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Small Business Support Takes Center Stage at IACCGH Event

By Somdatta Basu

The IACCGH, in collaboration with Wallis Bank and CenterPoint Energy, hosted a power-packed Small Business Series event on June 23, at the Wallis Bank Community Room. The program spotlighted valuable insights, resources, and real-world guidance for small business owners, with an emphasis on funding, federal contracting, and sustainable growth.

Moderated by Dr. Lalitha Raman, a longtime SCORE Houston mentor and former senior official with the City of Houston, the session was as informative as it was inspiring. Dr. Raman, who carries decades of experience spanning atomic energy, city government, and accounting, set the tone with an earnest message about the sacrifices, satisfaction, and strategy that define the small business journey.

“Any small business that wants to be a partner with this chamber will definitely benefit,” Dr. Raman affirmed. “It’s not just the talks — it’s the networking that really matters.”

Chief Guest Mark Winchester, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Houston, took the stage next. Backed by over two decades of experience across 20 federal agencies, Mark outlined SBA’s mission to help businesses start, grow, expand, and recover.

He highlighted federal contracting as a major growth path but cautioned that readiness is key. “To consider federal contracting, you should have at least two years in business, one additional employee, and preferably some contracting experience at the local or state level,” he advised. He also emphasized the importance of SBA’s certifications—such as 8(a), HUBZone, Women-Owned Small Business, and Veteran-Owned Small Business—and urged business owners to research their eligibility through SBA partners like SCORE and SBDC.

Mark also drew attention to the new Working Capital Program (WCP), a flexible line of credit product for both domestic and international business needs, with a fee structure more favorable than traditional cap lines.

With Winston Labbe, SBA’s Deputy Director, unable to attend due to illness, his colleague Bobby Abtahi — Lead Lender Relations Specialist — stepped in. A seasoned SBA professional with deep ties to Houston’s lending landscape, Bobby walked the audience through how SBA-backed loans work and what banks evaluate.

 

He broke down the “five Cs of credit”—Character, Capital, Collateral, Conditions, and Capacity—and explained why personal credit history and “skin in the game” (equity investment from the borrower) are so crucial to lenders.

“Credit doesn’t have to be perfect,” Bobby reassured attendees. “If you’ve had setbacks like medical debt, talk to your banker. We want to understand your story.”

Representing event co-host Wallis Bank were two of its top executives—Nasrullah Khan, EVP-Chief Lending Officer, and Rajiv B. Bhavsar, National Head of Hospitality Lending and former President of IACCGH. Their insights underscored the bank’s continued support for local entrepreneurship.

Nasrullah shared how Wallis Bank has become a cornerstone for small business lending in Houston, especially through its sponsorship of programs like HCC’s Business Plan Competition and the City of Houston’s Liftoff Houston initiative.

“This is the only country where you can dream and find the resources to make it real,” Nasrullah said passionately, recalling how a SCORE flyer in a public library helped him discover the SBA back in 1992.

Rajiv, a 26-year banking veteran, elaborated on documentation and due diligence. “We’re open to all types of SBA and conventional loans,” he said, but emphasized the importance of updated books, tax returns, cash flow statements, and business plans—especially in today’s tighter lending environment.

Speakers received tokens of appreciation from IACCGH, and Chamber Founding Secretary and Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia reminded attendees to stay connected, keep their books updated, and continue leveraging the Chamber’s partnerships with SCORE, SBA, and lending institutions like Wallis Bank.

 

Photo Credit: Bijay Dixit, Unique Photo Images