Growing Tech Business

The Office of Experiential Learning at the C. T. Bauer College of Business and tech giant Hewlett Packard Enterprise kicked off a collaboration to bring technological entrepreneurs' dreams to reality with HPE Tech Day.

The event brought together members of HPE and tech experts with aspiring small and medium business entrepreneurs in the Houston area to looking to get advice about their business.

“We wanted to connect people and problems with experts who can solve them,” HPE Vice President of Innovation Sadie Bell said. “Even if they do not go forward with the program, the ability to sit with people who are having similar issues and talking your problems out is invaluable.”

The 40 entrepreneurs spoke with student consultants currently enrolled in the Technology Implementation Consulting course while networking with other businesses and tech experts.

“I really like to solve problems and this class has taught us how to ask technical questions,” management information systems junior Vincent Aguilar said. “We get to know someone, learn what their business is and the root of their problems so we can solve them. Helping the businesses that are out here today will not only benefit them, but the City of Houston as a whole.”

Five entrepreneurs were selected to work with student consultants and HPE mentors to help their business grow over the course of the Spring semester. They include Dr. Tina Onuoha (Shifting TechMindset NP), Landi Spearman (Organized SHIFT), Rachel Mcneil (Ometress Nicole Coaching and Consulting LLC), Cynthia O’Neal (Christ Connect 360), and Anna Williams (Williams Business Management Consulting Firm).

Program Director of Experiential Learning Zach Wortzel and Associate Dean for Career and Industry Engagement Jamie Belinne, led the effort to bring the HPE program to Bauer to connect the college with small businesses in Houston.

“Houston has such a diverse community when it comes to small businesses,” Wortzel said. “HPE told us about the abundance of small businesses in the Houston area and they really wanted to connect with as many businesses as they could. This just fosters both the experiential learning for all parties involved and Bauer’s relationship with the community.”

“This is a phenomenal partnership and is a win for everyone involved,” Bell said. “It’s a win from an opportunity standpoint for HPE experts to give back. It’s a win for students and their growth as consultants. It’s a win for the community and businesses because we can teach them how to be successful, especially in technology.”