Convention & Tourism
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People of African descent are some of the oldest residents of Texas. Beginning in 1528, African Texans have had a long heritage in the state and have worked alongside Americans of Mexican, European, and indigenous descent to make the state what it is today.
African Americans have lived in the area known as Texas as long as any other ethnic group except American Indians.
Black Enterprise Magazine named Houston the fourth best city for African-Americans to live and work. This accolade is based on median household income, percentage of households earning more than $100,000, percentage of businesses owned, percentage of college graduates, unemployment rates, home loan rejections, and homeownership rates.
Our city is very accepting of African-American small businesses that are equipped, professional and operate with excellence.
Our territory is typically Texas, large and geographically widespread. The Houston region is comprised of 10 counties: Montgomery, Harris, San Jacinto, Chambers, Fort Bend, Liberty, Austin, Waller, Galveston and Brazoria. More than 5 million people call the Houston region home. The region offers businesses access to the largest port in the United States, the largest medical center in the world - the Texas Medical Center, and more energy industry corporate headquarters than anywhere in the world.
Houston boasts many of the finest restaurants in the nation. You’ll never get bored with our cuisine whether it be soul, Cajun, Creole, Italian, French, Mexican, Tex-Mex, Japanese, Chinese, Korean, Tai, Indian, vegetarian or American.
Houston is a great place to raise a family. The city is rich with cultural entertainment offerings, green spaces, upscale shopping, and multiple communities with exceptional schools. With just a short jaunt, you can be in Galveston, San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, or Corpus Christi.
It is easy to live a simple, quiet life outside of the Houston Metropolitan Area yet enjoy the amenities of the big city.
Known as the Energy Capitol of the World, Houston is simply synonymous with success. |
Relocate to Houston
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At HCCC, we think Houston is a great place to relocate your family or business. But, don’t take our word for it. Visit these informative resources for additional endorsements.
Rice University's "Houston Its Cooler than You Think
GHCVB
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Live and Work in Houston
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Minority- and women-owned businesses have high potential for success in Houston.
Texas ranks:
Second in the number of Hispanic-owned businesses (319,460) Third in the number of Asian-owned businesses (78,018) Third in the number of women-owned businesses (469,049) Fifth in the nation in the number of black-owned businesses (88,777)
Source: 2002 Survey of Business Owners, U.S. Census Bureau (Issued July 28, 2005).
Texas has more women- and minority-owned businesses (955,304) than 45 other states,
including Georgia (674,620), Michigan (708,894), New Jersey (708,894), North Carolina
(642,700) and Ohio (817,793) have total businesses.
Source: 2002 Survey of Business Owners, U.S. Census Bureau (Issued July 28, 2005).
Though statistics for the Houston metro region are not readily available, the number of
minority-owned businesses can be calculated based on the region’s share of minority and
female populations.
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Based on Greater Houston Partnership calculations using U.S. Census Bureau data,
Houston has 225,000 women- and minority-owned businesses.
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With 30.25% of the state’s black population, the Houston region should have 26,857
black-owned businesses.
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With 38.56% of the state’s Asian population, the Houston region should have 30,087
Asian-owned businesses.
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With 19.87% of the state’s Hispanic population, the Houston region should have 63,482
Hispanic-owned businesses.
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With 21.29% of the state’s female population, the Houston region should have 105,311
women-owned businesses.
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The potential for success of minority-owned businesses in Houston is recognized by those
outside the region.
Houston ranks:
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Fourth by Black Enterprise Magazine 2007 where black entrepreneurial businesses can
flourish and thrive.
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Fifth for Top Cities for African-American Families, BET.online 2004.
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Eighth for Fastest Growing Metro Areas for Women-Owned Businesses, Center for
Women’s Business, 2004.
In addition to providing an excellent environment for startup and small- and mid-size companies, the Houston region is known worldwide as a major corporate center. The evidence:
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Twenty-three companies on the 2007 Fortune 500 list are headquartered in Houston. Many other Fortune 500 companies maintain U.S. administrative headquarters in Houston.
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Four 2005 Fortune 100 Fastest-growing Companies are headquartered in Houston.
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Of the world’s 100 largest non-U.S. based corporations, at least 51 have non-retail operations in Houston
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Houston has a solid workforce.
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With more than 2.6 million workers in the Houston metro area, the region has an ample supply of workers to meet any employer’s need – now and in the future. Sales & Marketing Management’s 2003 Survey of Buying Power showed Houston as having the lowest median age among the nation’s 10 largest metro areas, making it less susceptible than other areas to a shortage of entry-level workers. The median age of Houston workers is 33.0 compared to the national median age of 36.0. Houston’s amenities and quality of life draw a skilled, well-educated workforce.
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Houston has a well-developed high-tech infrastructure.
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Houston is a leader in transferring to the private sector technology developed at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC), the Texas Medical Center and area universities.
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Much of Houston’s high-tech activity is involved in energy exploration and production and related manufacturing. Examples are three- and four-dimensional imaging and sophisticated drilling techniques.
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A vibrant software industry centers on Houston’s strengths in energy, medicine and aerospace.
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Technological expertise emanating from the medical center has supported the emergence of many biotechnology and medical-related companies.
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JSC markets space technology for licensing and research and development.
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Industry Week has ranked Houston as a Gold Medal World-Class community for manufacturing.
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Houston has a strong international presence.
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Houston has a host of reasons to relocate or expend your business here.
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Houston has ample, low-cost undeveloped property, office space and industrial space.
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Houston’s central location makes it a major distribution center.
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Houston’s cost of doing business ranks among the nation’s lowest.
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Houston’s cost of living is the lowest of cities with populations of more than two million people.
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Resources for relocating or expanding in Houston
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Source: Greater Houston Partnership |
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