Department: Economic Equity and Opportunity
Department Head/Elected Official: Estella Gonzalez
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Supplemental RCA
Type of Request: Contract - Award
Project ID (if applicable): N/A
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable): Houston Minority Business Council
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable): N/A
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable): N/A
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request by the Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity for approval of an agreement to award $69,650 in grant funds to the Houston Minority Business Council for the Pathways to Prime program, funded with general funds authorized by the Local Government Code Chapter 381.004.
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Background and Discussion:
On January 9, 2024, Commissioners Court approved a 381 grant-funded program (now called the Pathways to Prime program) to foster the creation of new M/WBE businesses and support the growth of existing ones, by providing various capacity-building programs and initiatives.
On April 1, 2024, the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity (DEEO) issued a Notice of Fund Availability (NOFA) to non-profits, community development corporations, and community development financial institutions, soliciting proposals for technical assistance and training programs for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs).
The application period closed on May 31, 2024, with 17 applications received. The evaluation committee, including DEEO, Purchasing, and Precinct observers, selected the highest-scoring initiatives to best support M/WBEs and increase their participation in County contracts.
DEEO is requesting to award Houston Minority Business Council $69,650.00 for the period of November 1, 2024 to September 30, 2025 for programs that provide certification support. The Vendor Diversity division will administer and oversee the grant program. Throughou...
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