News Summary
The University of Texas at Austin will host a graduation ceremony for its Readiness Training Program for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). Spearheaded by the IC2 Institute, the program provides essential resources and training for small, minority, and women-owned businesses to enhance their competitiveness in public sector contracting. Notable speaker Helen Callier from Bradlink LLC will share insights with graduates, emphasizing the program’s importance in fostering economic growth and inclusivity in Texas.
Houston, TX — The University of Texas at Austin is set to host the graduation ceremony for its Readiness Training Program for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs), a significant event highlighting the university’s commitment to fostering economic development and entrepreneurial growth across the state. This program, orchestrated by UT Austin’s prestigious IC2 Institute, offers critical training and resources to empower small, minority, and women-owned businesses to thrive in the competitive landscape of public sector contracting.
The upcoming graduation will feature Helen Callier, President of Houston-based Bradlink LLC, as a distinguished speaker. Callier’s participation underscores the program’s practical focus, providing graduating entrepreneurs with insights from a successful industry leader. Her firm, Bradlink LLC, exemplifies the kind of sustained growth and community impact that the UT Austin HUB program aims to cultivate within Texas’s educational and economic ecosystem.
Empowering Texas Businesses Through the HUB Program
The Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program is a cornerstone initiative at the state level, designed to ensure full and equal business opportunities for enterprises facing economic disadvantages. A business qualifies as a HUB if it is at least 51 percent owned by one or more individuals who are economically disadvantaged due to their identification as members of specific groups, including Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Native Americans, Service-Disabled Veterans, and Women. Critically, these owners must have a proportionate interest and actively participate in the control, operation, and management of the business’s affairs, with the principal place of business located in Texas.
The program’s primary purpose is to promote fairness in state procurement and contracting, actively working to remedy disparities identified in various sectors. State agencies are mandated to make a good faith effort to include certified HUB vendors in their procurement processes, contributing to statewide HUB goals. These goals, based on the 2009 State of Texas Disparity Study, encompass diverse contract types, such as 11.2% for Heavy Construction (other than Building), 21.1% for Building Construction, 32.9% for Special Trade Construction, 23.7% for Professional Services, 26.0% for Other Services, and 21.1% for Commodities Contracts.
The UT Austin Readiness Training Program: A Pathway to Public Contracts
The University of Texas at Austin Readiness Training Program for HUBs (RTP for HUBs) is an innovative initiative developed by the university’s IC2 Institute in collaboration with the McCombs School of Business and the Bureau of Business Research. This program is specifically designed to enhance the competitiveness and capacity of minority- and women-owned small businesses, particularly those seeking to bid on public sector contracts within the Austin region and across Texas.
The RTP for HUBs operates through a two-funnel (phase) design to address businesses at various stages of growth. Funnel One targets new or small minority- and women-owned businesses, typically those with revenues under $500,000. Its curriculum emphasizes the fundamentals of government contracting, guiding participants through the necessary steps for business registration, certification, identifying contracting opportunities, and developing effective bidding strategies. Funnel Two is tailored for more mature companies, generally those with revenues exceeding $500,000 and a larger employee base, aiming to increase their capacity to secure and successfully execute contracts with local, state, and federal agencies. This advanced phase covers more complex business concepts and techniques proven effective in scaling a business.
The program’s comprehensive training includes providing regional technical assistance resources, guidance on navigating government databases for registration, and detailed information on government contracting. Participants also receive advice and best practices on critical business functions such as accessing capital, identifying key customers, and effectively presenting their business capabilities to potential prime contractors and government agencies. All sessions and workshops are conducted online, ensuring accessibility for diverse participants across the state.
Key Features of the UT Austin Readiness Training Program for HUBs
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Administrator | UT Austin IC2 Institute |
| Collaborating Partners | McCombs School of Business, Bureau of Business Research |
| Target Audience (Funnel One) | New or small minority- and women-owned businesses (under $500K revenue) |
| Target Audience (Funnel Two) | More mature companies (over $500K revenue) seeking to expand government contracts |
| Core Curriculum | Government contracting, business registration, certification, bidding, accessing capital, customer identification, capability presentation |
| Delivery Method | Online sessions and workshops |
Helen Callier: A Leader in Technical Services and Business Development
Helen Callier, President of Bradlink LLC, brings a wealth of experience and a track record of achievement to her role as a speaker at the UT Austin RTP for HUBs graduation. Holding a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University and certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt, Callier possesses a strong technical foundation complemented by strategic business acumen.
Since its establishment in 2004, Bradlink LLC has evolved into a premier technical services firm, specializing in areas such as architectural design, project and construction management, facilities support, and advanced IT solutions. The firm has built a reputation as a trusted partner for various government agencies and industry-leading prime contractors, including the Houston Airport System, Austin Independent School District, Hensel Phelps, and Jacobs.
Under Callier’s leadership, Bradlink LLC has contributed to numerous high-profile projects. Her firm’s portfolio includes significant work on capital projects for Houston METRO Transit, the Houston Airport System (including the Hobby International 7-gate Expansion project), and DFW International Airport. These achievements underscore Callier’s strategic vision and the company’s proficiency in tackling intricate challenges, delivering innovative and efficient solutions.
Bradlink LLC: A Model of Responsible Growth and Community Impact
Bradlink LLC, with offices across Texas in Kingwood, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, stands as a testament to the potential for growth and positive community impact within the framework of responsible business practices. The company’s commitment extends beyond project delivery to actively supporting and empowering other small, minority, and women-owned businesses.
Callier is known for her dedication to mentoring small businesses, and she has volunteered for organizations like Government Procurement Connections (GPC), which assists small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in connecting with government agencies. This commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and providing resources aligns directly with the goals of the Texas TX higher education system’s HUB programs, demonstrating how private sector leadership can reinforce academic initiatives for broader societal benefit.
Bradlink LLC has received notable recognition for its excellence and leadership, including accolades such as the Houston Business Journal’s Women on the Move, SBA Woman Business Advocate of the Year, being featured as a METRO Small Business Success Story, and receiving the City of Houston’s Outstanding MWBE Professional Services Firm award. These awards reflect the firm’s consistent pursuit of delivering superior service and its significant contributions to the technical services industry and the broader Texas economy.
Driving Economic Development Through Education and Partnerships
The collaboration between the University of Texas at Austin’s IC2 Institute and business leaders like Helen Callier of Bradlink LLC represents a powerful synergy for driving economic development. By equipping Historically Underutilized Businesses with essential skills and knowledge, the RTP for HUBs directly contributes to diversifying the pool of qualified contractors and suppliers, fostering a more inclusive and robust economy for Texas.
This initiative not only aligns with the state’s objectives for HUB participation but also reinforces the vital role of Texas TX higher education institutions in preparing individuals and businesses for real-world challenges. The program empowers individuals to take personal responsibility for their economic futures, builds leadership capabilities, and strengthens community impact through successful business ventures. As these businesses grow, they contribute to job creation and capital investment, benefiting communities across Houston and the entire state.
Conclusion
The graduation of the University of Texas at Austin’s Readiness Training Program for HUBs signifies more than just the completion of a course; it marks the empowerment of a new cohort of entrepreneurs ready to contribute to Texas’s economic vitality. The program, championed by institutions like UT Austin and supported by the invaluable insights of leaders such as Helen Callier, demonstrates how academic rigor, practical mentorship, and a commitment to inclusive growth can create tangible pathways to success.
Houston, TX college news consistently highlights the proactive steps universities are taking to enhance student and community opportunities. Readers are encouraged to explore the various programs offered by the University of Texas TX and other Texas TX higher education institutions that support small business development and community engagement. Staying informed about these initiatives can reveal avenues for personal and professional growth, further strengthening the dynamic economic landscape of our state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the UT Austin Readiness Training Program for HUBs?
The UT Austin Readiness Training Program for HUBs (RTP for HUBs) is an innovative training program administered by the IC2 Institute, in collaboration with the McCombs School of Business and the Bureau of Business Research, designed to enhance the competitiveness and capacity of minority- and women-owned small businesses to bid on public sector contracts.
Who is Helen Callier?
Helen Callier is the President of Bradlink LLC, a Houston-based technical services firm specializing in architectural design, project management, and construction management. She is a distinguished speaker and industry leader, holding a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Six Sigma Black Belt.
What is a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) in Texas?
A Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) in Texas is a for-profit business that is at least 51 percent owned by one or more persons who are economically disadvantaged due to their identification as members of certain groups, including Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Pacific Americans, Native Americans, Service-Disabled Veterans, and Women, with its principal place of business in Texas.
What are the statewide HUB goals in Texas?
Based on the 2009 State of Texas Disparity Study, statewide HUB goals include 11.2% for Heavy Construction (other than Building Contracts), 21.1% for Building Construction, 32.9% for Special Trade Construction, 23.7% for Professional Services, 26.0% for Other Services, and 21.1% for Commodities Contracts.
What services does Bradlink LLC provide?
Bradlink LLC offers a range of technical services, including architectural design, project management, construction management, facilities support, information technology solutions, building design, permit expediting, and construction oversight.
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