Equity in Enterprise: Small Business Support from Commissioner Ellis

Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis's office wants to help small businesses owned by minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals get a fair shot at growth. This page brings together certifications, funding, and partner resources all in one place — so you can find what your business needs without hunting across a dozen different sites.

The page covers four main areas. First, business certifications: Harris County does not issue these itself, but it recognizes certifications from several approved agencies and applies them toward M/WBE (Minority and Women Business Enterprise) credit for firms with a local presence. Second, upcoming events where you can learn and connect. Third, funding opportunities, including the Harris County Opportunity Fund, Community Development Financial Institutions, and programs like Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses. Fourth, a network of partners — from the University of Houston APEX Accelerator and Impact Hub Houston to SBA (U.S. Small Business Administration) Small Business Development Centers and local chambers of commerce.

Start by checking whether your business qualifies for an M/W/DBE or HUB certification through one of the agencies Harris County recognizes. Then explore the funding and partner resources listed on the page to find capital or technical support that fits your stage of business. You can also reach out directly to the Commissioner's office to share what your business offers — they are actively looking to connect with small and diverse businesses.

No fixed date

Not location-specific

This resource ties closely to other Houston-area small business support systems. The City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity offers its own certification and contracting programs. Local chambers of commerce can help with networking and visibility. Impact Hub Houston supports entrepreneurs through community and programming. Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses provides business education and access to capital. All of these partners are referenced on the Commissioner's page and work alongside county programs.

Longstanding gaps in who gets access to contracts, capital, and business networks have held many Houston-area entrepreneurs back. Certifications like M/W/DBE (Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) and HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) help level that playing field. They signal to public agencies and private companies that your business qualifies for supplier-diversity programs — opening doors that might otherwise stay closed.