Q: For those who may not know, what is the UH Small Business Development Center, and what kind of support does it offer?
CC: The University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast Small Business Development Center is part of a national organization called the Association of Small Business Development Centers. Our network provides business advising, training, tools and resources to help small businesses start, grow, expand and succeed.
Designated as one of Texas’ top business assistance programs, the SBDC has 14 centers from Lufkin to Lake Jackson serving 32 counties in Southeast Texas. Since 1984, our network has helped build a regional ecosystem that fosters the spirit, support and success of thousands of entrepreneurs and innovators.
All small for-profit businesses are eligible for our services, and we’re largely industry agnostic. We’re part of the University of Houston and funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Q: Excargo’s success story is a great example of UH SBDC’s impact. How did UH SBDC’s guidance help the company reach new milestones?
CC: Excargo, a transportation drayage and warehousing business, is a wonderful example of how our SBDC assists companies in producing community impact. The business provides transportation solutions in large part affiliated with the Port of Houston. They have been an SBDC client for decades, and our collaboration has evolved over time.
During the pandemic, I helped the company secure SBA disaster funding to keep operations afloat. More recently, I worked with Excargo to prepare a loan proposal and connect with the right lender to secure financing for a major commercial real estate project, a move that expanded the business, increased revenue and created more jobs.
Q: How do you help small businesses guide their growth and financing strategy?
CC: As an SBDC business advisor and former banker, my specialty is commercial lending and financing. I assist small businesses by analyzing financials and other documents to determine their capacity to obtain capital for growth or expansion.
I’ve also built strong relationships with local financial institutions and community banks, which helps our clients access financing for commercial real estate, equipment or working capital.
Q: What advice would you give someone thinking of turning their idea into a small business? What’s a common pitfall you help owners avoid?
CC: Be prepared to complete a professional business plan, and use our SBDC resources to research, market and plan before launching.
Some of the common pitfalls include not having sufficient capital to start the business and lacking creditworthiness for bank financing. It’s also critical to have someone with the managerial skills needed to launch and sustain operations.
Q: In what ways do UH SBDC advisors make a difference in the day-to-day success of small businesses?
CC: UH SBDC advisors bring vast skill sets and resources to help small businesses with market research, marketing, budgeting and access to capital. We help small business owners identify weaknesses and strengthen their overall business trajectory.
Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your work as a business advisor?
CC: Watching our clients launch and grow their businesses. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that our work helps make the community more economically successful. Our clients’ success is our success.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the role UH SBDC and its advisors will play in shaping Houston’s small business future?
CC: Houston has many emerging markets — aerospace, digital technology, AI, manufacturing, hospitality and innovation — along with budding entrepreneurs. It’s exciting to see how we can help shape their growth and contribute to Houston’s economic future.
CC: I’m very grateful for the opportunity to serve our business community and to partner with the University of Houston in our mission.
Learn more about the University of Houston Small Business Development Center.
