IACCGH’s Small Business Outreach Program

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Elizabeth Carreno Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Outreach Director
Photos:Bijay Dixi

By Manu Shah

HOUSTON: As part of its Small Business Outreach Program held on August 26 at the Houston Community College Campus, the Indo American Chamber of Commerce of Greater Houston (IACCGH) introduced members and guests to two organizations that can facilitate the growth of their businesses.

A presentation from Chris Bilton, Houston Director of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) outlined the benefits the Agency offered ethnic minorities to help their business grow. Strong ethnic minority owned firms can help the US economy and MBDA, operated by Houston Community College (HCC) provides these minority owned businesses help with raising capital, contracts and consulting services. The Agency, according to Chris “showed a 59 times return on investment.”

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Outreach Director Elizabeth Carreno also offered an overview of the services Goldman Sachs offers small business owners without differentiating on the basis of ethnicity or gender. The program helps “business owners become business leaders” by offering business education, a supportive network of advisors and peers and access to capital. Applicant requirements include business operations of at least two years, business revenues of at least $150,000 and a minimum of four employees which could include the owner.

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Chris Bilton, Houston Director, MBDA

IACCGH President Ashok Garg thanked HCC for supporting the event and Rajiv Bhavsar from Wallis State Bank for underwriting the event which allows the Chamber to “educate the community on best business practices.” He also encouraged the gathering to reserve their seats for the IACCGH 16th Annual Gala which features the US Ambassador to India, Richard R. Verma as the Keynote Speaker and is a historic first for the Chamber. The Gala is on September 19th at the Hilton Americas.

For more information, visit www.iaccgh.com.