Winter 2021 | Insights to Opportunity
Free OBO Programs Focus on Bonding, Capacity Building By: Pearl K. Cajoles
T
his past fall, the Office of Business Opportunity presented three business development programs aimed at increasing procurement success for minority, women-owned, and small business enterprises (MWSBEs).
Build Up Houston For the first time since its inception, Build Up Houston extended its reach beyond the construction arena to welcome participants from the retail, hospitality and service industries – areas of business that were most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Eleven graduates celebrated their success during an inperson ceremony at the Buffalo Soldiers Museum on Aug. 17.
details, including a link to the application form, go to www.houstontx.gov/ builduphouston or contact Dr. Porscha Jackson, Business Development Manager, at Porscha.Jackson@houstontx.gov.
Bonding and Business Capacity Building Program In collaboration with Houston Public Works and the U.S. Department of Transportation, OBO launched its Bonding and Business Capacity Building Program, part of a longterm strategy to assist certified firms in positioning themselves for larger contracting opportunities available in the public and private sectors.
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market core company capabilities to prime contractors during the bidding process; Thomas Jones Jr. of McConnell & Jones, LLP, who provided an overview of construction accounting concepts from job costing to financial reporting, as well as industry-specific practices; Mark Winchester of the U. S. Small Business Administration Houston District Office, who identified the most common reasons why small contractors fail and tips to avoid these pitfalls; and Herman Ross of National Insurance Consultants, Inc., who spoke about field operations, monitoring and minimizing job costs, and maintaining relationships. Participants also learned about procurement opportunities from Houston Public Works, the Houston Airport System, Harris County, METRO, the Texas Department of Transportation, as well as representatives from the private sector.
Established in 2014 and administered by the Office of Business Opportunity, Build Up Houston is a no-cost, capacitybuilding program designed to help established small businesses increase their revenue, hire more employees, and improve their success in public and private procurement. Over a period of seven months, participants utilize the “Streetwise MBA” curriculum provided by Interise, a non-profit organization dedicated to economic development and job creation. The program focuses on peer-to-peer learning, CEO mentoring groups, building a three-year strategic growth plan, and live case studies using the businesses of each participant. OBO has graduated six cohorts from this signature program, with support this year from the Houston Airport System and Houston Public Works. “Our sixth cohort included owners of an athletic training company and a beauty salon, which are examples of businesses that have suffered adverse impacts from the pandemic,” said OBO Director Marsha Murray. “We are currently accepting applications for the 2022 program, and I encourage businesses in similar industries to apply.” The 2022 Build Up Houston program will launch in the spring. For more
LESSONS FROM THE PROS: At the Bonding and Business Capacity Building Program, representatives from Reytec Construction Resources, Inc. presented a bidding and estimating workshop, which focused on how to market core company capabilities to prime contractors, and the importance of print and electronic communications.
The program, held weekly from Oct. 13 through Nov. 17 at the E.B. Cape Learning & Development Center, covered topics such as: bonding and insurance; project management and field operations; construction accounting; banking and financing for contractors; personal credit; and managing growth. These concepts were presented to participants through workshops facilitated by Reytec Construction Resources, which focused on how to
After completion of the workshops, participants received complimentary one-on-one sessions with surety bond producers, underwriters and other professionals who assist in the completion of bond applications and addressing any deficiencies that might deter the successful underwriting of a bond. This component was made possible by the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Department Go to PROGRAMS, page 9
