The Indo-American Chamber of Greater Houston and the Indian Doctors’ Association hosted the SBA Presentation on “how the SBA can help health professionals to grow their business”.

Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia opened the event by welcoming the speakers and thanked them for their continued support to the chamber and the community. He also thanked the IDA for joining hands with the chamber for this event. He Invited Dr. Vanitha Bala to speak a few words on behalf of IDA.

Dr. Bala thanked Jagdip and the chamber for supporting the event and she thanked everyone for coming on a chilly evening. She presented a PowerPoint presentation on IDA and their work over the years. She particularly mentioned that she really appreciated the work the IDA is doing to get the youth involved in the business of medicine. She then invited Dr. Jignesh Shah, the president of IDA to share some of the new initiatives.Dr. Jignesh Shah talked about his new initiatives and how he plans to involve youngsters and kids in the business of medicine. He also said he believed in giving back to the society and that is why he joined the IDA. He also thanked the chamber for the partnership with the IDA.

Mr. Miguel Lopez, Executive Director, SBDC, opened the program and  said that the most important thing is he would like the attendees to realize is that SBDC is a service/resource for business owners and entrepreneurs. SBDC works with business owners to and work with them to start grow and expand their business. They do this by sitting down with them in a one- on -one confidential no cost business advising session.

Mr. Mark Winchester, Deputy District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration. screened a PowerPoint presentation on the different kinds of loans that can be provided to business owners and health care professionals. He also informed about the organization HAGGL in Houston which has about 140 lenders that provide SBA loans. He emphasized that SBA does not give loans but guarantees loans.

This was followed with a Q& A session with both Mr. Lopez and Mr. Winchester. After this both the speakers were presented with a certificate of appreciation from both IACCGH and IDA.

To conclude, IDA arranged a lucky draw for the people in the room. Dr. Shukla was invited to pick the first winner. She announced the First Winner as Dr. Sheela Chandra. Dr. Sheela Chandra was then asked to announce the second winner, she announced Dr. Vanditha Iyer as the second winner of the lucky draw.

To get information on SBDC and SBA loans visit www.lonestar.edu/sbdc and www.sba.gov/offices/district/tx/houston