We've been exploring how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting Houston's small business community and the resources these business owners should leverage. And while the community at large has been impacted, a report from McKinsey & Company said the pandemic could disproportionately affect minority-owned small businesses.

On this episode of Small Biz Insider, we take a look at the challenges and resources for Houston's minority-owned small businesses. 

Our guests on this episode are:

• Justin Moore, founder of Holly Hall Supply Company, a local skincare business. Justin was also a member of the City of Houston Women and Minority-Owned Business Task Force
• Maya Durnovo, Chief Entrepreneurial Initiatives Officer, Houston Community College's Office of Entrepreneurial Initiatives
• Jennifer Kellough Holmes, Director of HCC's Corporate College

Here are some of the takeaways from this episode: 

• "There’s a saying that when America catches a cold, Black America catches pneumonia"

  “Anytime you have a situation where there’s already underlying issues and challenges and then you bring on something like this that affects everyone, it can have a disproportionate impact," said Moore.

  "I would say that the one silver lining in this period is that...there’s this overlay [beyond the pandemic] of all of the unrest over racial injustice and police brutality going on throughout the country, which has brought a renewed focus on black-owned businesses, and more broadly minority-owned businesses. I think that’s helping to offset some of that inherent, disparate impact that you would typically see."
   

• Look to other businesses for inspiration

  “There have been so many people in the Houston area that have been so innovative," said Moore. "And it’s really helpful to not only look to the things they’re doing, but just take the lesson  that you need to be creative. No one’s playing violins for you. You’re going to have to find a way to get through this.'”
   

• Houstonians can help support minority-owned small businesses by being conscious consumers 

  Moore said that's something that can help level the playing field for all business owners in Houston. He noted resources Houstonians can use to identify black-owned businesses they can support. CultureMap Houston, ABC 13 and other media outlets have recently published lists featuring these businesses. 

Resources for minority-owned businesses

Houston Community College's Office of Entrepreneurial Initiatives is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs start and grow their business. 

HCC operates the Houston Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center which is funded,in part, by the U.S. Department of Commerce through the Minority Business Development Agency. Their role is to help and advise minority business owners grow by helping small businesses access contracts and financing needed to access those contracts. 

HCC also partners with Ascend Houston, a two-year program designed to help minority contractors in the Greater Houston metro area develop sustainable growth through job creation.

Small Biz Insider is presented by: 

Click here for more COVID-19 resources for small businesses. Visit the Partnership's COVID-19 Resource page for updates, guidance for employers and more information. 

The Small Biz Insider podcast is part of our digital series highlighting entrepreneurs in the greater Houston region who are making a big impact in the small business community. 

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