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Ready, Set, Certified!

Certification Acceleration Workshop

Event Details and Overview

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Tuesday, August 26, 2025

Location: 3 Riverway, Houston, TX

Time: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM

The Certification Acceleration Workshop is a one-day, hands-on program designed to help qualifying businesses fast-track their MBE Certification. Participants will receive live support from HMSDC staff and vendor partners to complete their certification application, and, in many cases, their site visit, on the same day.

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This workshop also introduces participants to the Houston procurement ecosystem, providing insight into state and local government contracting processes. By the end of the day, participants will:

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  • Have a submitted application and (where applicable) a completed site visit

  • Be Expo Ready for the upcoming HMSDC Expo and the State of Texas Spot Bid Fair

  • Gain a practical understanding of government contracting and state procurement processes

Cost

Class 1 $0-$1M: $400

Class 2 $1m-$10M: $650

Class 3 $10-$50M: $1040

Class 4 Greater than $50M: $1600

Program Agenda

 

8:30 – 9:00 AM | Registration & Networking

  • Check-in & Welcome Packet (application checklist, FAQs, grant info)

  • Meet HMSDC staff & vendor partners

  • Light networking

 

9:00 – 9:30 AM | Welcome & Program Overview

  • HMSDC introduction

  • Certification benefits & how it connects to opportunities

  • Pathways to Prime eligibility explained

 

9:30 – 10:30 AM | Certification Walkthrough

  • Step-by-step application process in plain language

  • Document requirements by business structure

  • Q&A and common mistakes to avoid

 

10:30 – 10:45 AM | Break

  • Stretch, reset, and prep for work sessions

 

10:45 – 12:15 PM | Hands-On Application Work

  • Work at dedicated stations with HMSDC staff and MBE vendor partners

  • Get live troubleshooting and personalized support on applications

  • Prepare documents for upload and submission

 

12:15 – 1:00 PM | Working Lunch

  • Provided on-site (or BYOL option)

  • Informal networking & Q&A with facilitators

 

1:00 – 3:30 PM | Application Completion & Site Visits

  • Continued application work with one-on-one assistance

  • Site visits conducted by HMSDC staff (scheduled in 30-min blocks)

  • Final document checks and application submission

Expected Outcomes

  • 80% of participants should have submitted applications by 1:00 PM

  • Site visits will be conducted immediately following application submission to accelerate the review process.

  • Confidence in how to leverage certification for procurement and business growth

  • A clear understanding of the value and resources available through HMSDC certification and strategic partnerships

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Key Notes

  • Preparation is critical: All applicants must start an application in AdaptOne before arrival.

  • Pre-Event Packet: Applicants will receive document templates & a checklist required in advance to minimize rework.

  • Limited Space: Participation capped to ensure all attendees receive hands-on support.

  • Participants will be prepared to bid on upcoming government procurements including the State of Texas Spot Bid fair.

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