Build Up Houston

Press Release


Applications Now Open for Build Up Houston Executive Education Program
Informational session set for 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22

October 21, 2020 -- The City of Houston is seeking applicants for the sixth cohort of Build Up Houston, a no-cost executive education program designed to increase the capacity of a small business. The program is offered by the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) in partnership with Interise.

While Build Up Houston has focused on the construction industry since its inception in 2015, it is expanding to include businesses in hospitality, restaurants and retail. The 7-month program is set to begin in February 2021, and business owners are invited to attend an informational session from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22. Click here to register for the event.

“Build Up Houston is an opportunity for small business owners to gain valuable insight on how to scale and grow their operations even in uncertain times,” said OBO Director Marsha E. Murray. “They will utilize an award-winning curriculum, receive mentorship from industry experts, and analyze real-world case studies, including their own businesses. When they graduate from Build Up Houston, participants will have created a 3-year strategic growth plan, which can help take their businesses past this pandemic.”

To qualify for Build Up Houston, a business must be:

  • Certified as a small business with the City of Houston
  • Operating for a minimum of two years
  • Have a minimum of two employees
  • Have minimum annual revenue of $150,000

Applications for Build Up Houston are due on Nov. 30. Click here for more information, or contact Dr. Porscha Jackson at porscha.jackson@houstontx.gov.