For many years, small, minority-owned, and woman-owned businesses (S/MWBEs) around the U.S. have helped us grow as a nation. Just look at some of your favorite stores like Apple, Microsoft, Amazon, and Walmart. All four of these large corporations started as small businesses and worked their way to the top. Today small businesses face unique challenges, but continue to play a vital role in building our nation’s economy. The Port Houston Business Equity team knows this, and their program is designed to help S/MWBEs thrive in this country. Port Houston is honored to recognize and work with more than 1,400 S/MWBEs across the Greater Houston region.
Caption: Attendance at the Port Houston Business Equity Program Launch Event in July 2021. (From left to right) Harris County Commissioner Precinct #2 Adrian Garcia, Port Commissioner Cheryl Creuzot, Houston Minority Supplier Development Council President Ingrid Robinson, Port Houston Executive Director Roger Guenther, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Dr. Laura Murillo, City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, Port Commissioner Wendy Montoya Cloonan, Harris County Commissioner Precinct #1 Rodney Ellis, SBA-Houston District Director Tim Jeffcoat.
Business Equity Program Anniversary
Approximately one year ago, Port Houston created a new Business Equity program to create greater equity for minority and woman-owned business enterprises participating in its procurement and contracting processes. In 2022, Port Houston is continuing to focus on promoting opportunity for all by increasing collaboration with community and industry stakeholders. We are increasing the number of S/MWBE enrollments and participation to support our goal of developing and strengthening external partnerships.
Port Houston’s Business Equity Program is a valuable resource for S/MWBEs looking to grow and expand their business. We host several business networking events to help businesses network as well as learn from one another. Port Houston’s Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP) helps businesses foster long-term relationships between contractors, Port Houston certified S/MWBEs and other partnering agencies. There are also safety programs and industry-specific forums to pinpoint opportunities.
Below are some S/MWBEs enrolled in Port Houston’s Business Equity program who are making a difference in the greater Houston community. 
Visual AV LLC is a Port Houston certified small, minority-owned technology company and graduate of the 2021 OpPORTunity U training program. Visual AV specializes in providing innovative technology solutions that help customers collaborate more effectively. Visual AV sells A/V and IT Equipment that can be used in various settings across multiple industries. Their large interactive displays allow the user to create digital lessons and activities that can be easily reused and shared.
Sweet Dreams Gourmet was established in 2013 by Danielle Green. It is a Port Houston registered minority, woman-owned small business and graduate of the 2021 OpPORTunity U training program. Sweet Dreams Gourmet specializes in dessert and light bites catering offering affordable services for all occasions from children’s birthday parties to large scale corporate events. They strive to promote fresh ideas and innovative trends in catering.
Founded in 2019 by Aril Mejia, Jr., Elite Construction and Engineering Services, LLC (ECES) is a firm specializing in civil engineering services. ECES is a Port Houston registered minority-owned, small business and currently enrolled in the 2022 OpPORTunity U training program. Their objective is to exceed expectations by providing high-quality services to clients delivering products on time and within budget.
The Port Houston Business Equity team has the knowledge, skills, and resources to help your small, minority- or woman-owned business succeed. We have multiple pathways for your business to obtain the necessary tools to compete for procurements and grow your business. See how your business can work with Port Houston today by enrolling at https://porthouston.com/business-equity-enrollment/.
