Nov - Dec 2020 | Insights to Opportunity
www.houstontx.gov/obo | Page 6
OBO PROGRAM HIGHLIGHT Startup Entrepreneurs Fund Dreams with LiftOff Houston By: Niyonsaba Magnifique
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n November 7, 2020, three Houston start-up entrepreneurs won $10,000 each to start their businesses. In addition to the cash prizes, they gained business literacy by attending workshops from July to November, all online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Courses included starting a business, business marketing, business financials, personal and business credit, pitching the business and access to capital. Contestants also interacted with mentors who guided them to ensure that they were equipped to start their businesses. After attending classes, they wrote and submitted their business plans. Through a rigorous process, nine finalists were selected to pitch their businesses to judges via Microsoft Teams, and three winners emerged from the competition in the following categories: service, product and innovation. Sponsored by Capital One Bank and administered by the Office of Business Opportunity and the Houston Public Library, the competition uplifts and support small business owners by providing essential tools for them to be successful. ”Winning LiftOff Houston has provided the proper knowledge and financial foundation for GOAT+BEAR to be successful. With our foundation solid
FUNDING DREAMS: Since the inception of LiftOff Houston eight years ago, Capital One Bank has given more than $240,000 to startup entrepreneurs in Houston.
for years to come, we are able to focus on creating impactful relationships and products,” said Wendell Matthews, winner of this year’s product category. Inspired by his grandfather and motivated by success and the ability to create a legacy, Wendell Matthews became LiftOff Houston’s 2020 product winner with GOAT+BEAR Grooming Company. His plant-derived beard products assist in eliminating bacteria and fungi, while providing calming aromatherapy for modern men to have nourished and captivating facial hair. Through his business, this Carbondale, Illinois native plans to use his electrical
DID YOU KNOW? Did you know Houston’s econothat Pteronophobia ➡ ➡is theDidfearyouofknow my is larger than Sweden? being tickled by feathers? ➡
Did you know Houston is the only major city in the US that doesn’t have land zoning laws, meaning that anything can be built anywhere? Did you know banging your head ➡ against the wall for one hour burns 150 calories? Alternatively you can walk your dog for 45 minutes, which also burins 150 calories - and is less painful.
It’s also a fear of feathers themselves. The word “ptero” is the Greek word for feather and “phobia” is also Greek, meaning fear.
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Did you know that during your lifetime, you will produce enough saliva to fill two swimming pools? Did you know that in Uganda, ➡around 48% of the population is under 15 years of age?
engineering degree from Tuskegee University to continue his mission to leverage technology to deliver products quickly, conveniently and with the customer in mind. Jerome Vielman won the services category with Kairos Chemical and Distribution, Inc., a company he started to provide fire resistant hydraulic fluids to midstream pipeline companies. Born in the Philippines and a 20-year Houstonian, Jerome grew up helping his parents with their catering services company. There, he witnessed the trials and triumphs of running a small business, and as a result, was motivated to start his own one day. After losing his job due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Vielman met the challenge head on and turned his idea into a reality. Encouraged by his parents and inspired by curiosity, courage and creativity, Jerome read a multitude of business books and came up with a framework to start his business. He attributes his winning framework to making a commitment, finding an opportunity, doing the math, building a team and executing the plan. Kimberly Jones wowed the judges with her company, Cosmetic Concierge Nurses, to win the innovation category. As a registered nurse and nurse educator, Go to LIFTOFF, page 8
