APPLICATIONS OPEN | Strategic Growth Academy: Subcontracting & Supplier Diversity

Strategic Growth Academy – Fall 2025 Applications Now Open

Applications Open: September 3, 2025
Deadline to Apply: September 14, 2025
Theme: Subcontracting & Supplier Diversity

The Greater Houston Black Chamber is proud to announce that applications for the Fall 2025 cohort of the Strategic Growth Academy are now open.

This multi-week intensive training program is designed specifically to equip Black-owned, growth-stage businesses with the tools and knowledge to pursue subcontracting opportunities in both public and private sectors. With a focused curriculum on certification, compliance, financial preparedness, and competitive bidding, the Academy empowers participants to become procurement-ready and more competitive in today’s evolving marketplace.

Launched in direct response to the City of Houston’s 2025 Disparity Study, which revealed significant underrepresentation of Black-owned businesses in procurement, especially in professional services and construction—the Academy addresses these gaps head-on with real strategies and wraparound support.

What to Expect

Over six weeks, participants will engage in high-impact workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning in the following areas:

• Week 1: Understanding the Procurement Landscape
• Week 2: Certification & Compliance Essentials
• Week 3: Building Competitive Bids
• Week 4: Financial Preparedness & Risk Management

Participants will also benefit from one-on-one feedback, connections with prime contractors, and insights from procurement officials across local and state agencies.

Program Benefits

• Build capacity to compete for lucrative public/private contracts
• Expand your business network through direct connections with corporate and government buyers
• Develop stronger business infrastructure and financial readiness
• Gain recognition as a GHBC-certified business participant

This Academy is part of GHBC’s broader Supporting Our Success (SOS) initiative, which delivers business education, mentorship, and technical assistance to small businesses in historically under-resourced areas.

Apply now and be a part of a movement designed to change the contracting landscape for Houston’s Black business community.