February 1 is the start of Black history month. While the world celebrates and recognizes the accomplishments of Blacks in America, Prairie View A&M University’s Community and Economic Development (PVAMU CED) created an opportunity for small minority-owned businesses to begin their journey to government contracting. Joining forces with the Acres Home Chamber for Business and Economic Development, PVAMU CED Unit launched one of its flagship programs, The Businesses in Development Academy (B.I.D.)

Description automatically generated with medium confidence B.I.D. Academy teaches essential business skills and effective strategies for working, managing, and doing business with government agencies. B.I.D. academy is a FREE nine-week curriculum that takes businesses through getting HUB certified, business planning, marketing, and developing a winning bid proposal!

Greg Rose, CEP Community and Economic Development Agent (Harris County) implemented and facilitated the academy’s cohort (model), which featured 37 local businesses. The businesses’ industries ranged from transportation services and construction to consulting and appliance repair.

Session one of the B.I.D academy partnered with the Statewide Procurement Division Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program to present information on the certification process. Session one also created an environment for businesses to network, gain knowledge and start their journey to government contracting. As the B.I.D. academy continues, the schedule covers a variety of speakers from various backgrounds, including Pitch Writing, Business Planning, Access to Alternative Capital, and Graduation.

The Annual B.I.D. Academy is an excellent time for small businesses to grow and learn the procurement process as the state spending budget increases yearly, particularly with H.U.B. vendors. The CDE aims to have the participants of the Harris County B.I.D. Academy ready to bid by the end of the program in March.

For more information, contact:

Gregory Rose
Extension Agent – Cooperative Extension Program
girose@pvamu.edu