics essential to winning government contracts.

SIX WINNING STRATEGIES 1. Effective Bid Opportunity Review Strategies: Contractors should only bid on contracts that match their core capabilities within the bid specifications.

Additionally, it is imperative that apart from bidding on the lowest price, contractors show the added value they bring to the agency, such as fast delivery or longer warranties.

2. Understand Government Procurement Methods: Businesses new to government contracting, should pursue informal bids to gain experience.

Established contractors should iillustrate

NAVIGATING PROCUREMENT: Ervin Hughes Jr., executive vice president of Level 3 Corporation, partnered with OBO to host Procurement Basics for Contractors. The free six-week course, held virtually, offered strategies for successfully competing for bids and growing one’s business. Photo taken pre-COVID.

proven experience when bidding.

3. Understand Contract Award Processes: Contractors need to know two main stakeholders, the procurement officer and the “end user” department that utilizes the products/services, to determine what is important to the department/agency. Take a proactive approach to bidding, which requires research of the agency’s needs before it advertises the bid, versus a reactive approach, which is waiting for the agency to advertise a bid.

4. Determine a Commercially Useful Function (CUF): On goal-oriented contracts, the prime contractors and subcontractors (subs) need to master the agency’s definition of commercially useful function before getting the contract. The primes must ensure the subs are certified to perform the work being subcontracted by including the subs’ NAICS Codes in the bid submission.

Additionally, the subs must be equipped to self-perform the tasks without depending on the prime and the prime

should understand how the agency tracks the payment on the contract, as it requires the dollar value allocated to the subs to commensurate with the work being performed.

5. Determine Contractor Responsibility: Once a finalist, a contractor can be vetted for three things: financial capability, internal resources, and character. A procurement specialist will determine if the owner has the financial security to wait 30 days to receive payment from the agency without putting their business in jeopardy; possesses the equipment, experienced workforce and management required to perform the contract duties, and are current on tax and legal obligations through a background check.

6. Post Award Best Practices: Once a bid has been awarded, Mr. Hughes advised contractors to seek a post award debrief meeting with the procurement Go to PROCUREMENT, page 9

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CITY OF HOUSTON PROGRAMS

Title VI: Addressing Discrimination

Applications Still Open for Fleet Safety Program Small businesses that operate at least two vehicles are welcome to apply for FOCUS on Fleet Safety – a free program that provides leadership, training and telematics. This program will help businesses develop and execute a safety vision and learn fleet safety best practices from leaders in the industry.

By: Julie Garay The City of Houston is committed to diversity and fair employment, which has led to the implementation of programs and regulations that promote inclusivity and unity. One of those programs is administered in the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO). The Title VI Program, Plan, and Assurances, coordinated by Ky Willson, has the mission to ensure no person is subject to discrimination in the administration and execution of any City program, activity, or service.

This program is based on Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. As stipulated by the United States Department of Labor, Title VI, Civil Rights Act of 1964 states, “No person in the United States shall, on the ground of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.”

TITLE VI: Ky Willson coordinates the City’s Title VI Program. For more information, go to houstontx. gov/obo/title-vi.html or contact Ky.Willson@houstontx.gov.

“The City of Houston seeks to ensure equity in access to its programs, activities, and services so that every citizen has the greatest opportunity to achieve and obtain the foundations necessary for self-sufficiency and success,” said Willson.

As the program coordinator, Willson is responsible for monitoring and ensuring city-wide compliance with the Title VI Program requirements, including complaint management, training, and outreach.

To qualify, businesses must operate in Houston and vehicles must be single unit class 2 and above -- e.g. Ford F-250s, box trucks, Sprinter vans and larger, no tractor trailers.

FOCUS on Fleet Safety is partnership with Together for Safer Roads (TSR) and part of the City of Houston’s Houston Vision Zero Action Plan. TSR is committed to leveraging member companies’ collective private sector intellectual capital and expertise to advance best practices for companies and fleets. To apply for the program go to https://bit.ly/392VKua.

DANDELION: Disaster Relief Funds Helps Business Pivot Continued from page 4 “The hardest-hit businesses may also be eligible for a second PPP loan,” said Gonzalez. “Those who need assistance

can reach out to SBA resource partners at SCORE and the Small Business Development Center.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE FOLLOWING: Overview of Disaster Programs: www.sba.gov/disaster Overview of First Draw PPP Loans: Paycheck Protection Program First Draw Loans: Overview (www.sba.gov) Overview of Second Draw PPP Loans: Paycheck Protection Program Second Draw Loans: Overview (www.sba.gov) List of PPP Lenders in Houston: PPP_Lenders_in_the_Houston_District_ in_2020_01-19-2021.pdf (www.sba.gov) Resource Partner Contact Information (free business advising): Resource_ Partner_Contact_Information.png (www.sba.gov)

SERVICE IS KEY: Dandelion Cafe offers socially distant dine-in services.

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WINTER STORM URI RESOURCES M

any businesses and families across Houston and Texas are still feeling the effects of Winter Storm Uri. Below is a list of helpful resources:

Houston Harris County Winter Storm Relief Fund The Fund focuses on grantmaking to local nonprofits that meet unmet needs of families who need additional help to recover, including help with plumbing and home repairs, temporary housing, and other basic needs relief. Visit https:// winterstormrelieffund.org/.

FEMA Emergency Aid for Homes and Businesses FEMA Assistance includes grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Visit www.disasterassistance.gov/.

SBA Disaster Loan Assistance SBA offers disaster assistance in the form of low-interest loans to businesses, nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters located in regions affected by declared disasters. SBA also provides working capital to help overcome the economic injury of a declared disaster.

Visit https://disasterloanassistance.sba. gov/ela/s/ to learn more.

Small Business Disaster Recovery Guide The U.S. Chamber Foundation offers 10 tips for recovery after a disaster. These tips include creating communication strategy, cultivating partnerships

in the community with businesses, government, and nonprofits, and tracking recovery. Visit https://www. uschamberfoundation.org/sites/default/ files/media-uploads/USCCF_SBDR_ QuickGuide_v5.pdf for more details.

Property Damage Insurance Claims Guide Texas Department of Insurance has put together tips on how to report property damages to your insurance agency and how to avoid scams. Visit www.tdi.texas. gov/news/2021/tdi02182021.html.

Useful Resources to Assist Your Business Growth Hello Alice helps business owners discover what they need to grow their businesses by connecting them to funding, opportunities, and experts – all for free. Visit https://helloalice.com/.

Public Utility Commission of Texas - Consumer Resources The Public Utility Commission of Texas regulates the state’s electric, telecommunication, and water and sewer utilities. Visit www.puc.texas.gov/ consumer/Default.aspx to get assistance in paying your bill and to access the Electric Outage Reporting Procedures.

Find Your Local Foodbank Per ZIP Code Visit https://www.feedingtexas.org/gethelp/ to find free groceries near your home, and sign up for nutrition benefits like SNAP (food stamps).

Safety Steps for Winter Storms The American Red Cross offers guidance

on how to prevent and thaw frozen pipes, operate a generator and what you should do if the power is out. Visit https://www.redcross.org/about-us/ news-and-events/news/2021/winterweather-can-be-dangerous-how-to-staysafe.html.

Texas A&M After a Disaster Guidebook This disaster recovery guide provides simple information on how individuals, families and businesses can recover from a disaster. Visit https://texashelp. tamu.edu/browse/disaster-recoveryinformation/after-a-disaster/.

PROCUREMENT: Added Value Leads to Successful Bidding Continued from page 7 officer who advertised the bid. The contractor who won the bid should seek to understand what they did well to position themselves for future success. Bidders who are unsuccessful in securing a contract should seek areas of improvement. A review of bid tabulations to determine the best pricing strategy, coupled with a meeting with the “end user” to better understand the department’s goals and future needs is a way to take the proactive approach.

Doing business with the government is not a mystery but requires hard work and perseverance to be successful.

Researching an agency’s needs is one of the most important keys of effective bidding. Contractors need to present themselves as experts that will bring low prices and added value to the agency.

As Mr. Hughes put it, “government contracting is a hustle, but it is worth it.”

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS Virtual Pre-Certification Workshop: The first and third Tuesday of every month at 2 pm. This free workshop addresses certification requirements and procedures, and provides business owners with information on how to do business with the City of Houston. On Demand Pre-Certification Workshops are also available in English and Spanish at www.YouTube.com/HoustonTXOBO. Registration is required at http:// houstontx.gov/obo/registrations.html.

Federal Contracting: April 27 at 2 pm.

The federal government spends billions of dollars a year on needed services and products. This workshop explains how to get into the potentially lucrative federal contracting marketplace and grow your firm via federal contracts.

Register at https://tinyurl.com/ FederalContracting2021.

Turnaround Houston Readiness Fair: Virtual booths will be open from April 29 – May 2. Dozens of hiring employers and resource organizations will be available to chat live from 10 am – 2 pm on April 29. This event is in partnership with Workforce Solutions and Houston City Council District J, Councilmember Edward Pollard. Details: houstontx.gov/ turnaround.

How to Export Goods & Services & International Trade: May 25 at 2 pm. Learn how to start or increase international sales and get valuable information on countries and industries of interest. Join us for a candid overview

of exporting and get answers to your questions about the global trade industry. Register at https://tinyurl.com/ Exporting2021.

For any questions about OBO’s business development webinars, contact Dr. Porscha Jackson at 832-393-0935 or Porscha.jackson@houstontx.gov.

For more updates on events and bid opportunities, sign up for OBO’s weeky newsletter by sending an email to obosc@houstontx.gov.

Follow OBO

WHO WE ARE

DIRECTOR: Resources available through partnerships Continued from page 1 Houston – we have joined forces to keep you abreast of federal financial assistance and resource information, and provide you with content-rich webinars to aid in your recovery and resiliency efforts.

Our partnership with Vinson and Elkins, LLP has led to the creation of Houston Small Business Legal Consultations, a coordinated effort with 20 national law firms to provide focused consultations to local businesses. Our long-standing Memoranda of Understanding with the Houston Minority Supplier Development Council and Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance serves to fast-track the certification process for businesses seeking certification from multiple entities.

Finally, our recently announced

partnership with the National and Greater Houston LGBT Chambers of Commerce expands our existing inclusion efforts to identify and support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Business Enterprises.

These represent just a few of our partnerships, a fraction of the ecosystem of local organizations/ entities that are available to you.

As usual, I encourage you to stay healthy and safe, and to continue to prioritize the health and safety of your employees and customers.

Insights to Opportunity is produced by the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO). OBO is committed to cultivating a competitive and diverse economic environment in the City of Houston by promoting the success of small businesses and developing Houston’s workforce, with special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.

Executive Editors Marsha E. Murray, Esq. Lalla V. Morris, Esq. Managing Editors Pearl K. Cajoles Enzo Mungu

Sincerely,

Copy Editor Dr. Porscha Jackson

Marsha E. Murray

Contributing Writers Julie Garay Niyonsaba Magnifique Damita Roberts Angel Rodriguez

Marsha E. Murray was appointed by Mayor Sylvester Turner and confirmed by City Council to serve as the Director of the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) in April 2020, after having served as OBO’s Interim Director.

Information in this newsletter does not constitute the Office of Business Opportunity’s endorsement of any business or organization. If you have a story idea, e-mail pearl.cajoles@houstontx.gov. Follow @HoustonOBO on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and @HoustontxOBO on YouTube.