In July, Port Houston’s small business department hosted a graduation reception for the Interagency Mentor Protégé Program 2017 class on the M/V Sam Houston.

With the guidance of local agencies, twenty-one protégés are now on the path to discovering new resources and taking their companies to new heights after completing the program.

Port Houston is a partner and sponsor of the program with several other local agencies – the City of Houston, METROHouston, Houston First Corporation, Houston Independent School District and Houston Community College.

The program provides massive opportunity to small businesses who are ready to grow and achieve success through connecting with these organizations, and exists to strengthen effective working relationships and foster long-term stability between established companies and local agencies.

The goals of the program are for the participants to enhance business skills, create relationships and understand financial requirements for small businesses.

“This program is a great partnership that provides leadership and education for small business owners in the Houston area,” said Gilda Ramirez, Port Houston senior director for small business and education outreach.

The Interagency Mentor Protégé Program partner organizations recently received the “Community Partner of the Year” Award at the City of Houston’s Office of Business Opportunity Champions of Diversity Awards ceremony in December 2016.