Empowering Minority Business Owners

The National Urban League Gulf Coast Economic Empowerment Tour came to Beaumont with lots of good information for minority business owners. The half-day event was held at the MCM Elegante. The program which is sponsored by BP teaches small business owners how to access the more than $10 million worth of contracting opportunities that are available in our region. The program was started after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to enhance minority participation in the rebuilding process. Participants learn about small business certification programs, marketing, bidding and estimating, managing risks and challenges, and negotiating contracts. "It's about hustling," says Dana Henry of Henry Consulting which administers the program. "There's no secret to it." Free consulting services are offered to help participants along the way. Those attending included Terry Clark, Troy Carter, Troy Henry, Dana Henry, Larry Thomas, Dwayne Diamond, Sondra Louis, Rhonda Spears Bell, Jim Rich, Gene Price, Stephen Saldana, and Geraldine Dipmore. For more information, call (504) 529-9890 or go to www.nul.org