HCC and Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce Partner to Support Veteran Entrepreneurs

The strategic alliance aims to expand education, training, and business support for veteran-owned businesses.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Houston City College (HCC) and the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce have formalized a partnership through a Strategic Alliance Memorandum. The agreement outlines a collaborative effort to help veterans start, sustain, and grow small businesses by providing education, advocacy, and shared resources.

Why it matters

This partnership leverages HCC's educational resources and the chamber's expertise in supporting the veteran business community. By working together, they can better encourage economic growth and development within the Houston region by empowering veteran entrepreneurs.

The details

The agreement will allow HCC and the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce to combine their efforts to assist veterans in starting and running successful small businesses. HCC will provide educational programs and training, while the chamber will offer advocacy, networking, and other business support services.

  • The partnership was formalized with the signing of a Strategic Alliance Memorandum on February 11, 2026.

The players

Houston City College (HCC)

A community college system in Houston, Texas that provides higher education, workforce training, and lifelong learning opportunities.

Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce

An organization dedicated to fostering the success of veterans, active-duty military, and their families in the Houston business landscape.

Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D.

Chancellor of Houston City College.

John Cacolice

Executive Vice President of the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce and a local real estate firm owner.

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What they’re saying

“The chamber's mission mirrors HCC's mission to encourage economic growth and development within our community. We know that those who have worn our nation's military uniform bring qualities like integrity, discipline and commitment to our classrooms and to their working lives. And, when veterans succeed in business, our entire region succeeds.”

— Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D., Chancellor, Houston City College

“What we are recognizing is that just because veterans have taken their uniforms off doesn't mean they don't continue to serve. Some are captains of industry, and many more are starting and running businesses and making a difference. We want to do all we can to support them.”

— John Cacolice, Executive Vice President, Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce

What’s next

The partnership will begin immediately, with HCC providing educational programs and the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce offering business support services to veteran entrepreneurs in the Houston region.

The takeaway

This strategic alliance between HCC and the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce demonstrates a commitment to empowering veteran-owned businesses and fostering economic growth in the local community. By combining their resources and expertise, they can better support veterans transitioning to civilian life and entrepreneurship.