The Houston Area Urban League held a Small Business Development University workshop for small business owners and start-ups in the Houston region April 27. Creating a balanced business plan and having a reliable business strategy were topics discussed at the event.

Port Houston partnered with the organization for small business outreach to promote economic growth and jobs. The League’s Small Business Development University Program was designed to help minority business owners establish the management skills that they need for success. The program is funded by the National Urban League Entrepreneurship Center.

Nick Tillman, director of energy acceleration at Houston Technology Center, was the guest speaker and shared his past business experiences with the attendees.

“Entrepreneurship and small business capacity building is not just a service for the Houston Area Urban League, it's a key part of our mission.  We expect to influence and make a difference in the clients served through our Entrepreneurship Center,” said Judson Robinson III, president of the Houston Area Urban League.

Port Houston officials noted the event was for a good cause.

“Port Houston recognizes the importance of this training and building the industry’s workforce to help the region,” said Gilda Ramirez, Port Houston senior director for small business and education outreach.

“It is valuable that we continue to work with other small business programs to achieve our strategic goal to grow and diversify the business base. We hope to do more training events with the Urban League later this year,” Ramirez added. We feel that this outreach is a great addition to our small business program efforts.”

The Urban League is the nation’s oldest and largest community based organization devoted for minorities to receive economic development opportunities.