Harris County and FORWARD are collaborating with Roads Consulting Group and BakerRipley to offer the $6 million combined program. FORWARD is providing program application administration and is the sole administrator of $3M in Accelerator Grants as part of the dedicated initiative, which offers hands-on, customized technical assistance to small businesses in Harris County with 25 or fewer employees provided by the Harris Hub Small Business Support Program. This program places a special emphasis on supporting underserved businesses, particularly those led by women, minorities, or individuals with disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements for the Harris Hub Small Business Support Program
The Harris County American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Steering Committee initiated the Harris Hub Program in response to the financial strain caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. To qualify, businesses must:
- Be a small business with 25 or fewer employees, including owners.
- Be a registered business within the state of Texas.
- Be located within Harris County.
- Prove that the owner’s personal net income does not exceed $1.32 million annually
- Have been in business at the time of COVID-19 onset, January 27, 2020
- Be current on or on a payment plan for local Harris County business and personal property taxes
- Be either:
- A business located in a Qualified Census Tract (identified in 2022 IRS SECTION 42(d)(B) QUALIFIED CENSUS TRACTS) or
- A business that experienced a negative impact from COVID-19
- Not be a gambling, speculative real estate investment, or a sexually oriented business
User-friendly Small Business Program Solution for Local Government
Harris County has selected FORWARD as the platform and grant administrator, ensuring efficient utilization of taxpayer dollars. Technical Assistance (coaching and online training), marketing, and eligibility review are provided by BakerRipley and Roads Consulting Group. Here’s what applicants can expect:
- First, connect with a Technical Assistance Provider, BakerRipley or Roads Consulting Group, to get started
- Apply through FORWARD’s online application portal, available in 68 languages.
- Submit proof of primary residence, income, and identification.
A Collaborative Approach with FORWARD
FORWARD is proud to collaborate with Harris County in supporting its Harris Hub Small Business Support Program. “Our team is proud to provide end-to-end programming support to the small business community of Harris County,” said Adnan Mahmud, CEO of FORWARD.
FORWARD partners with government and nonprofit leaders to deliver resources to communities through custom solutions and human-centered technology. Our team automates complex program administration processes that increase back-office capacity, improve transparency and trust with data, and break down silos to unlock coordination and service delivery quickly and securely — all while maintaining compliance.
Join Harris County and start accelerating opportunity and access for your community.
