Office of Business Opportunity

Liftoff Houston Press Release

City of Houston Partners with PeopleFund for Innovation Week
Small Business Education Event Brings Free Training to Houston Entrepreneurs

September 1, 2016 -- Partnering with the City of Houston Office of Business Opportunity, Texas Capital Bank, Constant Contact, Neighborhood Centers Inc., Frost Bank, and other local institutions, PeopleFund introduces Innovation Week an event that brings valuable small business training to entrepreneurs looking to grow their expertise and strengthen their businesses. The event will bring together local business owners, experts and resources for three days filled with workshops and vital information for entrepreneurs. The event is free of charge and registration is now open.

“For budding entrepreneurs, access to relevant training can help strengthen small businesses, bringing a value to the entire Houston community,” said Jadeline Cao, the engineer behind the Innovation Week Event. “The three-day pilot program brings together experts in marketing, finance, law, human resources, and other fields that can prove elusive to small business owners. In addition to offering practical business knowledge for entrepreneurs, the event will connect attendees to a broader supportive network of peers and available resources,” said Cao.

"The City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity is proud to join efforts with PeopleFund and other organizations to provide the tools and experts to help grow businesses here in Houston. We are hopeful that Houstonians who have contemplated starting their own business and small business owners will take advantage of this three day event," said Carlecia D. Wright, Director of the Office of Business Opportunity. "The Office of Business Opportunity will conduct a workshop on Doing Business with the City of Houston and will discuss the various resources available to small business owners from our office which are always at no cost."

Innovation Week will take place at the Leonel Castillo Community Center, 2101 South Street, Houston from September 19-21.

To register for Innovation Week or to learn more, please contact Jadeline Cao at 512.222.1007 or peoplefund.org/iwhou

ABOUT THE OFFICE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY
The City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) is committed to creating a competitive and diverse business environment in the City of Houston by promoting the growth and success of local and small businesses through a wide range of services from startup business assistance to certification for established businesses seeking contract opportunities with the City. Through OBO’s Houston Business Solutions Center, we provide resources that help with the start-up, sustainability, and growth of businesses. For more information about the Office of Business Opportunity and our suite of services, please visit www.houstontx.gov/obo or call 832.393.0600.

ABOUT PEOPLEFUND
PeopleFund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit organization established in 1994. It is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and SBA certified lender. PeopleFund provides business loans up to $350,000 to Texas businesses that do not qualify for bank loans. It also provides client business assistance and education. The target market is minority, women, and veteran business owners and those residing in low to moderate income census tracts.  Over 40% of current loans are to startups and non-profit organizations. Through access to capital and educational opportunities, PeopleFund creates economic opportunity and financial stability for underserved people to build healthy small businesses. PeopleFund inspires, educates, funds, and elevates entrepreneurs on the path to prosperity and the American dream. www.peoplefund.org.