More help is on the way for small businesses thanks to a new Harris County program using pandemic recovery funds.

On June 6, Harris County Commissioners Court approved executing agreements with BakerRipley; Geocko Inc., which does business as Forward; and Roads Consulting Group to handle small-business technical assistance and accelerator grants for the Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity. Using American Rescue Plan Act funds, BakerRipley was awarded about $2 million, Forward was awarded $3.38 million, and Roads Consulting was awarded $600,000.

These awards put an emphasis on technical assistance to small businesses and micro enterprises. That includes assistance with marketing, credit counseling, business coaching, technology support and financial support. Harris County officials noted that some small companies, especially in the world of micro enterprises, lack financial savviness to the point where business and personal finances are not separated.

Additionally, mergers and acquisitions are a huge trend right now in the small-business sector, especially for aging, family-owned businesses, county officials said. This could be another potential focus area of the assistance so the county’s economy doesn’t lose these businesses.

BakerRipley and Roads Consulting Group will be the technical service providers. Now Harris County Commissioners Court has officially approved the awards, officials within the Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity are...

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