Representatives from the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) and KIPP Texas Public Schools are working together to advance contracting opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs) in Houston and across Texas.
Research shows minority and women entrepreneurs face three distinct challenges: limited access to capital, limited access to business networks, and limited opportunity for business skills development. In addition, minority-owned businesses have disproportionately suffered during the pandemic. According to a study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, minority-owned businesses are feeling a greater impact from the pandemic, report assistance being more vital, and have heightened concern about the pandemic’s impact.
The OBO-KIPP Texas Contractor Diversity Initiative will provide MWBE suppliers in the City of Houston’s Certified Firm Directory access and opportunities to provide products and services throughout KIPP Texas as either prime contractors or subcontractors.
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