The Pearland Economic Development Corp. announced in a May 12 news release the launch of the Pearland Innovation Hub, which is seeking to help local entrepreneurs through local and regional entrepreneurship assistance programs, events, service providers and funding sources.
“We are very excited about the launch of the Pearland Innovation Hub and its programs that will connect entrepreneurs and small businesses in Pearland with the necessary resources to grow and succeed,” Pearland Mayor Kevin Cole said.
The Pearland Innovation Hub will offer business plan competitions, proactive coaching, networking events and student programs to encourage entrepreneurship, according to the release. The Pearland Innovation Hub is being operated through a partnership between the PEDC and The Cannon, a business network platform in Houston.
Pearland City Council adopted a resolution Nov. 8 for the PEDC to enter a three-year $927,000 contract with Cannon Workplace LLC.
The Pearland Innovation Hub’s advisory board will be tasked with overseeing the platform. The Cannon also hired Brandy Guidry as a navigator for the Pearland Innovation Hub. Guidry has 17 years of experience and will be in charge of daily operations of the Hub, according to the release.
“The Pearland Innovation Hub is a groundbreaking initiative to support existing and aspiring small-business owners,” Guidry said in the release. “I, along with PEDC and The Cannon, are excited to be able to ‘navigate’ the Pearland community and help it continue to prosper in all areas of entrepreneurship.”
A launch party to celebrate the Pearland Innovation Hub will be held at 5 p.m. May 19 at Bakfish Brewing located at 1231 Broadway St., Pearland.
“There is untapped potential for startup activity in Pearland and the Hub will serve to establish Pearland as a community known for innovation and entrepreneurship and where emerging companies want to locate,” Cole said.
