Pearland to Create Business Entrepreneurship Hub for Community
For Immediate Release
June 17, 2021
Contact:
Melissa Black
Pearland Economic Development Corporation
mblack@pearlandedc.com
281-997-3000
Pearland to Create Business Entrepreneurship Hub for Community
PEARLAND, Texas – The Pearland Economic Development Corporation and community partners are moving forward with the creation of an Entrepreneurship Hub for Pearland. The Hub will enhance Pearland’s innovation entrepreneurship culture by creating events, programs activities for entrepreneurs and small business owners to inspire ideation, innovation and entrepreneurship. The Hub will connect the City to local and regional entrepreneurship assistance programs, service providers and funding sources to ensure local entrepreneurs and small businesses in Pearland connect with these resources to maximize their growth potential and overall success. Offerings of the Hub will include business plan competitions, proactive coaching, networking events and student programs to encourage entrepreneurship.
“We are very excited about the creation of an Entrepreneurship Hub for Pearland,” stated Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole. “The resources and activities offered by the Hub, such as proactive coaching and targeted events, will not only ensure that entrepreneurs and small businesses in Pearland connect with the necessary resources to grow and succeed, but will also help to establish Pearland as a community known for innovation and entrepreneurship and where emerging companies want to locate.”
This new program is the result of the Pearland Prosperity Community Strategic Plan’s call for the creation of a Hub for entrepreneurship and small business assistance in Pearland, and the completion of a Market Assessment and Business Plan for the Hub which identified market opportunities and created a plan to support entrepreneurs and small business owners, encourage innovation and entrepreneurship culture, and connect entrepreneurs to resources within the region. In April 2021, the PEDC Board of Directors, after reviewing the proposed Hub’s business model and consulting with steering committee established to advise the feasibility study, along with the Pearland Prosperity Implementation Committee and Chamber Board of Directors, voted to move forward with the creation of the Entrepreneurship Hub.
“Along with the business attraction and retention activities we usually associate with economic development, the creation of an entrepreneurial ecosystem will ensure Pearland has an optimal business climate and the support services needed for new growth,” stated Reid Wendell, Chair of PEDC’s Board of Directors and Pearland Prosperity Implementation Committee member. “The Hub will assist in bringing new jobs and investment into the community that can in turn lead to increased sales and new customers for local-serving businesses.”
PEDC is currently issuing a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for an independent contractor (firm or individual) to launch and manage this new program for entrepreneurs, small business owners and innovators in Pearland. The successful contractor will serve as the Hub’s Navigator, launching this new program and then managing its services, events and operations, as well as directly assisting entrepreneurs. It is an exciting opportunity to encourage and support small businesses and entrepreneurs in Pearland, as well as engage the growing greater Houston entrepreneurial ecosystem. To download the RFQ documents, along with additional information on the Pearland Entrepreneurship Hub, visit pearlandedc.com/hub. All proposals are due by July 16, 2021.
In the short term, the Hub will be facilitated by PEDC, but eventually will transition to its own non-profit corporation with a contractual relationship with PEDC.
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About PEDC
Established in 1995, the Pearland Economic Development Corporation promotes, assists and enhances the economic development activities and quality of life within Pearland, Texas. In bringing new and existing businesses to the area, the organization attracts capital investment to add to the city’s tax base and helps to increase the number of employment opportunities for residents. For more information on PEDC, visit pearlandedc.com.
