AUSTIN — The City of Austin’s Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) is thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI). The collaboration is set to significantly enhance the support services available for the city’s small, minority and women-owned business enterprises (MBE/WBE) by focusing on crucial aspects of business growth and city procurement processes.
A New Era of Business Support and Growth
“Through this partnership, we are reinforcing our commitment to the growth and success of small, minority and women-owned businesses in Austin,” said Director of SMBR Edward Campos. “Collaborating with EGBI allows us to offer a more comprehensive range of services tailored to the unique challenges our small, minority-and -women-owned businesses face.”
For more than 20 years, EGBI has provided training, coaching and support to aspiring and existing business owners who face barriers to growing a successful business.
“EGBI has always been where the community needs it, and we’re excited to partner with SMBR in this endeavor. We provide three times the average coaching hours than most business incubators – and SMBR comes with their impact. Our goal is to provide sustainable growth and success for the businesses that provide traction to our economy,” said Executive Director of EGBI Larissa Davila. “We believe that through this collaboration, we can make a significant difference in the Austin business community.”
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
The partnership will encompass a variety of services aimed at strengthening the business capabilities of firms:
• Orientation and Training: Firms will receive comprehensive guidance on navigating the City of Austin Finance Online website, enhancing their ability to submit bids and secure city contracts.
• Business Coaching: Expert coaching will cover an array of topics including business strategy, financial management, preparation for financing applications, and navigating city payment processes.
• Financial Operations Support: Assistance in adopting more reliable systems for tracking financial operations, including setting up and training on QuickBooks Online.
• Hands-On Assistance: Firms will learn how to effectively utilize financial reports for business management and gain insight into finding and responding to contracting opportunities.
A Step Forward in Economic Development and Social Mobility
The partnership represents a significant step in fostering business development and economic mobility in Austin. By empowering small, minority and women-owned businesses, the City of Austin reaffirms its commitment to creating an inclusive and thriving business environment.
How to Get Involved
To receive training, coaching, and/or support from EGBI, small and minority-owned businesses will need to complete a short intake form that is available on the city’s website. Firms will then need to submit the form to SMBR’S Program Manager, I Catherine Sak at Catherine.Sak@austintexas.gov or smbr@austintexas.gov.
Source: AustinTexas.Gov
