In Harris County, opportunity hasn’t always looked like us (minority women). For far too long, Minority-owned businesses—especially those led by women, more specifically Black women—have stood outside of billion-dollar rooms, knocking politely and being told to wait. But the Pathways to Prime MWBE Procurement Forum and Empowerment Workshops isn’t just another event—it’s a battering ram to those closed doors. And for the Black community, it’s a lifeline.
Let’s be honest: access to public contracts has historically been stacked against us. Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) have been systemically underrepresented in government procurement. That’s not speculation—it’s reality. And in a city as rich in Black talent, creativity, and entrepreneurial fire as Houston, that’s unacceptable. So when Harris County says it’s launching a forum and empowerment series to actually show Black and brown business owners how to compete and win in the procurement space? That’s not a gesture. That’s power. I got a chance to speak with exclusively with the man who is powering this free event that will provide workshops, networking, and mentorship opportunities designed to equip MWBEs to secure and successfully manage contracts with prime contractors.
J. Goodwille Pierre is the Founder of The Pierre Firm PLLC and a seasoned attorney with over two decades of experience in corporate law, government relations, compliance, and intellectual property. He has held executive leadership roles, including Chief Legal Officer, Chief Administrative Officer, and Chief Compliance & Ethics Officer, providing strategic legal counsel to businesses, government agencies, and community organizations.
He spoke about how most “minority businesses do not have the resources to know to copyright or trademark or brand themselves. He provides those resources to them free of charge as a passion.” In fact, he mentioned government contracts are his “Sweet spot” when it comes to helping Minority/ Women-owned businesses.
However the currant administration doesn’t make it easy nor comfortable for minority-owed businesses to reach out for government contracts. His reply, “You have to keep going, yes they are getting rid of DEI but that’s not something we invented. At the end of the day, the government still needs things that Minority-owned businesses provides. So we have to keep fighting for not only what we deserve but have a right to pursue and that’s a stream of revenue that help support ourselves, family, and build legacy and our children’s children.”
It’s About Time—And It’s About Equity
This isn’t just a training opportunity. It’s a corrective measure. The Pathways to Prime initiative aims to equip MWBEs with the tools, mentorship, and insight needed to move from subcontracting to becoming prime contractors—those who hold the main contract, not just a small piece of the pie. That’s a radical shift.
Black businesses in Harris County often lack the same generational access to capital, networks, and insider knowledge that others have enjoyed for decades. This program dares to level the playing field by teaching us how to navigate procurement systems, pitch our businesses effectively, and build sustainable, contract-ready enterprises. And let’s be clear—this isn’t charity. This is smart economics. Investing in Black-owned businesses fuels job creation, stabilizes communities, and keeps dollars circulating where they’re needed most.
“A lot of people don’t know that in 2023 the Pacific Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit against the City of Houston for minority business enterprise (MBE) contracting practices.. A lot of people don’t know that in February of this year, they fled a law suit against Harris County for affirmative action. We have to hold our chambers like the Hispanic Chamber, Asian Chamber, and Black Chamber accountable.” – Goodwille.
Pathways to Prime is a grant that Goodwille has received and he is leveraging it by helping minority-business owners navigate thru the maze of entrepreneurship. From business basics from LLC’s, company bi-laws, etc, to What’s the difference between an RFP and RFQ. Success in Business Presents: Pathways to Prime MWBE Procurement Forum and Empowerment Workshops. Powered by the Harris Country Department of Equity and Opportunity.
Empowerment Isn’t a Buzzword. It’s a Blueprint.
When Black women show up as architects, IT consultants, construction managers, or marketing strategists—and walk away with prime contracts—whole neighborhoods feel it. Goodwille continued to say “We need to send a message, just because others want to take the MB&E from the English language, doesn’t mean we are going anywhere. Racist, evil people who want racism and bigotry to prevail in this world doesn’t mean any thing. We believe in equity and opportunity to level the playing field because we created this country and I’ll be damned if we allow someone to say we don’t deserve to reap the benefits as we the country was created by people of country.”
The empowerment workshops offer more than business cards and breakout sessions. They are spaces of transformation, designed to teach participants how to scale, how to partner, and how to own their worth. And for Black entrepreneurs who have been underbid, overlooked, and under-capitalized, that knowledge is revolutionary.
This Is Our Moment
For Black/Minority business owners in Houston and beyond, the time is now. This free event isn’t just a chance to learn how the game works—it’s an invitation to change the rules. To lead. To build. To thrive. “Don’t be caught up in the hype of them taking away of DEI, African-Americans in 2023 only received 1.7% of federal dollars. So we weren’t getting it in the first place. They want to pit us against each other, Black Jobs vs Asian Jobs vs Hispanic Jobs but we are stronger together. Don’t get caught up in where you are, focus on were you want to be. Don’t be discouraged, be encouraged.” – Goodwille.
We’ve always had the vision. We’ve always had the hustle. Now, finally, Harris County is creating a path to scale that hustle into legacy. And legacy is what we’re after. Make sure you register for Pathways to Prime MWBE Procurement Forum and Empowerment Workshops! The free event will take place April 17th, 9am-5pm.
For More Information, visit:
www.SuccessinBusiness.org #MWBEStrong
Come join us at the Harris County Department of Education for an exciting event focused on capacity building for MWBEs in Harris County! This in-person event will bring together local businesses, Prime contractors, government officials, and community leaders to discuss strategies for progress and growth as well as Business Capacity. The event includes workshops, networking, and mentorship opportunities designed to equip MWBEs to secure and successfully manage contracts with prime contractors. Don’t miss this opportunity to network, learn, and collaborate with fellow entrepreneurs and advocates. Let’s work together to build a stronger, more inclusive community for all!
Thursday, April 17, 20259 AM- 4 PM
Harris County Department of Education
6300 Irvington Boulevard Houston, TX 77022
Network with top Prime contractors, government officials, and MWBE leaders.