Applications Open Through Aug. 19 for Liftoff Houston Startup Business Plan Competition

By: Enzo Mungu

Applications are now open for the Liftoff Houston Startup Business Plan Competition, where three winners in the areas of “product,” “service,” and “innovation” will each receive $10,000 in seed money to fund their dreams of entrepreneurship.

The event, which has been sponsored by Capital One Bank and administered by the Houston Public Library (HPL) and the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) since its inception, has assisted more than 15,000 new and aspiring entrepreneurs. Of all competition finalists, 27 winners have started businesses in retail, merchandise, labor, consulting, software, hardware, market businesses, hospitality, tourism, health and fitness, education, finance, technology, and logistics.

Aimed at bolstering Houstonians in the entrepreneurial space through business literacy, education and mentorship, Liftoff Houston helps participants contribute to the growth of their communities and the overall economy of Houston as they start their own businesses.

To be eligible for the competition, applicants must live in, and operate their businesses within the city limits of Houston. The business should be for-profit, in operation for less than one year, and have verifiable revenue that does not exceed $10,000. Those who are not eligible to compete can participate in the Educational Pathway, which allows them access to all workshops and mentorship sessions. Introduced in 2020, this option extends the program’s educational benefits to areas outside the Houston city limits.

“As we celebrate a decade of Liftoff Houston, we look forward to making a greater impact for Houston’s aspiring entrepreneurs,” said OBO Director Marsha Murray. “This competition will provide participants with a clear roadmap to help them achieve their goals of succeeding as a small business owner.”

To apply for Liftoff Houston, go to www. liftoffhouston.com. On Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, follow @liftoffhouston.

TENTH ANNIVERSARY LAUNCH: Mayor Sylvester Turner, joined by HPL Deputy Director Nicole Robinson, Capital One Bank Market President Yasmin Huebinger, and OBO Director Marsha Murray, recognized Liftoff Houston alumni who have grown their businesses past the startup phase - 2019 Service Category winner Sherhara Downing of SpeakHaus and business partner Christa Clarke, 2016 Service Category winner Jennifer Thai of Awesome Bites Co., and 2018 Innovation Category winner Alphonso Roundtree of Social Bevy.