TBA 2010 Look Back and Report Card

TBA helps to strengthen the economy and spur job creation by equipping small businesses for increased capacity. Specifically, the value we bring to our constituency is summed as:

1. We create a measurable pipeline of multicultural MWBEs ready for contract opportunities and make connections.
2. We develop top-notch educational models that can be leveraged locally, regionally, nationally and internationally by TBA chapter networks and other member-driven organizations. 
3. We assist our MWBE members with access to capital. 
4. We equip high school and college students with the tools and resources to pursue an entrepreneurial alternative  

With that in mind along with our mission to equip minority- and women-owned businesses to be qualified suppliers, ready to compete for public, private and international opportunities through progressive development and specialized training, highlights from our 2010 report card follow:

• 18 TBA members were awarded $10,187,500 in contract opportunities
• Several TBA members were assisted with access capital
• Increased small business and corporate memberships and sponsorships, and added key board members for future growth
• Coordinated several small business specialized trainings (Community Collaboratives):

--Doing Business with the Federal Government for Newcomers

--Role of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the Department of Homeland Security

--How to Get Your Business Ranked #1 on Google

--Four-in-One Training: The Power of Social Media, QuickBooks, Photoshop and Email Marketing for Your Business

--Constant Contact: The Power of Email Marketing

--City of Houston Certification Training

--Doing Business Abroad: Minority Opportunities in Exporting Series

--Small Business Legislative Soiree  

• Held 2nd Annual Meeting and “State of the Houston Small Business Economy” luncheon at the Federal Reserve Bank
• Held 2nd Annual One Woman National Business Conference® at the Omni Houston Hotel, which attracted more than 800 participants over a two-day period
• Graduated first class of five minority- and women-owned small businesses from the Business Enterprise Academy® small business incubator program
• Received stimulus grant from Gulf Coast Community Services Association to help fund Youth Entrepreneurship Academy®
• Graduated first class of 13 high school juniors, seniors and college freshmen, from the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy® small business and leadership development program
• Youth Entrepreneurship Academy® businesses generated more than $15,000
• Launched five out of six TBA development programs
• Launched Capital Connections, TBA’s access to capital training program

Special thanks to Lloyd Gite of The Gite Gallery. Lloyd hosted our Legislative Soiree in 2010 and also was a wonderful mentor and support to Felipe Lopez, a graduate of the YEA class. Several of Felipe's art pieces are now available at The Gite Gallery.

This year, we look forward to increasing our MWBE member-development focus even further and implementing expansion plans. We look forward to involving many of you as volunteers, sponsors and members. Will you join Us?

TBA Membership Renewals

We're so happy to welcome back many of our members who recently renewed their membership. Learn more about each by clicking on their link.


AbiDawn Holistic Therapies, LLC
Andimar Transport LLC
Arleen Flint
Black Enterprise Magazine
BoneFide Development Group
Capital One Bank
City of Houston
Codwell Family Foot Center
Cruise Control Valet
Dean's Professional Services
Eddie Carreon Insurance Agency
Elena Enterprises, Inc.
Epiphany-Celebrations
First Class FGD Services, Inc.
Harrland Company
Houston Independent School District
John Gay
LB Marketing Solutions
Lexis Florist
LifeSkills Institute
Madison Avenue Catering
Metromarketing Services Inc.
Mickey McGill, Financial Advisor
MultiCultural Connections
MWH Public Relations
NASA Johnson Space Center
Nightlight Pediatric Urgent Care
Nu Image Homes LLC
Oaks Batter Up Texas
One World Strategy Group, LLC
Organic Sweet Shoppe, LLC
Password Productions
Pierre Principle Communications, LLC
Port of Houston Authority
Pretty Quick National Bulk & Delivery
Pride Staff
Reliant Leasing System, LP
Salvador Garcia, Jr., CPA
Sugar Land Courier Service
Summit Fence South, Inc.
T & K's Mobile Detailing & Pressure Washing
Tax Service Express
TaylorSmith Consulting, LLC
The Digital Broadcasting Network
The Office of Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee
The Plaid Group
The Principle Partnering Group LLC
Touch of Keys (E. Gordon Wright)
Triple A (AAA) Crains

2010 TBA Look Back and Report Card

TBA helps to strengthen the economy and spur job creation by equipping small businesses for increased capacity. Specifically, the value we bring to our constituency is summed as:

• We create a measurable pipeline of multicultural MWBEs ready for contract opportunities and make connections.

• We develop top-notch educational models that can be leveraged locally, regionally, nationally and internationally by TBA chapter networks and other member-driven organizations.

 • We assist our MWBE members with access to capital.

 • We equip high school and college students with the tools and resources to pursue an entrepreneurial alternative 

With that in mind along with our mission to equip minority- and women-owned businesses to be qualified suppliers, ready to compete for public, private and international opportunities through progressive development and specialized training, highlights from our 2010 report card follow:

*18 TBA members were awarded $10,187,500 in contract opportunities
*Several TBA members were assisted with access capital
*Increased small business and corporate memberships and sponsorships, and added key board members for future growth
*Coordinated several small business specialized trainings (Community Collaboratives):

• Doing Business with the Federal Government for Newcomers
• Role of the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization at the Department of Homeland Security
• How to Get Your Business Ranked #1 on Google
• Four-in-One Training: The Power of Social Media, QuickBooks, Photoshop and Email Marketing for Your Business
• Constant Contact: The Power of Email Marketing
• City of Houston Certification Training
• Doing Business Abroad: Minority Opportunities in Exporting Series
• Small Business Legislative Soiree 
• Held 2nd Annual Meeting and “State of the Houston Small Business Economy” luncheon at the Federal Reserve Bank

*Held 2nd Annual One Woman National Business Conference® at the Omni Houston Hotel, which attracted more than 800 participants over a two-day period

*Graduated first class of five minority- and women-owned small businesses from the Business Enterprise Academy® small business incubator program

*Received stimulus grant from Gulf Coast Community Services Association to help fund Youth Entrepreneurship Academy®

*Graduated first class of 13 high school juniors, seniors and college freshmen, from the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy® small business and leadership development program

*Youth Entrepreneurship Academy® businesses generated more than $15,000

*Launched five out of six TBA development programs

*Launched Capital Connections, TBA’s access to capital training program

  

Special thanks to Lloyd Gite of The Gite Gallery. Lloyd hosted our Legislative Soiree in 2010 and also was a wonderful mentor and support to Felipe Lopez, a graduate of the YEA class. Several of Felipe's art pieces are now available at The Gite Gallery.

This year, we look forward to increasing our MWBE member-development focus even further and implementing expansion plans. We look forward to involving many of you as volunteers, sponsors and members.

Rebuild, Retool and Recover All in 2011 by Sharwin Wiltz Boney, BoneFide Development & Investment Group

It's time to Rebuild, Retool, and Recover All. The years of a recession have caused us all to look back and reevaluate the state of our small business. We have heard the news of economists. We have watched the up and down movement of the Dow and the Nasdaq as Wall Street responds to investor and consumer woes. We have watched business savings dwindle and small businesses struggle to keep their doors open. Even still, in this state of uncertainty, I would suggest it is time for Main Street – you and me – to Rebuild, Retool, and Recover All. The steps involved follow.


The first step in the retooling process is to evaluate where your business has been. Every business has a story. This story speaks to your Profitability, Performance and Priorities as a business. To be accurately told, your financial statements give a bird’s eye view to these "3 Ps." The analysis of financial statements allows stakeholders to evaluate profitable streams, determine whether priorities were well placed and weigh performance to company objectives and financial goals. Interpretation through these lenses allows for the small business owner to start the process of retooling. The second step to retooling is getting outside eyes on the inner workings of your organization. Accountants, consultants and business coaches are needed resources in analyzing gathered data and helping to determine a strategic path forward.

To rebuild is to first retool. This fosters a new culture in how you view spending, how solid your sales pipeline is and how the cost of every dollar is made. Keep the things that work. Let go of the things that don’t. Tighten up the areas that are squeaky and loose. Put a greater emphasis on higher internal controls and financial reporting.

Don’t do 2011 like 2010.

In implementing action items in the retool and rebuild process, a new culture is founded where recovery can begin. What is there to recover? Market share. Solid and diverse sales base. Savings used to fuel cash flow. Don’t try to recover with the same old tools and the same broke foundation. The vitality of your business is dependent on your willingness to step out of the wreckage you have been in and began afresh and anew. There is great promise for the company who is committed to retooling, rebuilding and recovering all!

Sharwin Wiltz-Boney
Business Strategist, Accountant, IRS Enrolled Agent (EA)
BoneFide Development & Investment Group

One Woman National Business Conference -- Save the Date!

The One Woman National Business Conference (OWC) is growing and becoming more than just a conference, but a movement! And, that's not the only change. OWC is changing venue and city. No worries, however, OWC is not going too far away! More details will be shared in the coming weeks, but for now please note these important deadlines, dates and bits of information.


If you're interested in being an OWC speaker, please click here to print an application and submit it by March 31, 2011. Interested in vending? Please print a vendor's application here to reserve your space now. OWC registration will open March 1, 2011, during Women's History Month.

OWC is a two-day business development conference for business owners and entrepreneurs, and corporate personnel. Women in business (and men) hear from top presenters regarding the latest industry trends and business growth strategies; build business contacts and establish relationships with decision makers who listen to their business value proposition; and join a network of women who have formed an alliance making One Woman more than a conference, but a movement of like-minded business owners that mean business!

Anchoring the conference is a tradeshow where exhibitors come to sell, demonstrate and share their products, services or business opportunities. Corporate personnel, specifically supplier diversity officers, learn how to better serve the small business community and meet new potential suppliers. And, a "Youth Explosion" program for youths with entrepreneurial interests also is held during OWC.

OWC will be held Friday and Saturday, August 19-20, 2011, please hold the date.

OWC sponsorship opportunities are varied and affordable for small businesses, nonprofit organizations and the public and private sectors. View or print the 2011 TBA sponsorship packet here.

The Business 411 by Joni K. Sterling, IRS

Did you receive a notice from the IRS that your business is being audited? First, you should reply as directed. Second, if you’ve never been audited, do some homework. Our new tool makes it easy!


The Internal Revenue Service has launched a new online video series called, Your Guide to an IRS Audit. It follows three hypothetical small business taxpayers step-by-step through an audit, from notification to closing.

You can use this educational tool to become more familiar and knowledgeable about the audit process, simply by watching. Be more comfortable about what to expect as it shows how best to prepare for an audit, demonstrates process steps, outlines responsibilities expected and answers frequently asked questions.

The series has ten stand-alone lessons viewers can select and watch in any sequence. A bookmark feature makes it possible to leave and return to a specific point within the lesson.

Also check out the IRS Audit webpage, which includes answers to many frequently asked questions.

Joni K. Sterling
Sr. Stakeholder Liaison
CLD: Stakeholder Liaison, Field Operations
c/o I.R.S.

Youth Entrepreneurship Academy® Program Accepting Applications

The youth version of BEA, the Youth Entrepreneurship Academy® (YEA) is a FREE six-month program that equips high school and college students with the tools and resources to pursue an entrepreneurial alternative and actually launch a real business. Statistics show that an unacceptable number of U.S. students in underserved communities fail to develop the academic, social and citizenship skills necessary to compete and succeed in today’s economy. Further, college graduates are increasingly unable to secure employment. YEA is a method to bridge the gap and provide an alternative to the traditional career footprint for college-bound students and the student who may not attend college for any number of reasons. We already have received several applications from inspiring youth, such as:

• "Alicia" wants to start a fashion company because she's always dreamed of being self employed.
• "Derrick" seeks to create a sports video business. He wants to take his life into his own hands and doesn't want to depend on a company to determine how much he makes.
• "Sheera" wants to own a farmers' market because she wants to do something that matters.
• "Jazzmin" already has a fashion design business, DBA, business plan and makes sales. She wants to take her business to the next level.

Other qualifying youth are encouraged to join the pool of applicants by submitting an application before the Friday, January 21 deadline. YEA class begins in February through July 2011. Graduation will be held during the 2011 One Woman National Business Conference August 2011. Click here for an application.

Business Enterprise Academy® Program Accepting Applications

If you could significantly improve the effectiveness of your small business in six month's time, would you?


The Business Enterprise Academy® (BEA) is TBA's flagship, six-month small business development incubator program for businesses six months to three years in business. BEA equips minority and women's business enterprises (MWBEs) with foundational information to be successful in business which, in turn, helps create a pipeline of qualified suppliers. BEA uniquely includes extensive request for proposal (RFP) instruction. The participant ROI is well worth the investment of time and money.

Organic Sweet Shoppe, LLC CEO Shannon Lucas shared her experience with TBA as a new business owner, "Since I became a member of TBA and BEA, I learned things about business that I have never considered like disaster recovery plans, business and health insurance, the importance of branding, working with the IRS, marketing and sales, and creating a productive work environment," said Lucas. "Consequently, I now have a business LLC, sound business plan, company logo, business cards, brochures and other marketing materials including a Web site. Also, I acquired a business mentor and adviser in my respective field. As, well, I've put myself in a position to apply for contracts with the City of Houston, and I have tools and opportunities that I would not have had if the TBA didn't exist. Lessons learned through the BEA program will stay with me always. I never thought I would be in the position that I'm in now. Looking back at where I began and most of all looking forward to where I'm going, it was all made possible by the Texas Business Alliance and the BEA program."

If you meet the qualifications for participation, please consider investing in yourself and your business. Applications for the next BEA class are being accepted through Friday, January 21. The cost is $395 for TBA members and $495 for non-members. Selected participants will receive a $100 scholarship donated by Hewlett-Packard Company. Class begins February 1 through July 2011. Graduation will be held during the 2011 One Woman National Business Conference August 2011. Click here for an application, schedule and Q&A.

TBA Annual Meeting to Shed Light on Whether a 2011 Small Business-friendly Economy is Forecasted for Houston

New TBA Board Focused on Supplier Organizational Architecture and TBA Expansion

Exceptional nonprofit boards recognize that diversity is essential to an organization's success. They see the correlation between mission, strategy and board composition. That's why TBA is working to ensure its Board of Directors and Executive Advisory Board reflects the TBA constituency and also is equipped with knowledge from many perspectives -- corporate, governmental and small business.


In 2011, our members, partners and the community will experience an even greater focus on preparing suppliers for growth, sustainable success, and even succession planning for our members who are more seasoned and preparing to transition.

TBA itself also will be focused on growth and expansion as an organization. We will increase our membership and organizational footprint in 2011. We hope you'll join us in our goal to help create a stronger small business community and let us hear from you on how we can serve you. Please welcome our new Board of Directors and Executive Advisory Board:

2011 Board of Directors

Chairman
Brian Tippens
Director, Global Supplier Diversity
Development and Sustainability
Hewlett-Packard Company

Vice Chairman
Byron Carter
CEO
Pretty Quick National Bulk & Delivery

Secretary
Debra Johnson
Director of Procurement
NASA Johnson Space Center

Treasurer
Zawadi Bryant
COO and Co-founder
NightLight Pediatric Urgent Care

Parliamentarian
Lisa Ta
VP - Business Banker
Capital One Bank

General Counsel
Jeffery K. Malonson
Partner
Vinson & Elkins LLP

Jo Aragon
Community Leader

Jennifer Lynn Dean
President & CEO
Dean’s Professional Services – Smith & Dean, Inc.

Winston Labbe'
VP Community Development Lending
AmegyBank

Mark LeCrone
Southern Texas Sales Consultant
Lightspeed Technologies

Sophia Y. Pickens-Graves
Supplier Diversity Coordinator
Fluor Inc.

George Wyche Jr., Esq.
Executive Vice President
ARVO Realty Advisors

Jeffrey L. Boney
CEO and Founder
Texas Business Alliance

Executive Advisory Board

Irvin Ashford Jr.
SVP Public Affairs Director
Community Development and External Affairs
Comerica Bank

D'Artagnan Bebel
VP and General Manager
Fox 26 KRIV-TV & My 20 KTXH-TV

Jessie Chie
President and CEO
Teh Tung (USA) LLC

Dr. John Codwell III
Podiatric Physician & Surgeon
Codwell Family Foot Center, P.A.

Tiffani Evans
External Affairs
AT&T

Rick Figueroa
Vice President, Advisory Brokerage Services
UBS Financial Services Inc.

Edwin P. Graves
Area Market Manager - Southeast / Northeast Texas
AT&T Advertising Solutions

Sue Habib
Owner
Lexis Florist

James Harris
Director Supplier Diversity
H-E-B

Carla Lane
President and CEO
LaneStaffing Inc.

Shawn Parker
Community Relations Manager
TXU Energy

Sharon Phillips
President and CEO
MultiCultural Connections

Gilda Ramirez
Director of Small Business Development
Port of Houston Authority

Susan Repka
Executive Director
Women's Business Enterprise Alliance

Sue Schechter
Community Volunteer and Consultant

Tim Smith
CEO
The Plaid Group

Tracy Taylor-Smith
President and CEO
TaylorSmith Consulting, LLC

Laurie Vignaud
SVP/Sr. Director, Community Development Banking
Capital One Bank

Cary Yates
Senior Vice President of Regional Banking
Wells Fargo Bank

Joe Zhou
President
Digital Wave