Finance

Historically Underutilized Business Forum held at UH

The University of Houston System and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center co-hosted the 2014 Historically Underutilized Business Forum at the UH Hilton Hotel on April 29.

The purpose of the all-day event was to provide an opportunity for minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and businesses owned by a service-disabled veteran to meet with purchasing representatives from various state agencies and universities to discuss future business opportunities in support of state HUB initiatives.

In addition, representatives from local government organizations were in attendance to meet with small-business owners about conducting business with their organization.

UH System Board of Regents Chairman Jarvis Hollingsworth gave the opening remarks, followed by Executive Vice Chancellor/Executive Vice President of Administration & Finance Dr. Carl Carlucci. Both acknowledged and encouraged the participation of minorities, disabled veterans and women business owners in the UH System procurement process, which strives for equal opportunity, accountability and transparency.

In addition to the networking that occurred between business owners and government organizations, there were two break-out sessions. The first session was presented by the State Comptroller's HUB group, which discussed how to become state HUB certified, benefits of joining the Centralized Masters Bidders List, and the bidding opportunities on the Electronic State Business Daily. The second session was presented by PTAC, which is part of the UH Small Business Development Center, and discussed federal, local and corporate certifications and how to put them to use.

Though this was the first time in recent memory that the UH System has hosted this type of event, more than 100 people were in attendance, and the business owners seemed to enjoy the opportunity to meet with more than 20 government organizations in one place. Everyone is grateful for all of the organizations and businesses that participated and for PTAC's assistance in co-hosting the event.