Monday, April 2, 2012

Capital One Bank Supports Economic Development in Houston Through Small Business Program

By Shannon Prudhomme
Contributor, Gulf Coast Philanthropy

Capital One Bank is embarking upon the third year of its “Getting Down to Business” Program in Houston, which offers an opportunity for qualified small businesses to grow by increasing business knowledge, networking with industry experts and lenders, and earning a matched savings reward.

Dandy Candy LLC Founders Gina Williams and Goya Qualls graduated from program last year and were the winners of the business plan competition. The company uses a new and patented technology to reproduce any image or message on the surface of delicious chocolate that can be packaged for various occasions.

Co-Founder Goya Qualls credits the program’s mentorship component with helping her to more effectively reach the company’s target market. “Prior to Capital One, we spent money in all the wrong places trying to get our product in front of people,” she said.

2011 Houston Graduates of the Capital One Bank
Getting Down to Business program

Photo courtesy of Capital One Bank
Goya’s business partner Gina Williams said she knew they needed to change their business development strategy, and felt it was divine intervention that they received an e-mail about the program. “When the chance came to participate in the GDTB Program, we jumped at the opportunity,” Gina said.

In alliance with several partners, including SCORE, Money Management International, Accion Texas, Capital One’s program provides small business owners with networking opportunities as well. The program consists of 15 evening education sessions, and participants are required to attend each session, develop a business plan with guidance from an assigned mentor, and meet other program requirements.

Ann Guliex, President of All-N-One Services staffing firm and 2011 program graduate, said the credit counseling aspect the program was essential helping her position her business for long-term growth and success.

“The credit reports from Money Management at the beginning and end of the program was an excellent source of information to fully understand what was needed to improve credit ratings and scores,” she said.

Ann also emphasized the need for participants to remain consistent to reap the benefit of the “Getting Down to Business” Program.

“Be totally committed to the program for the 7 or 8 months and you will leave the program with a better understanding on what direction to take your business and how build and grow,” she said. “You get out of the program what you put in.” 



To apply, please complete the online application for the program by 5 p.m. on April 6, 2012. 
All qualified businesses will be contacted for an interview. Due to the high level of interest, a panel of judges will help select 15 applicants.

8 comments:

  1. Тhanks for the marvelοus ρosting!
    I truly enjoyeԁ rеading it, уou're a great author. I will always bookmark your blog and may come back in the future. I want to encourage you to ultimately continue your great writing, have a nice day!

    Have a look at my website http://Www.Prweb.com/releases/luminessreview/netxnews/prweb10142235.htm

    ReplyDelete
  2. I blοg frequently and І seгіously apρreсiаte yοur content.
    This great artіcle hаs really ρeaked mу intеrest.
    I'm going to book mark your site and keep checking for new information about once per week. I opted in for your RSS feed too.

    Also visit my web-site - hydrolyze reviews

    ReplyDelete
  3. FES is applied far more and much more to pace stroke restoration.

    Electro or electrical therapy could perform in any of the means.


    My blog - http://www.coldmorningproductions.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. І paу a quick visit ԁay-to-day sοme webѕіtes and information
    siteѕ to гead content, but this blog gives feature baseԁ
    writing.

    Feеl free to visit my blοg post - inexpensive watches

    ReplyDelete
  5. Gгeat blog here! Αlsο your sіte lοads up fаst!
    What wеb host arе you usіng? Can І get your affiliate link
    tο your hοst? I ωish my website loadеd up as quickly aѕ yоurѕ lοl

    Visit my blog рost :: luxury watches online

    ReplyDelete
  6. Аѕking questіons aгe in fact
    nісе thing if yоu are not understanԁіng something entirelу, except thіs pагagгаph рrovides nicе underѕtanding yet.


    Fееl free to visit mу ρagе: Tгeρpenlift Тest ()

    ReplyDelete
  7. I relish, cause I dіscovered eхaсtly
    what I used to be haѵing a look for. You've ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye

    Feel free to visit my web blog cheap bass boat for sale online ()

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice article about " Capital One Bank Supports Economic Development in Houston Through Small Business Program ". capital one login secure online banking.Online and mobile banking tools from Capital One allow you to easily pay bills, receive alerts, deposit checks, & access Apple Pay through your mobile device. Capital One Online Banking Login. How to Access your Account and more..

    ReplyDelete