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Workshops & Seminars

2011 Calendar

Monthly Coffee Talks -Houston W Chamber of Commerce Business Resources

The HCC Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to recommend  this no cost monthly event designed to bring entrepreneurial resources to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. Coffee Talk is hosted by the Business Resources Committee (BRC) of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, a strategic partner of the HCC Center for Entrepreneurship. Monthly Coffee Talks will feature key topics for achieving success in your business and will bring experts to the table to talk to you, inspire you, teach you and answer your questions.

Time and Place: 1st Thursdays Monthly, 7:45 AM – 9:00 AM,10370 Richmond Avenue,Suite 890,Houston, TX 77042
Email: info@hwcoc.org, Phone: 713-785-4922

  • Jan 6 Thu – Banking 101
  • Feb 3 Thu – Maximizing the Value of Your Business
  • Mar 3 Thu – Houston Community College and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
  • Apr 7 Thu – Hiring and Evaluation Processes for Business Growth
  • May 5 Thu – Understand Where to Start with Social Media & LinkedIn
  • Jun 2 Thu – Identity Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name
  • Jul  7 Thu – Linked In & Twitter
  • Aug 4 Thu – The Healthcare Scare–Issues & Options for your Business
  • Sept 1 Thu –  Twitter/YouTube
  • Oct 6 Thu – Tax Planning Series – Part 1 – Federal Taxes – Mike Mahady
  • Nov 3 Thu – Tax Planning Series – Part 2 – Local Taxes – Paul Bettencourt
  • Dec 1 Thu – Tax Planning Series – Part 3 – State Taxes – Mary Thomas

August-September 2011 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Information Sessions

Are you a small business owner who wants to Grow Your Business? Led by Houston Community College, the 10,000 Small Businesses program provides local small business owners business education to develop a “Growth Plan,” support services and access to capital. Participants will gain practical business knowledge, skills such as contract negotiation, marketing, accounting and people management that can be put to work immediately. Full Scholarships Available! Attend an information session in August. www.hccs.edu/10ksb

Business Ownership Workshops

  • Jul 30 Sat, HCC SE – Eastside Campus  HCC SE College; Building D; Learning Hub Room# 216, 6815 Rustic St. Houston, TX 77087 2nd Floor; Art Gallery #216,
  • Sept 10 Sat, HCC NW – Spring Branch Campus, The Commons, 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77043

Starting & Running Your Own Business Seminar

  • Aug 13, HCC NW – Spring Branch Campus The Commons, 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77043

Monthly Coffee Talks -Houston W Chamber of Commerce Business Resources

The HCC Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to recommend  this no cost monthly event designed to bring entrepreneurial resources to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs. Coffee Talk is hosted by the Business Resources Committee (BRC) of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, a strategic partner of the HCC Center for Entrepreneurship. Monthly Coffee Talks will feature key topics for achieving success in your business and will bring experts to the table to talk to you, inspire you, teach you and answer your questions.

Time and Place: 1st Thursdays Monthly, 7:45 AM – 9:00 AM,10370 Richmond Avenue,Suite 890,Houston, TX 77042
Email: info@hwcoc.org   Phone: 713-785-4922

  • Jan 6 Thu – Banking 101
  • Feb 3 Thu  -Maximizing the Value of Your Business
  • Mar 3 Thu – Houston Community College and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
  • Apr 7 Thu – Hiring and Evaluation Processes for Business Growth
  • May 5 Thu -Understand Where to Start with Social Media & LinkedIn
  • Jun 2 Thu – Identity Theft: When Bad Things Happen to Your Good Name
  • Jul  7 Thu – Linked In & Twitter
  • Aug 4 Thu  - The Healthcare Scare – Issues & Options for your Business
  • Sept 1 Thu –  Twitter/YouTube
  • Oct 6 Thu – TBA
  • Nov 3 Thu -TBA
  • Dec 1 Thu- TBA

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Training Cohort 1

HCC SE

  • May 11 Wed, Orientation
  • May 13, Fri, Module 1-You & Your Business
  • May 14 Sat, Module 1 – You & Your Business
  • Jun 4 Sat, Module 2 – Growth & Opportunities
  • Jun 18 Sat, Module 3 – Money & Metrics
  • Jul 9 Sat, Module 4 – You Are the Leader
  • Jul 23 Sat, Module 5 – It’s the People
  • Aug 6 Sat, Module 6 – Marketing & Selling
  • Aug 20 Sat, Mod 7 – Being Bankable
  • Sep 10 Sat, Mod 8 – Strategic Growth Through Operations
  • Sept 24 Sat Mod 9 – Putting It All Together

HCC NW

  • May 11 Wed, Orientation
  • May 13 Fri, Module 1 – You & Your Business
  • May 14 Sat, Module 2 – Growth & Opportunities
  • Jun 3 Fri, Module 3 – Money & Metrics
  • Jun 4 Sat, Module 4 – You Are the Leader
  • Jun 17 Fri, Module 5 – It’s the People
  • Jun 18 Sat, Module 6 – Marketing & Selling
  • Jul 8 Fri, Mod 7 – Being Bankable
  • Jul 9 Sat, Mod 8 – Strategic Growth Through Operations
  • July 22 Fri Mod 9A – Putting It All Together
  • Jul 23 Sat Mod 9B – Putting It All Together

Spring 2011 HCC Newspring Business Plan Competition Dates

  • Jan 20 Thu – Enrollment deadline*
  • Jan 25 Tue – BPC Training Session I: Discipline/Skills, Milestone Chart, Target Market, Defining the Customer
  • Feb 8 Tue,  – BPC Training Session II: Product and Business Differentiation, Structure, Organization
  • Feb 15 Tue – BPC Training Session III:  Financials
  • Mar 22 Tue – BPC Training Session IV: Final Group Q&A
  • Apr 7 Thu – Submission deadline for business plan
  • Apr 19 Tue -BPC Training Session V: Presentation Skills
  • Apr 28 Thu – Finalists present business plans to judges
  • May 2 Mon – Winners announced and awards presented

Spring 2011 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Information Sessions

  • Feb 28 Mon, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, HCC SE College; Building D; Learning Hub Room# 216, 6815 Rustic St. Houston, TX 77087 2nd Floor; Art Gallery #216
  • Mar 2 Wed, 12pm – 1pm, HCC District – Systems; Seminar Room A, 3100 Main St. Houston, TX 77002 2nd Floor; CTC Seminar Room A
  • Mar 3 Thu, 7:45am – 9am Houston West Chamber of Commerce, Chamber Office Building 10370 Richmond Avenue Houston, Texas 77042
  • Mar 4 Fri, 2011, 8am – 9am HCC NW Spring Branch Campus; Eagle Room #115, 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77043 Eagle Room #115
  • Mar 7 Mon, 2011; 5:30pm – 6:30pm; SE College; Building D; Learning Hub; Room #216, 6815 Rustic St. Houston, TX 77087 2nd Floor; Art Gallery #216
  • Mar 8 Tue, 2011, 9am – 10am U of H Small Business Development Center, 2302 Fannin, Houston, TX 77002
  • Mar 9 Wed, 2011, 11:30am – 4pm Houston East End Chamber of Commerce Luncheon, Brady’s Landing; 8505 Cypress Houston, TX 77012
  • Mar 9 Wed, 2011, 11:30am – 1:30pm Houston Minority Supplier Development Council, Three Riverway, Suite 555, Houston, TX 77056
  • Mar 10 Thu, 2011, 8:30am – 9:30am, Greater Houston Partnership, 1200 Smith St., Suite 700, Houston, TX 77002
  • Mar 10 Thu, 2011, 11:30am – 1:15pm, Asian Chamber of Commerce: Exclusive March Monthly Luncheon, The Hess Club: 5430 Westheimer Rd. Houston, TX 77056
  • Mar 14 Mon., 4:15pm-5:15pm, Greater Houston Women’s Chamber of Commerce, 3015 Richmond
  • Mar 15 Tue., 4:30pm-6:00pm, , Port of Houston Authority, 1111 East Loop
  • Mar 16 Wed., 5:30pm-6:30pm, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, 1801 Main St.
  • Mar 17 Thu., 8;00-12:00 pm Small Business Summit, HCC/Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Exhibit Table, JW Marriott-Galleria 5150 Westheimer, Houston, TX 77056
  • Mar 21 Mon., 5:30pm – 6:30pm, HCC SE College; Building D; Learning Hub; Room #216,6815 Rustic St. Houston, TX 77087 2nd Floor; Art Gallery #216
  • Mar 25 Fri, 11:30am – 1:30pm, HCC NW Spring Branch Campus; The Commons, 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77043
  • Mar 28 Mon, 5:30pm – 6:30pm, HCC SE College; Building D; Learning Hub; Room# 216,6815 Rustic St. Houston, TX 77087 2nd Floor; Art Gallery# 216
  • Mar 30 Wed, 12pm – 1pm, HCC District – Systems; Seminar Room B, 3100 Main St. Houston, TX 77002 2nd Floor; CTC Seminar Room B
  • Apr 1 Fri, 8am – 9am, HCC NW Spring Branch Campus; Eagle Room #115,1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77043 Eagle Room# 115

Wealth Through Entrepreneurship

The HCC 2011 Student Chamber of Commerce Spring Conference is free to the public, students, faculty and staff.  Need more income?  Join us and explore the possibilities of entrepreneurship.  Whether you need to grow your business or want to start on, we will have a pathway for you. The HCC Student Chamber of Commerce was developed in 2009 through the HCC Chancellor’s Innovation Grant program.  The purpose of the organization is to support the entrepreneurial efforts of HCC students through ongoing programming related to starting and developing entrepreneurial enterprises and to foster business through global interface. Contact: velva.tyson@hccs.edu

  • Apr 12 Tue, HCC Central, 9:00am-4:00pm, Learning Hub, Rm 100, 1300 Holman Street, Houston, TX

Business Ownership Workshops

  • Jan 22 Sat, HCC NW – Spring Branch Campus, The Commons, 1010 W. Sam Houston Pkwy. N. Houston, TX 77043

Student Chamber of Commerce Meeting-Speaker: Attorney Brad E. Porter, Porter & Powers PLLC

Topics: Entrepreneurship; Starting a law firm; Student externships available at Porter & Powers.

Fall 2010

Musical Audition: Student Chamber of Commerce Fundraiser

Dec. 10, 2010 2:00 p.m.- 4:00 p.m. San Jacinto Auditorium Central Campus, the Student Chamber of Commerce will host a Musical Audition. All participants must be a student of the HCC system. This fundraiser event will take place February 11, 2011, at the Central Campus.

Trade Fair: Student Chamber of Commerce

Dec. 6, 2010 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. “Trade Fair” Learning Hub Central Campus Room 100, Hosted by the Student Chamber of Commerce “Open to the Public”. Vendor Tables are $25.00 each (Students receive $5.00 discount). This is an excellent time to come and showcase your goods as well as buy holiday gifts. For vendor information call Velva Tyson 713-718-6490. Register before December 2, 2010.

Student Chamber of Commerce December 2010 Meeting

Pedro Garcia, Manager, Program Outreach, Coordinator, Small Business Development Port of Houston Authority. He will provide information to Small Businesses on how to partner and qualify for vendor status (through contracts) with the Port of Houston Authority. He will also talk about Maritime programs that are available to help students with interest with working at the Port.

Integrate Online Social Networking into  your Business

Entrepreneur Coffee Talk – Monthly Series  Hosted by Houston West Chamber of Commerce’s Business Resources  Committee.  Hear John Whaley, SCORE: “Leverage the Internet – Beyond  the Hype, Straight to the Bottom Line.”  John’s topics:  Access  your current marketing strategy, How to make online social networks fit; and  Which tools can make you money in your  sleep!

Entrepreneur Coffee Talk – Hosted by  Houston West Chamber of Commerce BRC

The HCC Center for Entrepreneurship is proud to  recommend a new free monthly event designed to bring entrepreneurial resources  to existing and aspiring entrepreneurs.  Coffee Talk is hosted by the  Business Resources Committee (BRC) of the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, a  strategic partner of the HCC Center for Entrepreneurship.  Monthly Coffee  Talks will feature key topics for achieving success in your business and will  bring experts to the table to talk to you, inspire you, teach you and answer  your questions.

Advisor Training Session-2011  Annual Newspring Business Plan Competition

This event is by invitation ONLY to  Advisors to the 2011 Newspring Business Plan Competiton, Newspring staff and  HCC Center for Entrepreneurship staff.  The Advisor Training Session  kicks off planning and preparation to begin enrollment in  the 2011 competition.    Past and new advisors meet with  Newspring and the HCC Center for Entrepreneurship to prepare to accept  applications to the 2010 Newspring Business Plan Competition from November 8,  2011 through January 20, 2011.  As teams are accepted into the  competition they will be paired with business advisors/mentors to guide them  as they prepare their business  plans.

Port Authority’s Small Business Development Program

Guest Speaker: Robert Morgan, Maritime Academy Manager, Port of Houston Authority For more information, contact Steve Woodland: 713-718-5832 or steven.woodland@hccs.edu.

Student Chamber of Commerce Fall Entrepreneur Forum

Visit with entrepreneurs in the following areas: Cosmetology, Consulting, Accounting, Restaurant and Catering, Music, Engineering/Home Development, Retail, Insurance and Childcare. Learn how to start your business from the experts

Enrollment Begins for the 2011 HCC/Newspring Business Plan Competition

Power of E-mail Marketing with Constant Contact

Explore the  basics of email marketing, why it works so well & how to achieve  results.  Co-hosted by HCC Centers for Entrepreneurship (C4E)  and strategic partner Constant Contact.

CELEBRATE GLOBAL ENTREPRENEUR WEEK 11/15-11/19/10

Governor’s Small Business Forum-How to Make Money in the New Economy

In celebration of Global Entrepreneur Week, HCC is collaborating in this important forum on November 15, 2010 at the Hilton Americas from 11:30-6:00pm. Join us and discover the strategies to position your business to grow and make money in today’s difficult economy. Hear Mark LeBlanc, author of “Growing Your Business!,” and attend breakout sessions covering topics that range from Government Contracting, Social Media and Marketing, to Taxes, Health Care and Small Business Financing. Don’t miss the HCC Breakout Panel: Financing in Today’s Environment-Small Business Owners’ New Access to Funds Panelists include representatives from SBA, Micro Lenders, Community Banks and the UH SBDC.

Meet Entrepreneurs Under 20 Years Old-Student Chamber of Commerce

These young “go getters” will inspire you! How do you move from student to business owner? How long will it take? Hear from those who have done it early on! By the way, they’ll tell you, successful business owners never stop growing and learning! HCC’s Student Chamber of Commerce and Centers for Entrepreneurship are here for you, on your way to opening and beyond. Entrepreneurs gather, fuel, inspire and learn here!

Summer 2010

HCC BizConnect on “Talk 650 Morning Show”

CNN 650 AM Radio show hosts Steven Kay and Brent Clanton interview Sandra Louvier, Director of HCC NW Ctr. for Entrepreneurship along with guest Amy Asch about HCC BizConnect’s offerings.  Amy shares how she won the 2010 HCC Newspring Annual Business Plan Competition.

On Wednesday 8/18 the second guest will be Robert Westheimer, Chairman of the Board of Newspring, the Social Entrepreneurship that partners with HCC to hold the annual HCC/Newspring Business Plan Competition.  Mr. Westheimer will talk about Newspring and about how listeners can get involved in the next competition.  Turn to 650 AM on your radio at 7:30 am to catch their interviews.

Summer Entrepreneur Day Boot Camps

Presented by the HCC Student Chamber of Commerce

Come and listen to Dr. Jackie Cobbin encourage you to pursue your entrepreneurial dreams by telling her story about Divine Closet by Jackie.

HCC BizConnect on “Midtown Meeting with Charles Vethan”

Zachary Hodges, President of HCC Northwest College and Sandra Louvier, Director of HCC BizConnect Center for Entrepreneurship, Northwest College, speak about HCC’s entrepreneurial offerings on Midtown Meeting with Charles Vethan, a live weekly, one-hour radio show that features Houston entrepreneurs and entrepreneurial resources.

Starting and Running Your Own Business Seminar

A powerful all-day seminar packed with information to help you start your business the right way and to help existing business owners understand the necessity of proper planning.  Co-Hosted by HCC Center for Entrepreneurship and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Business Executives).

Business Ownership Workshop Series at HCC

For those in business or who know what business to start, a series of three successive workshops that cover three aspects of business that are essential for success and growth: Business Plans, Marketing and Cash Management.

Spring 2010

Starting and Running Your Own Business Seminar

A powerful all-day seminar packed with information to help you start your business the right way and to help existing business owners understand the necessity of proper planning.  Co-Hosted by HCC Center for Entrepreneurship and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Business Executives).

  • Saturday January 16, 2010 at Northline Campus
  • Saturday January 23, 2010 at Southeast Campus

Power of E-mail Marketing with Constant Contact

Explore the basics of e-mail marketing, why it works so well, and how to use it in your business planning to achieve specific goals. This seminar was a resounding success at our Spring Branch and Southeast Campuses. There’s still time to sign up for our March 4th event at HCC Northline!  Co-hosted by HCC Centers for Entrepreneurship (C4E) and strategic partner Constant Contact.

Advanced E-Mail Marketing-Getting to Know Constant Contact

An advanced class in email marketing strategy for small businesses and non-profits interested in taking their email marketing to the next level. Co-hosted by HCC C4E & Constant Contact.

Business Plan Competition Training Sessions

These are closed sessions for contestants, advisors and sponsors in the 2010 HCC/Newspring Business Plan Competition. Newspring conducts 5 training sessions for contestant teams and their business advisors about the required focus and planning to write their plans and move effectively through the competitions. Sessions focus on target market, the customer, product and business differentiation, structure, organization and financing. (projected revenues and break-even, income statements, cash flows, balance sheets, investment capital needs and other key issues to include in your Business Plan); Group Q&A, team meetings and Presentation Skills.

HCC Field Trips to Rice Alliance Elevator Pitch Competition and Business Plan Competition

By invitation from the Rice Alliance, a team of 20 students, advisors and leaders from Newspring and the HCC Centers for Entrepreneurship attended Rice University’s Elevator Pitch Competition and the Rice Alliance Business Plan Competition. The 2010 Rice Business Plan Competition awarded more than $1 million in cash and prizes; a record year for prizes. The world’s richest and largest business plan competition in the world brought 42 teams from across the globe to pitch their new technology business plans to more than 250 judges who themselves are successful venture capital investors, entrepreneurs, and business leaders. The mentoring, networking and learning offered by this experience inspired and fueled our contestant teams moving through our Business Plan Competition and allowed them invaluable access to the Who’s Who of Houston’s entrepreneurial community. .

  • Thursday, April 15, 5:30pm – 8:30pm Rice University
  • Friday, April 16, 2010 BPC Prelimnaries, 8:00am to 4:30pm
  • Saturday, April 17, BPC Finals and Shark Tank 8:00am to 4:00 pm

Lender Panel & Networking

Features a panel of representatives from key Houston lending Institutions, both lenders and agencies that provide services to aspiring and existing small business owners and entrepreneurs who seek funding for their business.  Topics include: different types of loans, preparing loan packages, relationship with your loan officer, additional sources for finding financing…and more.  There will be a Q & A session.  The evening also features networking with lenders and successful Houston entrepreneurs who support HCC’s Centers for Entrepreneurship.

Financial Literacy Day Conference for Entrepreneurs – Student Chamber of Commerce

Keynote Speaker: Gina Vincent, Community Affairs Specialist, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Gina Vincent speaks on Financial Literacy. Come and explore opportunities for building a financially healthy business. Hear about pathways to success for you from the Houston Urban League, Trustmark Bank, Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, HCC Student Chamber of Commerce and HCC BIZCONNECT Centers for Entrepreneurship. Meet exhibitors with products that will enhance your business and network with other entrepreneurs.

Business Plan Competition Key Dates – Co-sponsored by HCC & Newspring