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HCC’s ‘HOU Made’ program empowers area small businesses, creators 

Oct 15, 2024

Small Business owners at annual HOUMade Summit.

Houston Community College (HCC) continues to be a driving force in supporting small businesses through its HOU (Houston) Made program, an initiative to provide a comprehensive support system for local entrepreneurs. 

Begun in 2021, the program offers workshops, resources and networking opportunities to help businesses launch, grow and thrive. All the activities are at no cost. 

Connie Leon, the program’s coordinator, shared how HOU Made – housed at HCC's West Houston Institute – benefits the community.  

"It is designed to open up HCC's Makerspace to the public with access to tools and resources that were previously reserved for staff, faculty and students,” Leon explained. “The initiative gives small business owners access to use the Makerspace after their representatives attend a series of workshops.”  

The workshops cover a variety of topics, from Business 101 to branding and marketing, with a particular focus on helping entrepreneurs scale their operations. Attendees are introduced to advanced equipment like laser cutters, 3D printers and heat press machines, which use heat to transfer ink onto paper, garments and other items. 

Additionally, participants can connect with financial advisers and coaching resources. In partnership with organizations like Chase Bank, entrepreneurs can learn about securing business loans and receive personalized coaching. 

LaShan Arceneaux, owner of a business that creates mixes for cocktails, secured a $12,000 startup loan thanks to HOU Made. 

"I plan to use the loan to have a website built, and to purchase equipment and business supplies such as mixers, aprons, and supplies needed for business. This will allow me to grow the business successfully," Arceneaux shared. 

Participants like Arceneaux can also hone their practical skills through the program’s Maker to Market initiative. It provides entrepreneurs with kits that included tents, tables and marketing collateral for use in so-called ‘pop-up’ stores.

The program also provides networking opportunities.  

For more information about HOU Made and future workshops, visit HouMade.com or call 713-718-5001.