Articles
Houston Community College receives Veterans Business Community Impact Award
Nov 20, 2024
Houston Community College (HCC) was honored with the Veterans Business Community Impact Award by the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce (HRVCC) on November 6. The award was presented during the inaugural Veterans Business Award Luncheon Program at the George H.W. Bush Community Center.
HRVCC recognized HCC for its outstanding support of the veteran business community, highlighting their collaborative efforts to make a significant impact on the veteran business economy. HCC’s contributions include:
- Hosting the first Houston Regional Veterans Business EXPO at its West Loop Campus: This EXPO provided a platform for veteran-owned businesses to connect with potential customers and partners.
- Co-creating the innovative Veteran Entrepreneur Program (VEP): This three-stage program provides veteran entrepreneurs with the training, resources, and mentorship they need to launch and grow successful businesses. The program culminates in a pitch contest where participants compete for funding.
- Facilitating connections: HCC has actively facilitated introductions and meetings between veteran business owners and key leaders both within HCC and the broader community, fostering valuable relationships and amplifying support for these entrepreneurs.
- Providing event space: HCC has generously opened its facilities for various veteran business events, such as the Veterans Business Community Leaders Round Tables and the Veterans Leadership Program, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to uplifting the veteran business community.
- Collaborating on the Veterans Leadership Program with Impact a Hero: This impactful partnership has provided over 75 veterans per semester with free, eight-week leadership training courses since late 2022. The program features instruction from notable figures like Rick Miller, a retired Navy pilot and former Texas State Representative for District 26.
"HCC has been an invaluable partner in our efforts to support veteran-owned businesses," said Dave Weaver, President and Founder of HRVCC. "They have consistently gone above and beyond to provide resources and opportunities to veterans."
Trisha Stetzel, Chairman of the HRVCC, also praised HCC for its commitment to the veteran community. "HCC has been a leader in supporting veterans business owners," said Stetzel. "They have hosted several collaborative events that have helped veterans' business owners connect with resources and opportunities."
The award, which acknowledges HCC’s “professional ability and outstanding accomplishments” that “reflect great credit upon themselves and the Veteran Business Community,” was accepted by Dr. Maya Durnovo, Associate Vice Chancellor of Economic Development, and Dr. Ravi Brahmbhatt, Director of Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship at HCC. Dr. Brahmbhatt also received a special award token for his dual role as an HRVCC board advisor.
"We are honored to receive this award," Dr. Durnovo said. "HCC is committed to supporting veterans and their families. We believe that veterans are an essential part of our community, and we are proud to help them succeed."
“It is a privilege to work with the HRVCC to support veteran entrepreneurs,” Dr. Brahmbhatt said. “We are excited to see the success of the Veteran Entrepreneur Program and we look forward to continuing our partnership with HRVCC."
The award presentation followed the announcement of the winners of the veterans pitch competition awards, where eight veteran startup winners received a total of $10,750 in cash awards, with the first-place winner taking the $3500 grand prize.