UBI Clients

Who Do We Serve?

UBI volunteers offer assistance to start-up and existing for-profit businesses.  Our ultimate goal is to revitalize the economy of under-served communities and create sustainable economic opportunities for disadvantaged persons in the Greater Houston area.

Though some of our programs (such as our seminars and round-tables) are open to anybody with an interest in starting a business, UBI gives priority to clients who:

1. Reside, operate a business, or plan to open a business in communities with high levels of unemployment and poverty, particularly inside of Houston's Enhanced Enterprise Community.

2. Employ staff and workers who reside in Houston's inner city.

3. Earn annual business profits of less than $50,000 or are considered Low to Moderate Income (LMI) individuals.

4. Are challenged by serious economic disadvantages such as: Seniors, the disabled or chronically ill, and persons in recovery or transition (i.e., battered women, returning veterans, refugees, victims of disaster, persons in recovery or transition, prison releases, the homeless...).

5. Minority and women-owned enterprises, when combined with one of the other factors above.

Since UBI operates under the belief that positive business can stimulate community development, volunteers will not assist the following businesses:

• Clubs/Bars

• Liquor stores or smoke shops

• Sexually oriented businesses

• Businesses that discriminate in the provision of goods or services or the hiring of personnel on the basis of race, creed, color, or sexual orientation

• Businesses that promote the irresponsible use of firearms

• Businesses that engage in or support terrorism or other illegal activity.