Articles

HCC Small Business Success Series equips entrepreneurs with skills for sustainable growth

By Donald Sparks, HCC Central Communications Director

Jan 30, 2026


Dr. Tanisha Lemelle, CEO & Chief Strategist, The Clever Site, served as the facilitator for Module 1: Ignite the Entrepreneur in You as part of Houston City College’s Small Business Success Series in collaboration with the Pearland Innovation Hub.Dr. Tanisha Lemelle, CEO & Chief Strategist, The Clever Site, served as the facilitator for Module 1: Ignite the Entrepreneur in You as part of Houston City College’s Small Business Success Series in collaboration with the Pearland Innovation Hub held at the HCC South Campus. Nearly 60 current and future entrepreneurs attended the event. The five-week series offers a comprehensive journey of validating their business ideas to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success. 


After being laid off from her job in early 2025, Charlie Marcol made a life-changing decision to commit to a business she had been building quietly for years. A recent graduate of the University of Houston’s SURE Program, she was committed to expanding her business as a writer and started the C.O.O.L. Impact Leadership Academy.

“Writing has always been my passion, and serving youth is my calling,” Marcol said. “My entrepreneurship journey is rooted in purpose, so I’m moving from passion to profession.”

As part of developing her business acumen, she took part in the Houston City College (HCC) Small Business Success Series (SBSS) in collaboration with the Pearland Innovation Hub (PIH) at the HCC South Campus.

The five-module series, which began Jan. 16, guided nearly 60 entrepreneurs and small business owners through a comprehensive journey of validating their business idea to achieve sustainable growth and long-term success.

“The program also emphasizes hands-on learning and meaningful interaction with faculty, guest entrepreneurs, business experts and peer delegate,” said April Felton, director, HCC Central Center for Entrepreneurship. “Each week focuses on a different core topic.”

  • Week 1: Ignite the Entrepreneur in You!
  • Week 2: Vet the Venture – Are My Ideas Lucrative?
  • Week 3: Sales & Marketing Powered Up
  • Week 4: Financials for Small Business
  • Week 5: Managing Risk 

Felton mentioned the goal of the series is to support the growth and development of Houston’s small business community, noting that more than 5 million new businesses were formed in 2025 according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

“Innovation and entrepreneurship play a vital role in economic development with small businesses serving as the backbone of both local and national economies,” she said. “When we consider that 44% of Houston's workforce is employed by a small business, this goal extends far beyond a single program. It represents HCC’s commitment to advancing economic opportunity and community prosperity.”

The Small Business Success Series was launched in Fall 2020 by a group of entrepreneurs and has since flourished into 33 cohorts, graduating more than 750 entrepreneurs. The success of the series is what attracted the PIH to form an alliance with HCC.

Partnering with HCC provided the PIH an opportunity to expand the organization’s ability to support the city’s small business community.

“Our members represent a wide range of small business owners, from those just getting started to those who have been operating for years, and each can benefit from the right support at the right time,” said Tania Monroy, PIH Navigator. “The SBSS program is instrumental in giving businesses a great basis for starting or growing their business whether they are new or been in business a while.”

Monroy praised HCC and expressed optimism of collaborating in future events aimed at finding resources to support the evolving needs of the business community and developing new programs that continue to support and grow alongside the ever-changing business landscape.

“The HCC staff has been wonderful to work with. Everyone I have met or interacted with has been welcoming and genuinely eager to collaborate,” Monroy said. “We truly value their support and leadership and look forward to many more opportunities to work together.”

After completing the first day of the series, Marcol was excited about returning for the next four sessions.

“As someone transitioning fully into business ownership, I was seeking structured support that aligned purpose with sustainability and this series immediately stood out,” she said. “Being surrounded by other entrepreneurs committed to growth reaffirmed that I am exactly where I am supposed to be.”

The five-week series concludes on Friday, Feb. 13.