The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority helped launch Buy Houston: By Houston, a supplier diversity program to engage with diverse local suppliers to maximize procurement opportunities in partnership with high-profile events, starting with the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship.
About Buy Houston. By Houston.
This programming supports minority, woman, LGBTQIA+, and veteran-owned businesses through professional development sessions, networking events, and access to subcontract opportunities. Certified companies selected for the program were profiled in the Houston Host Committee directory, which event organizers and primary contractors used to identify and choose local suppliers to fulfill their sub-contracting needs. Throughout 2023, the Houston Host Committee built out this directory to use not only for the CFP National Championship but for events coming to Houston in years to come.
1 | Events
The Harris County – Houston Sports Authority is committed to connecting local diverse suppliers with opportunities surrounding high-profile events through the Buy Houston: By Houston Supplier Diversity Program
2 | Eligibility
To qualify as a minority vendor, businesses must:
- Be 51% owned by a minority, woman, LGBTQIA+, or veteran individual
- Have been in operation and have a physical office in Harris County.
- Be the direct source of the goods and services represented in their bid
- Be in good standing and eligible to do business with the Harris County, City of Houston, or State of Texas
3 | Certifications
Businesses must have proof of certification from a national business organization, local government entity, or one of the following pre-approved certifying agencies. Businesses that are currently in the process of obtaining their proof of business certification will be considered.
4 | Pre Approved Certifying Agencies
City of Houston (MBE, WBE, DBE)
Texas Unified Certification Program (DBE)
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Small Business Enterprise Program
Metropolitan Transit Authority of Harris County (METRO) DBE Programs
Houston Airport System
Port of Houston
Historically Underutilized Business Enterprises (HUB)
Houston Minority Supplier Development Council (HMSDC)
Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance WBE Program
NGLCC Supplier Diversity Initiative (SDI) for LGBT Business Enterprises (LGBTBE)
Texas Small Business Association DBE Programs
National Women Business Owners Corporation
National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
U.S. Department of Transportation DBE Program
Small Business Administration (SBA8(a))
