METRO Small Business Outreach & Training Events

METRO provides outreach and technical assistance for the small business community. The outreach program is designed to assist small businesses in meeting one-on-one with METRO decision-makers, as well as the product/service provider. By attending small business networking forums, small businesses are able to obtain information about how to do business with METRO and how to access decision-makers regarding projects.

The outreach efforts include attending and co-sponsoring focused events to target and reach other potential small and disadvantaged businesses to participate on agency projects.

 

METRO Small Business University (SBU)

METRO’s Office of Small Business Development offers free management and technical assistance through the METRO Small Business Opportunities University (SBU). SBU courses are designed to enhance the potential for businesses certified with METRO’s Small Business Program to win contracts with METRO. SBU courses are targeted toward specific opportunities at METRO.

SBU Goals and Objectives:

• To assist small/disadvantaged businesses with navigating through METRO’s contracting and procurement process.
• To prepare small/disadvantaged businesses for face-to-face interviews with METRO buyers, contract administrators and project managers.
• To facilitate the communication process between small / disadvantaged businesses and other METRO representatives.

METRO’s Small Business University (SBU) 2019 Calendar

January 8, 2019
How To Do Business with METRO!
Certification! Procurement Team! Opportunities!
5330 Griggs (Palm Center)
11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

January 30, 2019
How to Price Your Proposal “Bidding Tips!”
1900 Main Street
9 – 11:30 a.m.
register now >>

February 13, 2019
Preparing a Mock RFP & RFQ (“Hand’s on Exercise! & Evaluation / Feedback”)
1900 Main Street
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Noon)
register now >>

March 6, 2019
Understanding METRO’s Information Technology (IT) Process
1900 Main Street
9 – 11 a.m.
register now >>

April 3, 2019
METRO’s “Meet The Buyers” (State of METRO!)
1900 Main Street
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Noon)
register now >>

April 4, 11, 18, 25, 2019 (Every Thursday in April)
OSHA 30 Training (Pre-Selected Firms Only)
Please Inquire
1900 Main Street
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

May 7, 2019
Celebrating Small Businesses! (In Recognition of National Small Business Week)
1900 Main Street
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Noon)
register now >>

May 22, 2019
Davis Bacon (Department of Labor)
1900 Main Street
9 – 11:30 a.m.
register now >>

June 12, 2019
Preparing For A METRO “Match-Making!”
1900 Main Street
9 – 11:30 a.m.
register now >>

June 26, 2019
Meet METRO’s Primes!
1900 Main Street
9 – 11 a.m.
register now >>

July 17, 2019
Construction Estimating
1900 Main Street
9 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Noon)
register now >>

August 7, 2019
Bonding & Insurance Workshop
1900 Main Street
9 – 11 a.m.
register now >>

September 11, 2019
I’m Certified, What’s Next!
1900 Main Street
9 – 10:30 a.m.
register now >>

October 9, 2019
Accessing Capital
1900 Main Street
9 – 11 a.m.
register now >>

November 6, 2019
Creating A Safety Plan
1900 Main Street
9 – 11 a.m.
register now >>

December 4, 2019
Bidding Tips From Our Partners (SCORE, P-TAC, SBA, Greater Houston Procurement Forum)
1900 Main Street
9 – 11 a.m.
register now >>

 

Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP)

The Houston Independent School District, City of Houston, Port of Houston Authority and the Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) have teamed up together to create the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program (IMPP). IMPP exists to strengthen effective working relationships and foster long term stability between established companies and local agencies with emerging historically underutilized businesses. The goals of IMPP are to enhance the business skills and broaden the base of historically underutilized businesses by providing the knowledge and experience of established firms.

Learn more >>

 

 

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