|
|
E-Newsletter | Oct 5, 2022
|
|
Chamber Events and Announcements |
|
Join us for our October Networking Night (IN-PERSON). This will be a joint networking event with the Philippine-American Chamber of Commerce Texas. There will be Lite Bites, Drinks and Networking. Bring your friends and coworkers to celebrate with us!
Gerry's Grill
6833 W. Sam Houston Parkway S, Suite 109
Houston, TX 77072
Thursday Oct 6, 2022
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
|
|
SAVE THE DATE: NOVEMBER 18, 2022 |
|
The Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston will be celebrating our 32nd year serving the Houston business community at the 2022 Spirit of Entrepreneurship Awards on November 18, 2022 @ Westin Galleria Hotel. This will be an evening of recognizing and honoring our entrepreneurs and leaders who have made a difference in our community. Please plan on attending our special event!
|
|
ASIAN CHAMBER BOARD NOMMINATION
We are looking for candidates in serving our Board for 2023-2024
The Asian Chamber was founded on June 20, 1990 as a Texas 501 (c)(6) non-profit corporation to promote economic development in the Houston Asian business community. It has become known for its ability to broaden business connections and opportunities, enhance leadership and business skills of its members and serve as a resource to the community. The board member role is instrumental in helping move forward the Chamber’s focus.
ACC Board Director Role
- Determine the organization’s mission and purposes
- Establish policy
- Ensure effective organizational planning & continuity
- Hire, supervise and evaluate staff
- Ensure financial soundness and integrity of organization
- Monitor the organization’s programs and services
- Enhance the organization’s public image
- Promote business development and growth
- Serve as liaisons to other professional community organizations in promoting the organization.
- Sponsor table or recruit sponsor for Chamber’s events, such as monthly luncheon, annual awards dinner and other Chamber programs.
- Serve as an ambassador for the Chamber, utilizing your personal and professional contacts to promote the organization throughout the community.
|
|
BUSINESS RESOURCES AND PARTNER EVENTS |
|
There is 1 more month until the Texas hospitality grant program will open for businesses with an NAICS Code of 722 (food services and drinking places). Businesses can qualify for up to $20,000, primarily to cover payroll, and although priority will be given to businesses that didn’t receive federal aid, we expect many that did will still qualify for at least some funding. Be prepared to submit your application as soon as the portal opens on November 1.
Traveler Accommodation: Hotels and Motels, Bed and Breakfast applications are from Oct 1 to Oct 22.
|
|
Texas Woman’s University StartHER Grant Program
Women-owned businesses in Texas can apply for grants through the Texas Woman’s University. The StartHER grant program offers funding for both new and aspiring female entrepreneurs. During this round, 25 grants worth $5,000 are available. The application period closes October 22.
|
|
Events You Don't Want to Miss!
Tuesday, October 4 | 9:00am-10:30am CDT | REGISTER For more information, join us for an Upcoming Webinar that will explain the details. Click Here for District Guidelines and Information.
Read more
content.govdelivery.com
|
|
|
|
|
|
SBA Houston District Office is now accepting nominations for the National Small Business Week awards! Each year we celebrate the successes of local entrepreneurs, and invite you to nominate a business for an award this year.
The nomination process is simple—a complete nomination includes just 2 forms and a photo of the nominee! Details below about the award categories and instructions for submitting a nomination.
The deadline to submit a nomination is December 8, 2022 at 2pm CT.
|
|
THERE ARE STILL SECURITY CAMERAS AVAILABLE |
|
Complimentary Security Cameras for
AAPI Small Business Owners
|
|
National ACE and Asian Chamber of Commerce Houston is partnering with Google Nest to provide AAPI-owned small businesses with AAPISTRONG Nest Cam Kits. The kits are complimentary and designed to help support safer business environments in AAPI-owned small businesses through Nest security devices and the Nest Aware subscription services.
Eligibility:
- Employs 1-50 individuals
- Business operating for over 1 year
- Is at least 51% owned by an Asian American/Pacific Islander/Native Hawaiian (“AAPI”)
- Brick-and-mortar location for their business
- Has internet access and a smartphone to access the Google Home app
- Is not in the healthcare industry or an industry primarily geared towards children
- Employs at least one person proficient in English that will be present for installation
- Business is based in New York City, Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, or DMV area
- Accepting up to 650 eligible applicants until October 31, 2022. Provided Nest Cameras are for business purpose only
|
|
For more information about the Indonesia Trade Expo 2022 contact:
Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia Houston (aswidya@indonesiahouston.net)
|
|
The H-E-B Supplier Diversity Team proudly presents our 12th annual and 3rd virtual Opportunity Exchange and Expo, which will take place on November 3, 2022. The theme for 2022 Opportunity Exchange and Expo is Growing in Community: Driven by Ownership with a focus on I.D.E.A.: Innovation/Invest, Develop/Discovery, Education, and Acceleration.
The 2022 virtual Opportunity Exchange is structured in two parts: the General Session, where Small, Minority, Woman, Disabled, LGBTQ+, and Veteran business owners obtain first-hand knowledge from H-E-B's Leadership across all lines of business on doing business with H-E-B. The Second Session, where Suppliers and Vendors will also hear from current H-E-B Suppliers and Community Partners regarding resources and opportunities available in certifying, capital funding, and accelerating their business for scalability into a large retailer.
This year’s OpEx includes a virtual Expo, where businesses can submit a video to include information about their companies. Participation is optional. To participate, submit a 90-second video of your business to supplierdiversity@heb.com containing the following:
- Company name
- Contact information
- Information about your product/services
- Where your business can be found (website, store front, markets, etc.)
-
Must be submitted by 5pm October 21, 2022
- YouTube links will NOT be considered (only .mov or video formats accepted)
-
The email subject title 2022 Opportunity Exchange and Expo: Name of Company, Name of Product
To register for OpEx click here.
|
|
Learn more about the Amazon Small Business Grants including prizes and the application process where small business owners have a chance to receive $25,000 |
|
Alibaba.com Manifesting Grants Program: Apply for a $10K Grant
In partnership with Hello Alice, the Alibaba.com Manifesting Grants program will award 50 small business owners $10,000 in cash grants, up to $5,000 in logistics support, and strategic business guidance.
Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible, your business must have a new or existing innovative physical product that is currently on the market or expected to be viable within six months. For a full list of eligibility criteria, please see the terms and conditions.
|
|
How the Inflation Reduction Act Lowers Energy Costs, Creates Jobs, and Tackles Climate Change Across America |
|
WHITE HOUSE FACT SHEET: The Inflation Reduction Act Delivers Affordable Clean Energy for Texas
LOWER ENERGY COSTS: The Inflation Reduction Act will make it more affordable for Texas families to purchase energy efficient appliances when they need to, make repairs around their homes, and save money on their utility bills each month
GOOD-PAYING JOBS: In 2021, there were already 238,884 Texas workers employed in clean energy jobs. The Inflation Reduction Act will expand these opportunities, bringing an estimated $66.5 billion of investment in large-scale clean power generation and storage to Texas between now and 2030.
DOMESTIC MANUFACTURING: Manufacturers employ 873,500 workers in Texas, and the Inflation Reduction Act will help us make the technologies of the future at home— supporting local economies and strengthening supply chains.
SMALL BUSINESSES: Texas is home to 3 million small businesses, representing 99.8% of all businesses in the state, and the Inflation Reduction Act will help them save money.
ELECTRIC VEHICLES: The Inflation Reduction Act will make it easier and cheaper to purchase an electric vehicle, with upfront discounts up to $7,500 for new EVs and $4,000 for used EVs, helping middle-class Americans skip the gas pump and save on fuel costs
CLEANER AIR: The Inflation Reduction Act will significantly reduce pollution, resulting in 100,000 fewer asthma attacks in America in 2030, and position the U.S. to achieve President Biden’s climate goals.
RURAL OPPORTUNITIES: The Inflation Reduction Act supports climate-smart agriculture practices, which will help Texas’s 247,000 farms lead on climate solutions and reward their stewardship
RESILIENT COMMUNITIES: The Inflation Reduction Act will upgrade affordable housing, including projects that boost resilience in the face of intensifying extreme weather. In Texas, hundreds of thousands of people live in affordable housing units that are eligible for upgrades like flood-proofing and storm resistance, as well as clean energy and electrification
|
|
ACE NextGen would like to extend a VIP invite to you for our 5th Annual National Conference on October 12-14, 2022 in Chicago at the McDonald’s Global Headquarters.
The conference theme this year is Unity. The intention is to unite, connect and empower AAPI entrepreneurs and business owners across the country. VIP tickets are available to you and your special guests for $150 each (Please use code UNITYACC at checkout). Alternatively, regular conference tickets are $1,000 and proceeds go back to our nonprofit initiatives to support AAPI small businesses.
- Access to 20 different speakers and workshops including Bing Chen of Gold House, Bryan Pham & Maggie Chui of Asian Hustle Network, & Andrew Yang of Humanity Forward. Topics include: Profit First, Traction 101, Crypto, & Mindfulness
- Gala Ticket to the Pathfinder Awards Ceremony Celebration with Live DJ/Poker
- Networking opportunities with 200+ AAPI entrepreneurs from across America
- Founder Pass to meet local Chicago AAPI business founders
- Meet speakers and special guests like Karen Eng of National ACE, Andrew Chau of Boba Guys, Ha Nguyen of 7leaves, Bill Imada of IW Group
- Free ACE NextGen membership for 2023
- Food and Beverage for the 2-Day Conference
Please email Kat Pham, the ACE NextGen Program Director, at kat@acenextgen.org if you have any questions.
|
|
Networking Events/ Opportunities
The inclusion of events in this eblast does not equal an endorsement of any products or services.
The Office of Business Opportunity Solution Center conducts workshops throughout the Houston Community. Some of our workshops are in partnership with SCORE, the Houston Public Library, the UH Small Business Development Center, and other business organizations.
Vision:
The Office of Business Opportunity’s vision is to eliminate systemic barriers to prosperity and economic opportunity in the Greater Houston region.
Mission:
The Office of Business Opportunity is committed to cultivating an inclusive and competitive economic environment in the City of Houston by promoting the success of small businesses and developing Houston’s workforce, with a special emphasis on historically underutilized businesses and disenfranchised individuals.
Examples of our workshop topics include: Starting a Houston Business, Business Plan Basics, Financing, Franchising and Social and Media Marketing. Our upcoming workshops, programs, and appearances are detailed below.
|
|
Whether you’re looking to expand your professional network or looking to diversify your talent, A World of Opportunity Awaits at WE22.
Join SWE from October 20-22, 2022 in Houston, TX for the world’s largest conference and career fair for women in engineering and technology. Each year, this highly anticipated event draws thousands of attendees of all career levels and disciplines together to pursue growth, expand their network and explore new career opportunities. 200+ professional development sessions, unique networking opportunities and a robust career fair make WE22 an effective opportunity to engage with the SWE community, reach recruitment goals and align your organization with SWE’s values of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging.
See what awaits you at WE22 October 20-22, 2022 in Houston, TX. Visit we22.swe.org!
|
|
Applications are now open for the Southern Opportunity and Resilience (SOAR) Fund - a new program created by a diverse group of community lenders aimed at helping small businesses and nonprofits navigate and rebuild from the Covid-19 health and economic crisis. Small business owners and nonprofits, with fewer than 50 employees, across the South can apply for very low interest loans of up to $100,000 and free business support. For more information and to apply, visit: www.TheSoarFund.org.
|
|
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and FedEx have teamed up to create the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency (R4R) Program. This program helps small businesses prepare for a disaster and offers immediate relief funding for those prepared businesses when a disaster strikes their region. More than 100 grants of $5,000 each are expected to be distributed between June 2022 and May 2023.
"FedEx is proud to continue its long history of supporting small business resiliency and recovery. This multi-year commitment with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation allows us to contribute directly to small businesses that actively prepare for natural disasters," said Jenny Robertson, Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing and Communications at FedEx.
|
|
How it Works
This program is designed to encourage preparedness and resiliency. We want to ensure that all small businesses have what they need to deal with the impacts of a disaster in their community.
The R4R program provides resources and incentives for small businesses to take the actions they need to become more resilient, including the distribution of grants following a disaster.
Step 1: Complete the Preparedness Checklist
Download FedEx’s Emergency Preparedness Checklist for Small Businesses (available in English and Spanish), and make sure you have completed an Emergency Action Plan as outlined in the checklist.
Step 2: Apply
Step 3: Grants Awarded
- Your business is located within an area impacted by the declared disaster.
- Your application was submitted before the disaster occurred.
|
|
OSHA's Guide in Preparing for Hurricane Season |
|
Employers looking to hire young, local talent can find great candidates through the #HireHoustonYouth Job Board, which is open for employers to post positions that are available to youth 16 to 24 on a year-round and summer basis.
|
|
Work for Port Houston
Get in on the action at Port Houston where You can be a part of a great team; where You can help create an environment of excellence; where You can be a part of a tradition, more than 100 years in the making.
We want your work at Port Houston to be more than a job – we want it to be a fulfilling experience where you find challenging and rewarding opportunities, respect among colleagues, competitive pay, benefits that protect you and your family, and a high performance culture that recognizes and values your contributions and helps you reach your career goals.
We offer all full-time employees benefits that allow employees to choose the benefits they desire and need.
|
|
The MBDA seeks to resolve the challenges faced by minority business enterprises (MBEs) in the export industry. Through outreach to minorities in the masses, MBDA will identify those who are not exporting and would like to explore the opportunity to export. We provide technical assistance and business development services for MBEs to have greater access to new and global markets. The criteria to participate in this program is to have a registered business for three years or have a registered business with an export ready product. If you are new to business and would like to learn what it takes to become an exporter, your ambition is also welcome. We are thankful to expand the MBDA strategy by helping minorities grow, flourish, and gain greater access to global markets.
|
|
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
EVENTS & RESOURCES
WORKFORCE WEBINAR SERIES
In case you missed the Workforce Webinar Series, all recordings are now available on our website at http://houstontx.gov/obo/workforce_development_programs.html . Go on to hear from some wonderful partners like Dress for Success Houston, Houston Financial Empowerment Center, JW Marriott and more to hear about their offerings for job seekers.
|
|
In an effort to assist small businesses in navigating the City’s procurement process, the Office of Business Opportunity, in collaboration with the Strategic Procurement Division, is pleased to present the new City of Houston (COH) Procurement 101 Tool. These web-based, on-demand training videos walk prospective City contractors through topics including How to Bid on Contracts, Responding to RFPs, RFQs, and ITBs, Pre-Bid Meetings, Structuring the Team – Prime & Sub, Contract Terms & Conditions, and much more. The web-based training videos are available 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. |
|
Stay Connected on Social Media |
PLATINUM CORPORATE MEMBERS |
|
DIAMOND CORPORATE MEMBERS |
|
GOLD BUSINESS MEMBERS
AARP Texas, Allegiance Bank, BlueCross BlueShield, China Star Restaurant Group, Cole Chemical & Distributing, Focused Care at Westwood, Foster LLP, Indus Communities, Jascole, Inc., Magical Winter Lights, Mattioli Vision Professionals, Nguyen & Chen, LLP, Offshore Intel, The Red Cardinal Group at Morgan Stanley, Royal Public Schools, Savve Concepts, Sheraton Houston Brookhollow, TexPower, Truist Bank, University of Houston-Victoria at Katy, and Utegration
|
|
LIFETIME MEMBERS
Kristopher Ahn, Yong J. An, Dr. Parvin Bagherpour, The Honorable Theresa Chang, The Honorable Alice Chen, Donna Cole, Lucy DeVilla, Trung Doan, Harry Gee, Jr., Glen Gondo, Shahid Javed, Shirley Kwan, Catherine A. Le, Stephen Le, Jr., C.C. Lee, Kenneth Li, Chris Nam, Gordon Quan, Randy Sim, Y. Ping Sun, E. Allan Tiller, Irsan Tisnabudi, Linda Toyota, Don Wang, Don Woo, Jason Yoo, and Austin Zhao
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
