Austin Small and Minority Business Resources

Update for our DBE and ACDBE community: the Texas Department of Transportation has concluded the document submission period for the reevaluation process.

Reevaluation responsibilities are now transitioning back to the Texas Unified Certification Program partners, including Austin Small and Minority Business Resources.

Visit our website for full details, including what's next for new certifications and interstate applications: https://conta.cc/4xgKzr0

For questions specific to your submission, contact TxDOT's Civil Rights Division at [email protected] or 512-416-4700.

Austin entrepreneurs, this one's for you!

The 4th Annual Small Business Connections Conference is back, and it's built for the work of growing a business: learning, connecting and putting real strategy behind your next move.

Save your spot. Visit bit.ly/SBCC2026 to register now.

From bringing a taste of the Netherlands to Austin to creating sustainably made Stroopwafels that give back to people and the planet, Stroop Club is showing how small businesses can make a big impact. 🍪🌎

As part of the Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Success series, Public Information Specialist Alejandra Villanueva sat down with Chantal Piët, founder of Stroop Club, an Austin-based company dedicated to crafting delicious Stroopwafels while prioritizing sustainability, community, and social impact.

During their conversation, Chantal described her business in three words: “international, sustainable, delicious.” She shared that one of the biggest misconceptions about entrepreneurship is that it is easy, emphasizing that success requires resilience, persistence, and staying true to your values.

Chantal also highlighted one of her proudest milestones: securing placement in Sprouts stores nationwide after years of hard work and determination. She credited Austin’s collaborative spirit for helping her grow the business and create partnerships that align with Stroop Club’s mission.

When asked what keeps her motivated through the challenges of entrepreneurship, Chantal pointed to her passion for community building, social justice, and environmental stewardship. Through partnerships supporting reef restoration efforts and a commitment to sustainable business practices, she strives to make a positive impact with every Stroopwafel sold.

Support local small businesses and learn more about Stroop Club in the comments!

Support local small businesses and learn more about small business certification at https://lnkd.in/gZGMixmM ✅

From helping developers, architects, contractors, and public entities build on a strong foundation to ensuring projects are set up for long-term success, ACE Geotechnical Engineering is helping shape the future of Central Texas from the ground up. 🏗️🌎

As part of the Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Success series, Public Information Specialist Alejandra Villanueva sat down with Ahmed Ahsan, founder of ACE Geotechnical Engineering, a geotechnical engineering consulting firm dedicated to providing safe and reliable solutions for a wide range of construction and infrastructure projects.

During their conversation, Ahmed described his business in four words: “safe and reliable geotech solutions.” He shared that geotechnical engineering is often viewed as just another item on a project checklist, but in reality, it plays a critical role in preparing the ground and setting projects up for success before construction even begins.

Ahmed also highlighted several projects that stand out in his career, including work supporting the analysis of approximately 350 bridges and contributing to redevelopment efforts following the devastating 2025 flooding in Central Texas.

When asked what keeps him motivated through the challenges of entrepreneurship, Ahmed pointed to his seven-month-old son. Becoming a father, he said, changed his perspective and strengthened his desire to make the world a better place for future generations.

Support local small businesses and learn more about ACE Geotechnical Engineering in the comments!

Support local small businesses and learn more about small business certification at https://lnkd.in/gZGMixmM
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Austin's 4th Annual Small Business Connections Conference is back and offering a full-day of content curated for Austin's small business community.

This year's theme, Small Business Strong, shapes the whole program: access to capital, marketing that works, contracting with the City, permits and licenses, and building real resilience.

You'll also get face time with the City teams who support small businesses every day including Small and Minority Business Resources, Economic Development and Financial Services, alongside local lenders, chambers and nonprofits in the resource expo.

🗓 Wednesday, Aug. 19
⏱️ 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
📍 Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road

Space is limited, register on Eventbrite today.

Know an Austin small business owner who could use a day like this? Send it their way!

Austin Small Business Connections Conference Austin's Small Business Connections Conference brings together Austin's small business community for a full day of learning and networking.

From helping local businesses and nonprofits hit their goals to creating customized marketing strategies that deliver real results, Halo Effect Marketing is helping organizations across Austin grow with purpose and impact. 📈✨

As part of the Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Small Business Success series, Public Information Specialist Alejandra Villanueva sat down with Angela McKendree, founder of Halo Marketing, a woman-owned marketing and communications consulting business focused on strategic, customized, and results-driven work.

During their conversation, Angela described her business in three words: “custom, strategic, and results-focused.” She shared how Halo Marketing takes a tailored approach to every client, diving deep into analytics, communications, and outreach goals to create solutions that truly fit each organization’s needs.

Angela also reflected on one of her proudest projects — supporting a voter education campaign for the Pflugerville Fire Department that passed with a 69% to 31% margin. Through campaign strategy, outreach materials, social media, and communications support, she helped protect critical emergency response resources for the community.

Her “why” is rooted in helping smaller businesses, nonprofits, and local organizations access the same high-quality marketing expertise often reserved for larger corporations, while creating meaningful work that positively impacts the community.

Support local small businesses and learn more about Halo Effect Marketing in the comments!

Support local small businesses and learn more about small business certification at https://lnkd.in/gZGMixmM
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From shaping spaces that strengthen community to helping clients turn big ideas into meaningful places, FIRMAH is helping redefine Austin’s built environment through collaboration and thoughtful design. 🌿🏙️

As part of the Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Small Business Success series, Public Information Specialist Alejandra Villanueva sat down with Ashley Heeren, founder of FIRMAH, an Austin-based architecture and design studio grounded in connection, collaboration, and community impact.

During their conversation, Ashley described her business in three words: “grounded, connected, and collaborative.” She shared how FIRMAH approaches architecture not just as aesthetics, but as a way to solve problems, strengthen neighborhoods, and create spaces where people can truly connect.

Ashley also reflected on a memorable “Only in Austin” moment when her team went to lunch and found themselves surrounded by neighboring tables filled with fellow architecture firms — a reminder of Austin’s strong, community-driven design culture.

Her “why” is rooted in creating a better everyday life for Austin families and future generations by helping shape places where people can gather, connect, and find joy.

Support local small businesses and learn more about FIRMAH in the comments!

Learn more about small business certification at https://lnkd.in/gZGMixmM
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SBA offers $1M in cash prizes to small businesses in new pitch competition - The Business Journals $1M is available to small businesses through a new pitch competition.