SBA SCORE Mentors Empower Houston Entrepreneurs at Lender Matchmaker Event
By Francis Page,I Jr.
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September 8, 2025 (Houston Style Magazine) — Over 200 Small Businesses Connect with 40+ Lenders and Community Partners
Houston, TX — What began as a simple conversation transformed into a powerful moment for Houston’s entrepreneurial community. The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) SCORE Mentors Houston, in collaboration with Bishop James Dixon Ministries and SBA leaders Mark Winchester and Winston Labbé, hosted the SBA Lender Matchmaker at The Community of Faith Church. This dynamic event brought essential resources, funding opportunities, and expert guidance directly to small business owners who are the heartbeat of Houston’s economy. With more than 200 small business owners in attendance and over 40 lenders and community partners represented, the Lender Matchmaker created a vibrant space where connections blossomed into possibilities. From learning how to scale businesses to securing the capital needed for growth, the event was a testament to collaboration at its finest.
Fueling Small Business Success The event featured an impressive lineup of SBA lenders and community resource partners ready to provide solutions for businesses at every stage of development. Lending leaders such as Unity National Bank, Comerica Bank, Amegy Bank, Cadence Bank, Frost Bank, Regions Bank, Veritex Community Bank, and Bank of America were on hand, alongside community reinvestment champions like DreamSpring, LiftFund, and PeopleFund. Special recognition goes to Wallis Bank, the refreshment sponsor, for ensuring attendees stayed energized as they networked and forged valuable partnerships.
Building Houston’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem In addition to lenders, the event highlighted a wide array of community resource partners, including the University of Houston Small Business Development Center, Houston-Galveston Area Council, Houston FinTech, Harris County Treasurer Dr. Carla Wyatt, Port Houston, Bread of Life, Inc., United Way of Greater Houston, and the HISD Community Board. These organizations are working tirelessly to ensure local businesses don’t just survive — they thrive.
Civic and Community Impact Local civic organizations such as the NAACP, Top Ladies of Distinction, Association of Negro Business and Professional Women’s Club, and the Acres Home Chamber of Commerce NCNW also joined forces to uplift minority and women-owned businesses. Community voices like William Johnson Jr. of Johnson Consulting, Jeremy Craft of BlackBook Houston, Paul Guillory of AT&T, and Michael Crockett of C&S Cares demonstrated how grassroots efforts combine with national resources to create real impact.
A Stronger Future for Houston Entrepreneurs The SBA Lender Matchmaker was more than just an event — it was a movement. It showcased how collaboration, mentorship, and access to capital can strengthen Houston’s small business ecosystem. Events like this remind us that entrepreneurship is not a solo journey; it’s a community endeavor powered by connection, innovation, and opportunity. As Houston continues to grow as a hub for business excellence, initiatives like the SBA SCORE Mentors’ Lender Matchmaker ensure that small businesses remain at the center of progress. With resources, lenders, and leaders committed to their success, the future for Houston’s entrepreneurs has never looked brighter.
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