Senator Royce West’s “Doing Business Texas Style Bid Fair” is the largest premier business expo in the southwest. The Bid Fair links minority owned businesses with corporations, public sector agencies and prime federal suppliers giving them opportunities they may not have otherwise enjoyed without this unique ability to directly connect with this network of prime customers.
Businesses attending the statewide HUB Program are provided an opportunity to build relationships and submit bid proposals on-site. Community & Economic Development (CED) Specialist from Prairie View A&M University’s Cooperative Extension Program, Mr. Lloyd Hebert, held one of the 12-course curriculum classes in Irving, Texas, where participant’s met with purchasing agents from across the state. With his wealth of knowledge and years of experience in the industry, Mr. Hebert, walked participant business owners through the steps of how to engage these agencies with tips and best practices that would increase their success.
Over 12-weeks of preparation, seventeen small businesses were established by the CED Small Business and Development Course. While attending the Bid Fair, 3 of the 21 bids submitted by the new businesses were awarded. One participant even completed a proposal for Lamar University that could be awarded $180,000 to fund his venture and launch a potential partnership that will brighten the future for not only his business, but his family and the community.
To learn more about the Cooperative Extension Program, visit the CAHS website at www.pvamu.edu/CEP.
Stay connected @pvamucahs.
The Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University is funded by the National Institute for Food & Agriculture (NIFA) through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The 1890 Extension Formula Program supports extension education programs that respond to the changing needs of limited resource clientele and underserved populations.
Carolyn J. Williams, Ph.D.
Associate Administrator, Cooperative Extension Program
cjwilliams@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5122