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Topic: Small business help for minority, women, and underserved owners in Harris CountySource: Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis, Harris CountyKey Programs: M/W/DBE and HUB certifications, funding, events, and business partnershipsWho It Helps: Small business owners, especially those from historically underserved groupsReading Time: About 2 minutes
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Good first step: Act Harris County Small Business Equity and Opportunity Resources page
Visit the Harris County Commissioner Rodney Ellis office website and search for 'Small Business Equity Resources' to find certifications and funding you can apply for today.
Harris County wants small businesses to thrive — especially those owned by minorities, women, and other historically underserved entrepreneurs. This page from the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis brings together certifications, funding sources, and local partners all in one place. Whether you are just starting out or ready to grow, these resources can help open doors to contracts, capital, and community connections right here in Houston.
Two key certifications are highlighted here. The first is M/W/DBE, which stands for Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise. The second is HUB, which stands for Historically Underutilized Business. Both recognize businesses owned and controlled by minorities, women, and disadvantaged individuals. Harris County does not issue these certifications itself. Instead, it recognizes them from approved certifying agencies — as long as your business has a significant local presence as defined by Harris County. Beyond certifications, the page also points to funding sources, current county contracts open for bidding, and a wide network of partners like the University of Houston APEX Accelerator, Impact Hub Houston, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Harris County Opportunity Fund, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), among others.
Start by checking whether your business qualifies for an M/W/DBE or HUB certification. Contact Harris County's Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity to find the list of approved certifying agencies. Once certified, use the Harris County Diversity Monitoring System and Current Solicitations page to find open contracting opportunities. Explore the funding and partner resources listed to find capital and business support that fits your stage of growth. You can also reach out directly to the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis to share your goods, services, or ideas — they are actively looking to connect with small and diverse businesses.
No fixed date
Not location-specific
This resource connects to a broad network of Houston-area partners. On the government side, those include the Harris County MWBE Program, the Harris County Opportunity Fund, and the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity. On the private and nonprofit side, you will find the University of Houston APEX Accelerator, Impact Hub Houston, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, Community Development Financial Institutions, local chambers of commerce, and U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Small Business Development Centers. Together, these partners cover everything from startup guidance to financing to contract access.
Historically, many small businesses owned by minorities, women, and socially or economically disadvantaged people have faced barriers to fair access in the marketplace. Certifications and support programs help level that playing field. They connect diverse businesses to contracting opportunities with government agencies and private companies, strengthen the local economy, and work to close longstanding gaps in who gets to participate — and succeed — in business.
