MAKING A DIFFERENCE NEWSLETTER - Issue 3, Volume 18 (Sept 2018) Issue 3, Volume 18 (Sep | Page 12

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Community Economic Development (CED) Agent, Nate Peterson implemented a flagship program called Businesses in Development (B.I.D.) Academy Certification Program. The "Businesses in Development" B.I.D. Certification Academy is a 9-week program designed to provide research-based instruction to Historically Underutilized Businesses in the State of Texas. In coordination with the State of Texas Comptroller's Office and input from purchasing agents across the State, Prairie View A&M University CEP developed a strict curriculum that teaches small businesses how to successfully identify and complete bid contracts with private and public agencies across the State. Our goal is to equip small businesses with the knowledge and network that will allow them to access over $2 Billion spent with Historically Underutilized Businesses.

Participants completed a 9-week intensive program to learn how to do state government contracting with the State of Texas through the HUB program (Historically Underutilized Business). Participants were provided with information and resources about the state contracting process. The 9-week session included:

• THE HUB Overview/Website

Navigation

• Setting up your Profile and

NIGP Codes

• Bookkeeping/Accounting

• Business Planning/Marketing

• Subcontracting/Negotiating

and Establishing Supplies

• Understanding Business

Credit

• Non-traditional Funding/

Micro

Lending Opportunities

• Filling out Bids

• Graduation & Networking

Post evaluations indicated that 90% of the participants were highly satisfied with the quality of the program. Participants were given certificates for completing the program, the statewide HUB coordinators/Procurement Manager list as well as free marketing both internally and externally within the Cooperative Extension Program at Prairie View A&M University.

The promotional video is coming soon. Special thanks to our sponsors American First National Bank and H-E-B.

Businesses in Development academy certification program

community economic development