HCC Northeast bridge partnerships with Economic Forum

Houston, TX [November 3, 2009] – HCC Northeast serves vast and diverse communities in Northeast Houston who face similar challenges surrounding economic development. Although a limited workforce, economic downturns, and declining property values are challenging most communities, there are many who eagerly want to turn things around. Houston Community College learned this firsthand through community meetings with Super Neighborhood groups, civic club leaders and area chambers of commerce. The need for economic development, community partnerships, and improvements in education were reoccurring themes communicated by all.

For this reason, HCC Northeast held its first Economic Development Forum designed to bring community and small business leaders together focused on “Strategies for Economic Development in Urban Communities.” The forum featured interactive panel discussions, presentations, and vendors focused on supporting community redevelopment. Community members networked with college partners and gathered information on business planning, small business development, grants, land inventory, access to capital, and homeownership.

Attendees provided feedback on community needs and discussed how Houston Community College can help to deliver a trained workforce to small businesses and serve as a resource to community organizations. Representatives from University of Houston SBDC, Small Business Administration, Revive Houston, Capital One Bank, Houston Business Development, ACCION, and New Century Financial were present. HCC

Northeast will host other forums in the future based on a variety of topics that are of interest to the community. For more information on HCC Northeast community events, call 713.718.8404 or visit northeast.hccs.edu.