Resources Division
Austin Small and Minority Business Resorces' Resources Division administers and oversees the department's Supportive Services Program. The Division also provides administrative and operational support to the department.
The Resources Division is responsible for providing supportive services including information and assistance to Austin’s small businesses, certified minority and women business community to increase awareness of City of Austin procurement opportunities and providing information that helps firms be more knowledgeable and capable to pursue business opportunities with the city. The Division also develops the departmental budget, provides financial administration and monitoring, and handles facility operations.
Through its work, the Resources Division:
- Hosts Small Business Office Hours monthly sessions where individuals can stop by a scheduled location and have informal discussions with department representatives regarding city procurements, certification and other city requirements.
- Conduct Meet the Prime events that allow certified firms and small businesses to connect with representatives of prime firms who have been awarded City of Austin contracts.
- Host Certified Success panel discussions featuring certified firm owners who provide best practices and advice to firms interested in doing business with the city.
- Developed the ASMBR Resources Guide that includes information about small business resources available from City of Austin departments, funding, training and professional development, and support organizations.
- Host the Annual Small Business Connections Conference, that features information about City of Austin projects, representatives from City departments, local, county, and state agencies, and business support organizations.
Resources works collaboratively with Austin Economic Development and Austin Financial Services to provide networking, professional development workshops, and resource information that is aimed at capacity building and supportive services.
The Division is led by Thomas Owens, Business Development Manager, who brings over 25 years with the City of Austin working in Contract Management and Administration, Operations and Administrative Support, and Business Development. Under his leadership, the Division has focused on implementing the Supportive Services Program and implementing a Mentor/Protégé Program. Thomas works closely with the Strategic Services, Compliance, and Certification Divisions to provide information and assistance to Austin’s small, minority, and women businesses to increase awareness of City of Austin procurement opportunities and assist them to be more knowledgeable and capable to pursue city procurement opportunities.
- Suportive Services, Workshops and Events
Austin Small and Minority Business Resources offers supportive services workshops to help certified firms and small businesses gain the knowledge and tools needed to participate in City contracting opportunities. These workshops cover topics that are directly tied to business growth and readiness, including compliance, certification, and access to resources
- Minority Trade Associations
Austin Small and Minority Business Resources partners with local minority trade associations to expand outreach and support for certified minority- and women-owned firms.Through these partnerships, SMBR helps connect certified firms to trade-specific networks, industry events, and professional resources that can strengthen their capacity to compete for City of Austin contracts.
Asian Contractor Association (ACA) www.acta-austin.com 512.926.5400
- The Asian Contractor Association is a non-profit organization serving Asian businesses in the Greater Austin Metropolitan and surrounding areas. The mission of ACA is to promote Asian-Owned Enterprises and advocate for their participation in both government and private minority procurement programs through outreach, research, and collaboration with other minority trade associations in Central Texas.
Austin Area Black Contractors Association, Inc. (ABCA) www.abcatx.com 512.467.6894
- The Austin Area Black Contractors Association, Inc. is a nonprofit corporation established to promote business and economic development opportunities for African American contractors and other small minority contractors in the Austin Metropolitan area.
U.S. Hispanic Contractors Association de Austin (USHCA) 737.708.8101
- Our mission is to provide and support advancement for economic growth of members of the United States Hispanic Contractors Association de Austin and our regional community. We are committed to developing programs and facilitating resources needed to assist contractors in reaching their full potential.
- Community Partnerships
Austin Small and Minority Business Resources collaborates with community organizations, local chambers, and business groups to strengthen outreach efforts and connect certified firms with new opportunities.
BiGAustin - Business Investment Growth www.bigaustin.org 512.928.8010
- BiGAustin is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing comprehensive training services, one-one-one assistance, and loans to individuals who want to achieve self-sufficiency by starting their own small business.
City of Austin, Small Business Program (SBP) www.austinsmallbiz.com 512.974.7800
- The mission of the Small Business Program is to foster job creation and support the growth of new and existing businesses by providing capacity building information, tools, and resources.
Business and Community Lenders of Texas ( BCL): https://bcloftexas.org/entrepreneurship 512- 912-9884
- BCL is a non-profit economic development firm that has focused on growing communities in Texas since 1990. BCL’s Entrepreneurship Program works to equip and empower small business owners with compressive training, counseling, and access to capital resources to achieve long-term success
Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) www.egbi.org 512.926.2594
- Economic Growth Business Incubator is a non-profit organization that extends education, training and connections directly into the underserved areas of our community in a way that is culturally relevant and delivers proven results.
PeopleFund www.peoplefund.org 888.222.0017
- PeopleFund creates economic opportunity and financial stability for underserved people by providing access to capital, education, and resources to build healthy small businesses.
Texas State Small Business Development Center Network www.austinsmallbusinessanswers.com 512.610.0996
- The mission of the South-West Texas Border Small Business Development Center Network is to foster small business success.
Greater Austin Asian Chamber of Commerce (GAACC) www.austinasianchamber.org 512.407.8240
- Promote the Asian American community and community at large as a catalyst for local and global economic growth through advocacy, connections, and education.
Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce (GABC) www.austinbcc.org 512.459.1181
- The Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce promotes the development of African-American businesses and the expansion of the Greater Austin business community by providing resources, technical assistance, and leadership on policy issues that enhance economic growth and promote convention and tourism.
Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (GAHCC) www.gahcc.org 512.476.7502
- The Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's primary goal is to continue the advancement and progression of a strong and stable economic culture for Hispanic Businesses. The Chamber strives to reach these goals by developing business and management skills and bridging access to financial capital and maintaining our cultural values and integrity.
Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce https://austinlgbtchamber.com 512.761.5428
- Established in 1997, we are Central Texas’ home for LGBT and allied businesses and organizations. We work to create and support a vibrant and prosperous regional economy strengthened through the full participation of diverse local communities. We do this by advocating, educating, and connecting. We represent small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share the values of promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
Texas Association of African American Chamber of Commerce (TAAACC) www.taaacc.org 512.535.5610
- To ensure that African American Business Owners receive a fair share of the economic prosperity of Texas. Serve as a catalyst for a better quality of life in African American communities throughout Texas. Support policies that allow African-Americans access to economic opportunities
Texas Association of Mexican American Chamber of Commerce (TAMACC) www.tamacc.org 512.444.5727
- To promote the growth, development and success of its local Hispanic member chambers of commerce and to serve as the leading advocate of Hispanic businesses in Texas.