The Near Northwest Management District has formed a partnership with the Houston Minority Business Enterprise Center to provide management and consulting services to high growth minority business enterprises in the District.
Created by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC), the Houston Minority Business Enterprise Center (HMBEC) is located downtown in the Houston Technology Center at 410 Pierce Street. The HMBEC will provide training and technical assistance to minority-owned businesses. Aligned with NCRC’s mission to promote access to credit and capital to underserved communities, the Houston MBEC will join NCRC’s two thriving business development initiatives: the DC Minority Business Enterprise Center (DC MBEC) and the DC Women’s Business Center (DC WBC).
“We are proud that we can bring to the District HMBECs unique ability to successfully provide minority businesses the tools they need to access capital, and to create and sustain business growth,” said Wayne Norden President for the District.
The Houston center is headed by Director Christopher Bilton. Joining Bilton on the HMBEC staff are Mark Praigg, Business Consultant, and Janet Murillo, Administrative Assistant & Business Consultant.
Christopher Bilton, Director of HMBEC said, “We’re confident that the HMBEC will be a standout in the region and of real service to the business community in Greater Houston. We look forward to advancing NCRC’s work, by creating the conditions for business growth and ensuring the economic sustainability of minority business enterprises in the Houston area.”
The Houston MBEC is operated by NCRC and funded in part by a grant from the Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Comparable to the DC MBEC, the Houston MBEC will offer professional services and expert advice to existing minority business enterprises grossing $500,000 or more in annual revenue. HMBEC offers advice on access to capital, finance, accounting, business management and development, government contracting, marketing, strategic planning, and bonding and venture capital investing.
About the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC):
The National Community Reinvestment Coalition is an association of more than 600 community-based organizations that promote access to basic banking services, including credit and savings, to create and sustain affordable housing, job development, and vibrant communities for America’s working families.
http://www.ncrc.org/