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IACCGH Small Business Series Highlights Certification, Contracts, and Community Support
By Somdatta Basu
April 30, Houston, TX: The IACCGH Small Business Series held on April 30, 2025, at the Wallis Bank brought together entrepreneurs, local chambers and city leaders for an insightful afternoon on navigating business certifications and accessing public contracts. Co-sponsored by CenterPoint Energy and Wallis Bank, the session featured Jessica DelGreco, Business Development Manager at the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity (OBO).
Welcoming attendees, Chamber’s Founding Secretary and Executive Director, Jagdip Ahluwalia highlighted Wallis Bank’s long-standing partnership with the IACCGH and its focus on small business lending. “We’re proud to support the Chamber and small businesses in our community,” said Aziz Rahim, Sugar Land Area President of the Bank. “Whether it’s loans, deposits, or guidance, we’re here to help,” he said.
Jessica DelGreco, in her talk, offered a comprehensive overview of the OBO’s role in fostering economic inclusion. “We’re committed to eliminating barriers to prosperity,” she said, noting that over 5,900 firms are currently certified with the city. “These certifications aren’t just for City of Houston contracts. Many other agencies—including Harris County, TxDOT, and the State of Texas- recognize them, expanding opportunities for certified firms.”
She walked attendees through the city’s certification categories and explained how firms could benefit from programs like LiftOff Houston, Pillars for Success, and the Turner School of Construction Management. “One of our most impactful programs is our free legal consultation for small businesses,” she added. “We want every entrepreneur to leave with a clear path forward.”
Success stories underscored the value of these initiatives. Jessica shared the journey of Robert Green, a participant in OBO’s Turnaround Entrepreneurship Program, who was recently honored by Mayor Whitmire. “He came to us rebuilding after incarceration, and today, he’s a recognized community leader. That’s the power of second chances and support.”
Rajiv Bhavsar, IACCGH’s Immediate Past President, thanked the event co-sponsors and supporting Chambers for their collaboration. “We’ve been proudly serving Houston’s business community for over 25 years, and none of this is possible without strong partnerships,” he said.
The discussion also addressed emerging needs in workforce development and AI readiness. Jesse Rubio, Workforce Development Coordinator at OBO, emphasized the importance of upskilling. “We’re building capacity not just for businesses but for the workforce that powers them,” he said.
Closing the session, the IACCGH Executive Director, Ahluwalia, stressed the need to stay ahead of tech trends. “AI is not just the future—it’s now. We’re exploring a partnership with TiE Houston to host a seminar, because knowledge must be inclusive.”
With strategic partnerships, real resources, and powerful stories, the session underscored IACCGH’s role as a catalyst for small business growth across Houston’s diverse communities.
Pic Credit: Bijay Dixit