Hurricane Harvey took a toll on many Texans as flooding affected homes and businesses and brought a demand for various recovery related services.

Port Houston’s small business and education outreach department has recently participated in several events around Harris County related to the storm.

Port Houston staff participated in a Hurricane Harvey Recovery Town Hall Meeting for small businesses at The Power Center Sept. 11.

The event included many other participating local and state agencies, such as the City of Houston's Office of Business Opportunity, Houston METRO, Houston First and the U.S. Small Business Administration.

The agencies shared information about how to prepare for business opportunities after a natural disaster as well as current procurement projects in the region.

Small Business Administration Procurement Center Representative Valerie Coleman shared past experiences and challenges that she saw businesses face during Hurricane Ike in 2008. A resident of Dickinson, her goal is to help small businesses rebuild.

Port Houston is also a gold level sponsor for “Greater Houston Rebounds,” a half day event presented by the Houston East Chamber of Commerce Sept. 19.

“We are here to provide access and support to local businesses impacted by the storm,” said Gilda Ramirez, senior director of small business and education outreach at Port Houston. 

“The port did not have much of any damage from the flooding, and we will continue moving forward helping other companies and organizations who were not so fortunate,” added Ramirez.