Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce Offers Recession Busters for Business

The news about the economy is doom and gloom, however the Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce is uniquely positioned to offer economic relief in the form of a “Business Support System” that can help businesses hold their edge. The Business Support System (BSS) is a comprehensive collection of programs and services to help bolster local businesses whether they are new or mature businesses. Here is what the BSS is comprised of:

Business Leads
The Chamber is a network of reliable businesses in northwest Harris County. Whether a business needs to link up with prospects or locate a reliable vendor, they may contact the Chamber or self-serve by going to www.HoustonNWChamber.org and clicking on ‘Membership Directory’. Once there, one can search for organizations by key word or business category.
The Chamber promotes a “buy local” campaign called “Buy Nearby” where consumers are rewarded for shopping with local Chamber members.

“This is an important way to keep dollars local and most importantly, to keep jobs local!” offers Chris Denney, marketing consultant with Lead Optimize Marketing and Buy Nearby committee consultant.

Individuals can find out more by going to www.WeBuyNearby.com

Business Counseling
It can be a challenge as a small business owner when there is no one else to consult about business issues and no budget to hire an expensive consultant. The Chamber offers several free counseling resources on-site or at prearranged locations. The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the Senior Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) provide experienced business consultants with which to schedule a personal appointment.  The SCORE counselor also offices at the Chamber every Tuesday morning and is available by appointment.  The Chamber urges businesses to meet with a professional before it is too late and their business challenges grow larger.

The Houston Northwest Chamber has two unique services that are not found at any other chamber or association.  For companies involved in importing and exporting, the Chamber hosts the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Specialist on site to counsel businesses on how to tap new global markets. Additionally, the Chamber sponsors a peer-coaching program called The SWAT Team, a group of business professionals who donate their time to companies that might need a “health check-up” or companies that are struggling. These consultations are confidential, and in many cases, may save the business owner time, money and heartache. A company does not need to be a Chamber member in order to access any these services.

“We are here for you,” states SCORE Counselor Don Doggett, “we are committed to helping any business owner and if we cannot assist, we try to find a resource that can help.”

Business Data
Sometimes a business just needs data. The Chamber maintains a system of demographic reports and company databases that can assist business managers with all-important decision-making.

“We can generate a customized report by selecting the zip codes you designate and email you an Excel file or pdf in short order,” explains chamber president Barbara Thomason, “and this service is at no cost to the business. These are times when businesses cannot afford to sit back and hope for the best. They must take proactive steps to insure their business’ success.”

Jobs
Northwest Harris County is fortunate to have a diverse and skilled workforce from which employers can easily choose the best match for their position openings. Now that some companies are initiating lay-offs, the pendulum swings to the advantage of the employer, who has a greater applicant pool to interview. The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce hosts a job-posting area on their website, so that job-seekers and employers alike can find each other.

“The Chamber also serves as an information and referral resource,” adds Thomason, “We refer job-hunters and businesses to the Between Jobs Ministry, an excellent local program that holds sessions for job-seekers and allows hiring authorities to address the group of one hundred or so that attend their sessions each Wednesday. And of course, we refer to Workforce Solutions and the local staffing agencies that demonstrate their community commitment by being members of their local chamber.”

All of these activities represent an advantage for our region as a strong workforce translates to a strong local economy.

Investment Capital
With the increasingly conservative lending practices of the banks, the Chamber is working to identify alternative means of funding for business start-ups and expansions. Many Chamber member banks are financially healthy and administer SBA loans, a good source for smaller businesses. Venture capital may be accessible through a local “Angel Network”, a group of financiers who spread their risk by working as a group and identifying businesses that meet their standards. The Chamber hopes to serve as a referral source for Chamber members that need an infusion of capital.

This collection of Business Support Services is evidence of the Houston Northwest Chamber’s commitment to local businesses. While the economy shows signs of faltering, the northwest region of Harris County will work hard to survive and thrive these tough times.

For more information about the Chamber or any of the Business Support Services, contact the Houston Northwest Chamber at 281-440-4160 or visit the web www.HoustonNWChamber.org. The Houston Northwest Chamber of Commerce has enjoyed 35 years of service in north Houston, Spring, Klein, Champions, FM 1960, FM 2920, SH 249 and Sam Houston Tollway Corridors. The Chamber has 700 members and is committed to its mission of developing successful businesses and a thriving community.

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