Click Here for Pictures
Harris County Signals Big Opportunities for Small Businesses at IACCGH Luncheon
By Somdatta Basu
The Ballroom at Tanglewood buzzed with energy as the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) hosted its latest Small Business Series luncheon, co-sponsored by Wallis Bank and the CenterPoint Energy Foundation. Entrepreneurs, chamber leaders, and Harris County officials gathered with a clear message: Harris County is open for business — and actively seeking small and diverse firms.
Welcome Remarks
Wallis Bank’s Sugar Land President Aziz Rahim welcomed attendees, highlighting the bank’s 16-location national footprint and its focus on SBA and conventional lending. Lightening the mood, he joked his team was “in the back full of cash, so you just have to ask,” before handing the program to IACCGH.
Executive Director Jagdip Ahluwalia reflected on the chamber’s growth since its founding in 1999, crediting its engaged leadership. He then introduced Harris County Commissioner Lesley Briones as “a lady who needs no introduction.”
Commissioner Briones Highlights County Opportunities
“I’m so grateful to be here,” Briones began, introducing key officials including Chief of Staff Alice Lee, Tiko Reynolds-Hausman, PCED, Executive Director of the Harris County Department of Economic Equity & Opportunity (DEEO), and County Purchasing Agent Kimberly Williams, JD.
She underscored the scale of opportunity:
“Harris County is larger than 26 U.S. states… and we have more people in unincorporated areas than the city of Houston.”
Despite billions in projects — from flood mitigation to public services — Briones noted:
“We do not get enough bids. Help us change that.”
Addressing challenges to the county’s Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (MWBE) program, Briones was resolute:
“Harris County is not backing down… we’re on the right side of justice and the right side of history.”
Emphasizing inclusion, she added that with one in four residents born abroad, the county thrives by building partnerships, not “zero-sum games.”
DEEO Outlines Business Resources and Support
Following a plaque presentation, DEEO leadership outlined how the county is expanding access for businesses.
Chief of Staff Victoria Lara introduced Reynolds-Hausman, praising her two decades of experience.
“We want you to be part of our family,” Reynolds-Hausman told attendees, reinforcing the county’s collaborative approach.
Lara explained that DEEO was established in 2021 after a disparity study revealed that less than 9 percent of contracts went to minority- and women-owned businesses. While some pandemic-era programs are winding down, core divisions — including economic development, business services, and stakeholder engagement — remain active.
Programs, Incentives, and Funding Opportunities
Assistant Director Elizabeth Balderama detailed incentives such as tax abatements offering up to 50 percent property tax relief for 10 years, along with foreign trade zone support and industrial revenue bonds.
“We want you to get a business-friendly, white-glove level of service,” she said.
Adrien Balden highlighted MWBE goal setting, compliance monitoring, and capacity-building workshops designed to help small businesses scale. She also noted Harris County’s worker safety policy, ensuring jobsite protection and compliance.
Communications Director Amber Rangel spotlighted key programs, including Harris Hub, which provides technical assistance and a $5,000 grant, and the Harris County Opportunity Fund offering loans up to $250,000.
“Both programs are designed to help businesses build capacity,” she noted.
Purchasing Opportunities Across Harris County
Closing the session, Purchasing Agent Kimberly Williams, JD emphasized the scale of opportunity: roughly $5 billion in projects across more than 70 departments.
“If you do it, we need it,” she said, urging businesses to register, monitor weekly opportunities, and request debriefs if not selected.
“There’s no stigma… it’s a learning opportunity.”
A Strong Message for Small Businesses
As the program concluded, Ahluwalia encouraged attendees to connect directly with DEEO representatives. The event transitioned into networking, but its core message remained clear: Harris County is not only open for business — it is actively inviting small businesses to step into a multibillion-dollar marketplace.
Pic Credit: Bijay Dixit (photographer)