Frequently Asked Questions

How is Texas Business Alliance Funded? back to FAQ

TBA is a 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization. The TBA Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. TBA is funded through annual membership dues, sponsorships, grants, program/event proceeds, and individual contributions.

How is the Texas Business Alliance Founder and CEO paid? back to FAQ

The TBA Founder and CEO receives a salary from operating funds raised and this salary is approved by the TBA Board of Directors. The TBA Founder and CEO nor TBA receives compensation from any supplier/vendor contractual relationships TBA helps to establish.

Is TBA similar to other business organizations that offer certification? back to FAQ

No. TBA is not a certification organization and does not offer a certification. TBA provides specialized training to small businesses in industries with MWBE underutilization, e.g., construction, energy, manufacturing/wholesale/distribution, transportation, technology, engineering, medical, professional services and food service. The training produces confident, competent and qualified supplies immediately ready for contracting opportunities. TBA receives supplier criteria and bid opportunities from private/public entities and connects its qualified members with contractual opportunities.

What is Texas Business Alliance? back to FAQ

Texas Business Alliance (TBA) is a membership-based, solutions oriented, small business development, 501(c)(6) nonprofit organization.

Our aim is simple. Connect prepared minority- and women-owned suppliers directly with opportunities.
Texas Business Alliance was created to be a solution to the challenges that minority- and women-owned business face daily. We believe growth opportunities for MWBEs are limitless. However, we understand the historic, cultural and educational boundaries that have slowed progression. Our approach is direct, proactive and bold. The health and long-term wellbeing of our economy depends on it.

As our values bear out, we cannot accomplish anything in a vacuum. We believe it necessary that everyone involved with creating a pipeline of MWBEs come together collaboratively and efficiently. We all have a role. The certifiers, advocates, awareness makers and educators are needed. Our role is one of collaborator, industry-specific education, barrier-remover and connector. Together, we create a mosaic necessary to speed the preparedness of MWBEs and our youth for success.

Is there a need for Texas Business Alliance? back to FAQ

Quite simply, yes. Minority- and women-owned businesses continue to be awarded fewer prime contracts than non-minority firms, and eight out of ten small businesses fail within the first three years.

Small businesses employ two-thirds of the country’s private sector workforce, represent 99.7 percent of all employer firms, represent 97.3 percent of all the exporters of goods, and generate a majority of the innovations that come from U.S. companies, according the Small Business Administration. Yet, 637,100 new businesses were created in 2007 and 560,300 closed, and there were 28,322 bankruptcies. Additionally, MWBEs disproportionately have fewer contract opportunities and capital access .

How does Texas Business Alliance serve its constituency? back to FAQ

Each Texas Business Alliance member completes a business evaluation to determine areas where the member can strengthen its contract readiness. Gaps may be closed via business consultations, TBA training courses, or via the TBA signature programs Business Enterprise Academy™ Small Business Six-Month Incubator Program and the ‘Prime’ Objective™ Joint Venture Partnership Program.

Our pledge is to:


• Create a pipeline of multicultural MWBEs ready for contract opportunities.
  

• Develop top-notch educational models that can be leveraged locally, regionally, nationally and internationally by TBA chapter networks and other member-driven organizations.
  

• Assist our MWBE members with access to capital.
  

• Equip high school and college students with the tools and resources to pursue an entrepreneurial alternative.

Why should I become a member of Texas Business Alliance? back to FAQ

Texas Business Alliance is a progressive, professional organization like no other. It solely exists to equip and ready MWBEs for growth and job creation, to create a pipeline of qualified suppliers, and to provide our youth with an entrepreneurial alternative.

Membership gives the MWBE access to development and contract opportunities. Membership provides public and private sector entities with a pipeline of qualified suppliers. Membership provides chambers of commerce and other member-driven organizations access to development models and meaningful collaborations to benefit its members. Individuals benefit via training programs, networking and being in an entrepreneurial environment. Youth receive the know-how, capital and critical support to succeed as an entrepreneur.

What are the benefits of membership? back to FAQ

Please visit our membership page for a full benefits listing for youth, individuals, organizations and private/public entities. MWBEs enjoy the following benefits:

• New member Business Assessment Readiness Evaluation upon joining
  

• Personal user name and pass code to member’s Web page
  

• Password protected access to member Web directory and event rosters
  

• Access to “The Vault” our members’ only, password protected Web page with bid opportunities and resources
  

• MWBE qualified supplier training programs
  

• Qualified supplier Web profiles for viewing by procurement agencies and buyers
  

• Certification referral assistance
  

• Supplier match program
  

• Youth entrepreneurship development program and high school/college student TBA membership program
  

• Global membership network
  

• Members' only/partners’ discounts on select events and programs
  

• Membership participation and benefits at any TBA chapter
  

• Discounted small business corporate identity packages
  

• TBA media partner discounted advertising and subscription opportunities
  

• Member exposure includes, but not limited to:
  

• eMarketing to database of 14,000+ unique addresses
  

• Member advertising/marketing via eNewsletter, Web banners, Web commercials, media partner promotions and media relations
  
  

How can my company receive statewide exposure? back to FAQ

TBA chapters are planned for the cities of Houston, Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, San Antonio, and El Paso. The flagship chapter has been started in Houston. Once a TBA member joins, they have the benefit of participating in all statewide chapter activities, regardless of chapter, as they would in their home chapter.

How does TBA hold companies accountable? back to FAQ

• As a corporate TBA member, companies are held to the below accountability measures:

• Have or establish a supplier diversity program
  

• Promote business opportunities for MWBEs
  

• Designate a representative as a point of contact
  

• Participate in local activities of TBA
  

• Designate at least one representative to serve on a TBA committee
  

• Commit to an annual support level
  

• Report annually aggregate dollar purchases from MWBEs