Delivering in the Field: Strengthening Leadership Capacity and Community-Focused Results
Business Development
RELEVANCE
In a modern society often marked by inequality and persistent discrimination, the reality is that individuals, due to their socio-economic status, racial or ethnic background, or geographical location, often face a lack of opportunities despite their talent and ambition. Entrepreneurship should be an opportunity available to anyone if they want it, especially those who haven’t historically had much knowledge and experience in business or access to networks and resources to make them successful. It’s critical to acknowledge and encourage entrepreneurship in less represented communities since they often bring fresh ideas.
RESPONSE
We forged relationships with like-minded organizations, rooted in economic justice, to offer customized resources and services. Using research-based programming that included assessments, curriculum development, experiential learning supported with one-on-one coaching for individual business owners from historically underserved communities.
In 2023, we worked with organizations such as the Texas Veteran’s Commission, United Way, and a well-established Community Development Financial Institution based in Texas and serving the Southwest region to design and deliver three business accelerators. This series of programs was designed to help startup business owners scale their enterprises quickly and provide knowledge and access to funding in exchange for program participation. Once admitted, individuals went through an intense period of growth and development, over the course of three to six months.
January 2023 100% Veteran Visibility Program – Conducted individual coaching sessions to discuss how to implement effective digital marketing campaigns. Introduced new technologies to assist with website optimization, streamline operations, and create a holistic approach to drive online traffic and increase sales.
June 2023 Veteran Business Resiliency Accelerator – Designed and developed a research-based curriculum that addresses the specific needs of veteran entrepreneurs with virtual training events, customized personal/business assessments, and one-on-one business consultations. The program included a wholistic approach to support well-rounded and financially stable individuals with a program focus on access to capital and contract opportunities as HUB certified vendors for the State of Texas.
August 2023 Grow Now Business Accelerator — Conducted outreach more than 150 clients, 41 Spanish-speaking and 124 English-speaking to schedule one-on-one consultations. During the sessions, we reviewed individual assessments to analyze results and provide feedback and recommendations.
RESULTS
Participants learned business planning competencies such as structuring a business, reading financial statements, market research, creditworthiness, and proposal writing. They received in-depth knowledge of their entrepreneurial profiles discussing specific characteristics, qualities and thinking styles, and tips and recommendations to support their unique needs throughout the various phases each venture passes through with a strategy best suited to achieve annual goals and objectives.
This new skillset prepared participants to access capital in the form of micro-loans and grants. In addition, they received step-by-step guidance to become certified for business designations that provide networking advantages to small, minority, and veteran-owned businesses in government contracting.
IMPACT
The entrepreneurial assessment tool provided strategic insight into the entrepreneurs’ strengths and weaknesses to enhance their participation in the Grow Now Business Accelerator. That meant taking a critical look at the individuals starting and operating the business and learning to plot a strategy that reinforced unique performance capabilities.
The overarching programmatic goal of the Veteran Business Resiliency Accelerator was to improve the quality of life for the veteran community within the Tarrant County, Texas region.
Powered by the Texas Veteran’s Commission the goal of the 100% Veteran Visibility Program was to help bridge the digital divide for small businesses needing support optimizing their use of digital tools, social media platforms, and e-commerce to meet the evolving demands of customers post-COVID-19.
As a result of these efforts, we helped to fund $85M in loans, create and retain more than 5000 jobs, and provide greater than 7300 hours of individual coaching.
Over 65% of the clients had less than 5 years in business stimulating the Texas economy in industries that included service, transportation, retail, construction, and arts, entertainment, and recreation.
Public Value Statement
Our work has helped transform people’s livelihood by opening doors to self-sufficiency, removing financial barriers, and building a community of shared economic success through entrepreneurship.
Leadership and Management Development
RELEVANCE
The City of Houston as an organization faces numerous challenges typical of large, dynamic urban administrations, including the efficient management of resources, project oversight, and workforce coordination. Developing a program specifically aimed at equipping managers and supervisors with necessary information, tools, techniques, and behavioral skills addresses several critical needs for sustainable and effective administration.
RESPONSE
Developed curriculum and delivered in-person training on Building High Performance Teams for the City of Houston Accredited Program for Supervisors (CAPS).
RESULTS
Managers and supervisors were equipped with the information, tools, techniques, and behavioral skills that helped them maximize resources on a continuing basis with people, projects, and assignments.
The training program provided them with the latest methodologies in resource optimization and cost efficiency, ensuring maximized outputs while minimizing waste. This is particularly critical for public projects where budget constraints are stringent and public accountability is high.
Training in project management tools and techniques enhanced the capability of managers and supervisors to handle the complexities due to regulatory requirements, logistical challenges, and the need for cross-departmental collaboration more adeptly. This included risk management, stakeholder engagement, and compliance with local and federal laws, all of which are crucial for successful project completion.
The training programs focused on interpersonal and behavioral skills to foster better communication, conflict resolution, and team management capabilities. These skills are essential for maintaining workforce morale and productivity, especially in stressful urban governance environments.
The training ensured that managers and supervisors are up-to-date with the latest digital tools and platforms that can enhance project management, resource allocation, and data analysis processes.
IMPACT
Enhanced public service delivery and community engagement, ensuring that city services meet the needs of residents more effectively and that community ties are strengthened through improved responsiveness.
Reduced project completion times and operational costs, demonstrable through faster infrastructure improvements and more efficient public health responses.
Contributed to lower employee turnover rates and better crisis management, leading to a more experienced workforce and
Public Value Statement
Our participation in the CAPS training series helped supervisors lead better, making city services more efficient and cost-effective. It increased public trust in the city’s ability to manage emergencies while maintaining a positive work environment, enhancing life in Houston for everyone.