About Our Department
MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR
Cylenthia Hoyrd, is a visionary leader whose career spans over three decades of unwavering dedication to championing underserved communities. Hoyrd's impactful journey began in Chicago, where she advocated tirelessly ...
MEET THE EXECUTIVE TEAM
The City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity executive leadership team is made up of dedicated public servants who are passionate about helping Houston’s small businesses and workforce thrive. Together, the team leads OBO’s certification, contract compliance, business development, and community outreach efforts - working every day to break down barriers, expand access to opportunity, and support an inclusive, competitive local economy where all businesses have the chance to succeed.
OBO ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The OBO produces annual and quarterly Small, Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Utilization Reports which reflect the dollars awarded to MWSDBEs on City of Houston contracts and non-contract agreements.
GET CERTIFIED
The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) certifies the following business types through the City of Houston’s local certification program: Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Small Business Enterprises (SBE), Persons with ...
CONTRACT COMPLIANCE
The Contract Compliance division is mandated by the City Code of Ordinances: Chapter 15, Articles II and V, and Code of Federal Regulations Title 49, Part 23 and Part 26.
Contract Compliance Intro Page
EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
The External Affairs team is dedicated to enhancing the visibility, reach, and presence of the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) within the Houston community. This division advances OBO’s mission through strategic programs that support small businesses and workforce development, regardless of certification status. Visit this page for the latest news, updates, and upcoming events.
DEPARTMENT SERVICES
The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) continues to promote the growth and success of local, small, and historically underutilized businesses by ensuring meaningful participation in the City’s procurement process prior to award on all goal-oriented contracts.
OBO RESOURCES
This section provides access to City departments with OBO offices, Title VI information, the Disparity Study, disaster resiliency tools, Pay or Play guidance, mediation services, financial education resources, grants, and partner organizations.
PAY OR PLAY
The City of Houston’s Pay or Play (POP) program was created to level the playing field during the bid process for vendors, as the cost of providing insurance or failure to provide insurance to employees may influence the bids submitted by vendors for City work.
TITLE VI
The City of Houston seeks to ensure equity in access to its programs, activities, and services so that every citizen has the greatest opportunity to achieve and obtain the foundations necessary for self-sufficiency and success. All departments and agencies are committed to ensuring that no person is subjected to discrimination, excluded from participation in, or denied the benefits of its services on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, creed, disability, or English language proficiency, as provided by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, 49 CFR part 21, and all related regulations and directives.
MWBE AWARDS REPORT
The OBO produces annual and quarterly Small, Minority and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Utilization Reports which reflect the dollars awarded to MWSDBEs on City of Houston contracts and non-contract agreements.
Contact OBO
Office of Business Opportunity611 Walker Street, Seventh Floor
Houston, TX 77002
Contact OBO Director
OBO Social Media
