Businesses In Development (B.I.D.) Academy-Jefferson County
Location
The Press Building
549 4th street Port Arthur, TX
Date
June 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM - July 30, 2026 at 7:30 PM
About
The B.I.D. (Businesses In Development) Academy, powered by the Community Economic Development Unit at Prairie View A&M University, is a FREE 9-session training program that equips small businesses with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to compete in government contracting.
The B.I.D. Academy is more than just training; it’s a roadmap to make your business stronger, more competitive, and ready for government contracting. In partnership with the Texas Comptroller’s Purchasing Division, our mission is to increase participation in state and local contracting opportunities and help business owners like you access millions of dollars in potential revenue through the statewide bidding process.
By joining the B.I.D. Academy, you will:
• Gain insider knowledge of how to work with state agencies, universities, school districts, and large industries.
• Learn practical business skills that strengthen your overall operations.
• Develop a clear roadmap to become the state of Texas certified.
• Build a competitive edge by creating winning bid proposals.
Sessions
June 30, 2026
-
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM CDT Session 1: Overview
Participants will learn about who we are at PVAMU Extension CED, gain an understanding of BID Academy expectations, review other business profiles in CMBL to ensure their online profiles, class codes, and districts are complete and accurate, and understand the importance of maintaining the right business profile for contracting and networking opportunities.
Location: The Press Building,549 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640
July 7, 2026
-
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM CDT Session 2 :Business Planning
Participants will learn how to identify the right agencies to do business with, navigate the CMBL coordinator list, and begin exploring where to find bid opportunities through state, local, and ISD procurement channels.
Location: The Press Buildind,549 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640
July 9, 2026
-
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM CDT Session 3: Business Marketing
Participants will learn how to design an effective capability statement through PowerPoint demonstrations, explore business marketing tools, and understand how to present their business in a professional and appealing way to prime contractors.
Location: The Press Buildind,549 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640
July 14, 2026
-
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM CDT Session 4: Pitch Writing-Know what to say to State Agencies
Participants will go over how to write the perfect pitch. Samples of pitches, role play activities of different scenarios (Phone conversation, Pre-Bid meetings, etc.)
Location: The Press Buildind,549 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640
July 16, 2026
-
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM CDT Session 5: Keep the Books: Bookkeeping Basics
Participants will learn bookkeeping basics and terminology, connect a business bank account, set up QuickBooks online or other easy accounting software to track expenses, run reports, create a chart of accounts, track sales and invoicing, and more.
Location: The Press Buildind,549 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640
July 21, 2026
-
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM CDT Session 7: Subcontracting
Participants will break down subcontracting Terminology and how to locate subcontracting opportunities.
Location: The Press Buildind,549 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640
July 28, 2026
-
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM CDT Session 8: Proposal/Bid Writing
Participants will learn the differences between RFP, RFI, RFA, IFB, etc., and the components of a proposal. Different types of bids and how to respond Writing a winning bid; breakdown what a winning proposal looks like.
Location: The Press Buildind,549 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640
July 30, 2026
-
06:00 PM - 07:30 PM CDT Session 9: Graduation/ Pitches to Agencies
Participants will meet the Purchasers, and every student will receive a certificate of completion. They will also have a chance to participate in the pitch contest.
Location: The Press Buildind,549 4th Street, Port Arthur, TX 77640