LyncVerse interview on HCC TV “It’s your business" from Shearrard Thomas on Vimeo.

Recent graduates of the Interagency Mentor-Protégé Program (IMPP) had the opportunity to meet and speak one-on-one with HISD Procurement professionals today during a networking event hosted by HISD’s Business Assistance Supplier Diversity department. The IMPP —a collaboration between HISD, the City of Houston, the Port of Houston Authority, and the Metropolitan Transit Authority (METRO) — exists to strengthen working relationships and foster long-term stability between established companies and emerging minority- and women-owned business enterprises (M/WBEs). Participants, known as protégés, apply in the spring and, if selected, are paired with a mentor and embark on an eight-week program designed to enhance their business skills.

The program focuses on topics such as understanding of financials, how to successfully bid on jobs, and how to do business with local government agencies. “It’s been enlightening, so valuable. I would highly recommend it to others,” said Shearrard Thomas, president and CEO of LyncVerse Technologies and a recent IMPP grad. “You start a small business kind of in a bubble, coming at it from just your vantage point. I learned that others can bring good points I never thought of so it’s really helpful to incorporate feedback from various sources.” Thomas said he is currently working on a joint proposal to submit to a local agency, which he believes is much stronger due to this collaborative approach. He’s also looking forward to more networking opportunities such as today’s event and hopes to help other small businesses along the way.

“There’s definitely a ‘pay it forward’ feeling that comes out,” Thomas said. “If I can help others how I’ve been helped, I would absolutely want to do that.” More information on the IMPP including participant requirements “HISD is committed to providing opportunities and assistance to M/WBEs to do business with us,” said Alexis Licata, general manager of business assistance. “Participating in the IMPP and networking events such as this are great ways to get started.” For more information on upcoming workshops and networking opportunities hosted by HISD, contact the Business Assistance Supplier Diversity office at 713-556-7273.

Join LyncVerse Technologies is supporting Autism Awareness and cheer on the Houston Astros as they play the Oakland A's on April 15 at 7:10 PM at Minute Maid Park.

Purchase tickets at a discounted rate with the link below and Special Offer Code "FRYE." Dr. Frye, with the assistance of patient Evan Carkhuff, will throw out the first pitch of the game. He will be recognized for his research and dedication to helping children with Autism. Come and see the game only or at 5:15, before the game, hear Dr. Frye speak to parent, teachers, caretakers and special guests like you about hopeful treatments for children with Autism! If you would like to hear Dr. Frye speak and have the opportunity to ask questions, email us atinfo@cfdresearch.org to reserve a seat.

Tickets here: http://www.cfdresearch.org/autism-awareness-night.html

Mayor Annise Parker developed Hire Houston First in an effort to promote economic opportunity for Houston businesses and to support job creation. The City of Houston spends billions of dollars to maintain and improve the City’s infrastructure, and provide services for the public. Hire Houston First grants the City the ability to give preference to local companies and local workers, as long as their pricing is competitive.

The Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) is the administrator of the Hire Houston First program. It is the policy of the City of Houston as defined in the Hire Houston First Ordinance Chapter 15, Article XI, to use the City’s spending powers in a manner that promotes fiscal responsibility and maximizes the effectiveness of local tax dollars by ensuring City spending provides business opportunity to city and local businesses as a measure to support the local economy.

http://www.houstontx.gov/obo/Hire-Houston-First

MWBE provides nationwide services to Minority and Women Businesses to educate, mentor, and help leverage their capabilities to maximize opportunities and promote sustainability, and they are committed to assisting Public Agencies and Prime Contractors find qualified, certified MWBE companies that have the capability to meet or exceed strict requirements for products and services.

The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1974 to serve the greater northwest area of Harris County. Visionary citizens chartered the Chamber and today it has grown to over 750 members serving an area of approximately 500,000 residents. The northwest region has operated primarily as an unincorporated area without the benefit of town hall, mayor or main street.

The Chamber of Commerce has partnered closely with county commissioners, elected officials and community organizations to fill the void by working to improve the area for both businesses and families.