In Texas, small businesses serve as economic engines, making up more than 90 percent of all business activity statewide.

And yet, these small business still struggle with accessing the capital needed to help them grow.

“Many people are not aware that there are a lot of resources in the Houston area for business owners,” PeopleFund Houston Senior Loan Officer Nini Gutierrez said, leading a recent presentation for local minority- and women-owned businesses. “Going out into the community and educating people on these resources and how they can get help is very important so that businesses can continue to grow and be successful.”

Gutierrez served as the guest speaker for February’s Workshop Wednesday, a monthly outreach event for local business owners hosted by the Houston Independent School District’s Supplier Diversity department.

Titled Access to Capital, Gutierrez’s session focused on helping minority- and women-owned business enterprises – more commonly known as M/WBEs – find the resources they need to help their businesses thrive.

The workshop highlighted positive and negative funding options for local  small businesses and offered tips for attract new funding opportunities, including how to engage with financial institutions, ask the right questions, and improve credit and business plans.

Business Solutions General Manager Yesenia Taylor said the district offers these programs to help local business grow and learn more about the process for working for HISD.

“Any way we can help our community understand how to grow and build their business, is exactly what we want to do,” Taylor said.

Wednesday Workshop is held on the first Wednesday of every the month.