Port Houston’s small business and education outreach department recently hosted a graduation reception for the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program 2019 class on the M/V Sam Houston.
With the guidance of local agencies, twenty-one protégés are
now on the path to discovering new resources and taking their companies to new
heights after completing the program. The annual program consists of a
nine-week course and group presentations and educates small business owners on
contracting and procurement.
Port Houston is a partner and sponsor of the program with several other local
agencies – the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity, Houston METRO,
Houston First Corporation, Houston Independent School District and Houston
Community College.
The program provides massive opportunity to small businesses that are ready to grow and achieve success through connecting with these organizations. The program exists to strengthen working relationships and foster long-term stability between established companies and local agencies.
The benefits of the program include helping the entrepreneurs understand business financials and procurement bidding, developing relationships with companies, as well as technical assistance. “This program has grown to advance these professionals and open the door to opportunities with projects that they may not have considered before,” said Gilda Ramirez, senior director of small business and education outreach for Port Houston. “It also shows the strong partnerships that we have in our region – together we are building the workforce.”
Source: Port Houston
