FAQs

RIBBON CUTTINGS

Start off with a bang! Host a ribbon cutting to celebrate a grand opening, expansion, new location or business anniversary. We will help tell the public who you are and what you do. Ribbon Cutting events are available for Business Builders and above. Contact marketing@hwcoc.org for more details.

COMMUNITY IMPACT

As a Chamber Member, your name will be associated with the growth and development of our area. By participating in a Chamber committee, you have the ability to promote the kind of positive change that benefits us all. Be the change you want to see!

BUSINESS CREDIT CARD REVIEWS & COMPARISONS

Nerd Wallet offers a a side by side comparison of the top credit cards for small businesses in 2024. Visit the link below to find the the right business credit card for your organization. 

Best Business Credit Cards of 2024

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION – HOUSTON

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) was created in 1953 as an independent agency of the federal government to aid, counsel, assist and protect the interests of small business concerns, to preserve free competitive enterprise and to maintain and strengthen the overall economy of our nation. Although SBA has grown and evolved in the years since it was established in 1953, the bottom line mission remains the same. The SBA helps Americans start, build, and grow businesses. Click Here for More Information

SCORE (SERVICE CORPS OF RETIRED EXECUTIVES) COUNSELING

Retired Executives counsel business owners FREE! As a Resource Partner of the Small Business Administration, SCORE can help small businesses obtain the funds they need for a successful future. Whether your business is just starting or has been around for years a Business Plan is an absolute necessity. SCORE is dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed from start to finish. score.org

TEXAS ASSOCIATION OF BUSINESS

Do you want to know what’s happening in Texas news, business, government, and more? Find out on www.txbiz.org

HCC GOLDMAN SACHS 10,000 SMALL BUSINESSES

You Built Your Business, We’ll Help You Grow it.

hcc.edu

WHERE DO I GET MORE INFORMATION ON MEMBER RESOURCES?

To find out more, visit a Chamber Orientation on the First Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Please refer to our event calendar for more information.

Membership Pricing

The Houston West Chamber of Commerce provides a variety of Membership options to fit your business needs and goals!
Click here to apply for Membership online!

The Houston West Chamber of Commerce is a 501 (c) 6 Membership Organizations. Contributions to section 501(c)(6) organizations are not deductible as charitable contributions on the donor’s federal income tax return. They may be deductible as trade or business expenses if ordinary and necessary in the conduct of the taxpayer’s business. Please consult your tax advisor.

The Houston West Chamber has numerous monthly events, held at various times, to give our members plenty of opportunities to connect and network. 

CHAMBER ORIENTATION

This is a great way for new and prospective members to learn about the Chamber, meet other members, and learn how to make the most of your membership. 

Orientation is the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 – 1:00pm in the 2nd Floor Training Room our office building. 

Lunch is provided by the Chamber for all attendees. 

RISE & THRIVE

Focused on successful networking, this is perfect for anyone who is not yet an expert at it. Meet, mix, and mingle in the morning.

Enjoy speed-networking and breakfast tacos at the Hyatt Regency West from 8:00 - 9:30am.

Click Here for Sponsorship Opportunities.

LUNCHEONS

Please refer to the monthly calendar to find out more about our luncheons.

SEMINARS

Build your business know-how at our monthly seminar and workshop sessions.

Topics covered include: networking skills, search engine optimization, business planning and growth, and marketing. Most of the workshops are complimentary to members, helping our community improve their professional careers and business success.

Check the calendar for seminar and workshop listings.

SOCIALS

Socials are a laid-back event that allows members and guests to mingle and network over cocktails and appetizers.

The event sponsor provides the location, food and beverages, and gets to make a short presentation.

Socials are held on various Thursdays throughout the year from 4:00 - 6:00pm.

If you are interested in sponsoring a social, please contact the Chamber Office.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Please refer to our monthly calendar for  committee meetings dates & times.

Although the Houston West Chamber has set boundaries, many businesses outside of this region have chosen to join the organization for our business-to-business relationship opportunities.

Neighborhoods covered include: - Memorial, Energy Corridor, Spring Branch, Galleria/Uptown, Greenway Plaza, Alief

Boundaries - Serving Houston from Greenway Plaza to Energy Corridor!
Upper Kirby to the East
290 to the North
Bissonett, US-59, Beltway 8 to the South
Barker Cypress to the West

Member Zip Codes - Predominate ZIP codes bolded (not limited to technical boundary)
77002 77004 77006 77007 77008 77010 77018 77022 77024 77027 77031 77036 77040 77041 77042 77043 77046 77053 77055 77056 77057 77060 77063 77069 77071 77072 77074 77077 77079 77080 77081 77082 77083 77084 77092 77094 77095 77096 77098 77099 77206 77244 77247 77253 77269 77274 77279 77284 77292 77401 77406 77423
77449 77450 77474 77477 77491 77493 77494 77496 77584

Here are the recommended steps.

Step 1: Join Now by clicking here.

Step 2: Come to Orientation - the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00pm. 

Step 3: Attend a Chamber event to network and market your business. Find the right event for you by visiting our events calendar.

Step 4: Choose a committee to get involved in. Visit the Committees and Task Forces page to learn more about our committees. 

If you are considering membership, try us out before joining. There are over 50 Chambers of Commerce in the greater Houston area and each one has a different atmosphere. The Houston West Chamber focuses on business-to-business relationships and the improvement of the West Houston Community. You may attend any three events of your choice as a prospective member. After that, we encourage you to make an investment in both your business and our community, to receive the full benefits of our organization.

If you are unsure of which events to attend, here are our recommendations:

• Orientation: First Wednesday of each month
• Educational Webinars: Vertical Web offers a monthly class to help leverage your business.
• Networking on the Rocks: Held quarterly, always on Thursday
• Or choose a  committee meeting to try out: Committee meetings are typically held on Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays.

Still unsure? Give us a call, we can help:

713-785-4922

Networking is the main key to building your business in any community. We recommend that you attend at least one event each month to build relationships with other members. If you are unable to participate regularly, there are still great visibility benefits (and many sponsorship opportunities) that come with being a member.

With your membership, you receive an online directory listing on our site. Our members are encouraged to use other members to meet their consumer and B2B needs. This listing will increase your visibility, credibility, and boost your business! By joining the Chamber's online directory, you will be able to increase traffic to your own website and business. - If you're trying to rank in your local market, memberships tell Google that your business is part of the local community.

You are also able to post articles, member to member offers, job openings, and press releases to the website through your Chamber Master member portal. This is free to members! The Chamber offers numerous advertising opportunities from blast e-mails to our database, to providing event attendees with a promotional item. Contact our staff for details at 713-785-4922.

Some of our members have found event sponsorship to be an excellent way to brand their business & build their credibility, even if they cannot participate by attending. Please contact the office for details on your numerous sponsorship opportunities at 713-785-4922.

PARTICIPATE

Building relationships with other members is the main key to your success in building your business.  By serving on a committee and attending Chamber events, others are able to get to know you as a person. People do business with people!

REFER

The idea is simple: If you give me business, I will send business your way! It works every time. ”Give to Get”.

GIVE

Do you have a product or service that you can donate or showcase to other members at no cost? One of our most successful members has donated numerous hours of service to other members. When another business sees the quality and dependability in your company or organization, they are more likely to use and refer you.

Market Your Business

By marketing through our email database, social media platforms, and donating promotional items, you can build brand recognition that will be tied to your name. Once other members see you as a reliable source and know what you do, they are more than happy to refer you as a preferred vendor.

Only the Primary Representative of each company has the ability to change the organizational information on the website. If you do not know who your Primary Representative is, please call the Chamber and we will gladly assist you.

1. Log in to the HWCOC website at the bottom of the page.
2. Click on "Settings".
3. Click on "Company" to view drop down menu.
4. To edit the Chamber's database entry, click "Organization Information". This should only be for major changes in contact information.
5. To edit what information gets listed in the Directory, click "Website Information". Uncheck the "Use Organization Information" box at the top of that section to enable editing.
6. Make the necessary changes to the contact information.
7. Click the "Save Changes" button.

Only the Primary Representative of each company has the capability to add an article, job listing or special offer to the HWCOC website. If you do not know who your Primary Representative is, please call the Chamber at 713-785-4922 and we will gladly assist you.

1. Log in to the HWCOC website on the top left corner.
2. In the Home tab, click on the content you would like to create (such as "Hot Deals" or "News Releases").
3. Click on the button below the heading that says "Add".
4. Complete the form fields as needed.
5. Enter the dates during which you would like to maintain the content active.
6. Click the "Submit" button - after a staff member approves your content, this will show up on the website.

Please contact the office at 713-785-4922 to find out if registration will be available at the event.

NOTE: Registration may be closed due to reaching max number of attendees thus, attendance cannot be guaranteed after online registration stops.

Minor Events – Refunds and Cancellations 

Refunds for minor events can be made if requested a MINIMUM of 3 business days (during normal business hours) prior to the event. Refunds will likely incur a 10% processing fee. After this time, reservations have been guaranteed to the facility/caterer and we will be unable to provide a refund. The refund request must be emailed to billing@hwcoc.org.

PLEASE NOTE: No refunds will be made over the phone. Refunds will be issued after the conclusion of the respective event.

Minor Events - Inclement Weather

If HWCOC cancels an event due to poor weather conditions, a full refund will be issued or  fees will be applied toward a rescheduled date.

Minor Events – Event Cancellation

If HWCOC cancels an event due to a lack of ticket sales, a full refund will be issued to all who have registered. 

Featured Events – Cancellation & Refund

Request Sponsorships and tickets for any Major/Featured Fundraising Event, as designated by the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, are non-refundable and non-transferrable (regardless of attendance). No refunds will be given.

Major/Featured Events include but are not limited to Business & Education Partnership, Annual Golf Tournament, Chamber Celebration, Salute to Veterans, and Women Driving Business.

Golf Tournament - Refund/Cancellation Policy

Golf Tournaments can only be called off by the hosting golf course. In the case of a rainout or cancellation due to inclement weather, every attempt will be made to reschedule, with the date to be decided by the hosting golf course. However, if this fails, your registration will be considered a donation to the Houston West Chamber of Commerce.

Membership Dues - Payment of membership dues is due at the time of application or at the beginning of your renewal year. Refund requests for membership dues will be pro-rated and are handled on a case-by-case basis. 

Refund requests should be submitted via one of these methods:

1. E-mail at billing@hwcoc.org

2. Mail to: Houston West Chamber of Commerce, 10375 Richmond Ave, Suite 265, Houston, TX 77042

- AS OF JULY 2020

Login Credentials:
Primary representatives, the contact listed in the membership application, will receive a request to create their individual login credentials for the website to access the Membership Dashboard and Portal. If you have not received an email with a link to create your login, contact the Chamber Office at 713-785-4922 or email info@hwcoc.org.

If you are an additional representative for your organization, you will need to be added under the member profile by the designated primary representative in order to receive a link to create your individual login.

To Change your Username and Password, Please follow these Instructions:

1. Log in to the HWCOC website by clicking the link in the top left corner.
2. Click on "Settings".
3. Under the "Personal" menu heading, click "Username/Password".
4. Click "Change" next to the item you wish to change.
5. Enter the new login credentials you wish to use.
6. Click "Save Changes."

At the request of our membership, we are working hard to keep our overhead costs low and staff time productive. Your kind assistance by registering and paying in advance online for events helps make this possible. For those interested, we can retain your credit card information on file.

*An additional $5.00 charge will be added for each manual transaction.

Sponsorships can be paid by credit card or check at least three weeks prior to the event. Please see individual event details for more information.

The Chamber does not keep cash on hand to make change, so paying by credit card is appreciated.

At the request of our membership, the Houston West Chamber only lists the designated representatives approved the “owner of the account”.

Additional representatives may request to be added. Contact info@hwcoc.org.

The Business Builder Membership provides a marketing BOOST valued at $950 with:

• All Basic Membership benefits
• One magnet-back name badge
• One Email blast to HWCOC Database
• Complimentary Ribbon Cutting, featured in Online  Calendar

Yes!
When a company becomes a Chamber member, all employees of that company's branch/office are considered Chamber members and have full access to our programs and benefits.

CHAMBER ORIENTATION

This is a great way for new and prospective members to learn about the Chamber, meet other members, and learn how to make the most of membership. Orientation is the first Wednesday of each month from 12:00 – 1:00pm in the 2nd floor training room of our office building. A complimentary lunch is provided by the Chamber to all attendees. 

CHAMBER CONNECTIONS LUNCH

Here’s your chance to rub elbows with other West Houston business owners and expand your visibility. CCL is now held quarterly, from 11:30-1:00 pm.

These lunches are a unique opportunity to connect over a meal, exchange business cards, and seriously promote your business. No program or agenda, just a relaxing lunch dedicated to business development.

RISE & THRIVE

Enjoy speed-networking and breakfast tacos first thing, and get your day started off right! This event is perfect for anyone who is not yet an expert at it. Meet, mix, and mingle in the morning. Meets the third Wednesday of each month at the Hyatt Regency West from 8:00 - 9:30am. Please check our calendar for details and updates each month.

SEMINARS

Build your business know-how at our monthly seminars and workshop sessions. Topics covered include- networking skills, search engine optimization, business planning and growth, and marketing. Most of the workshops are complimentary to members, helping our community improve their professional careers and business success. Check the Events calendar for most current listings.

SOCIALS

This laid-back monthly event allows members and guests to mingle and network over cocktails and lite bites. The location sponsor provides the venue, food/beverages, and has the opportunity to make a short presentation/distribute marketing materials to attendees.

Location hosts are selected by the Chamber. If you are interested in becoming a host, email jeffrey@hwcoc.org for more info.

Socials are held on various Thursdays throughout the year from 4:00 - 6:00pm.

If you are interested in sponsoring a social, please contact the Chamber Office.

COMMITTEE MEETINGS

• Ambassadors Committee: Second Tuesday of each month from 12:00 to 1:00pm at varying locations.
• Business & Education Partnership Committee: Third Wednesday each month from 10:00 to 11:00am at varying locations.
• Business Golf Classic: First Tuesday of each month from 11:30am to 1:00 pm at the Chamber office. 
• Governmental Affairs: First Thursday of each month from 11:30am - 1:00pm.
• Salute to Veterans Committee: Second Wednesday of each month from 11:30 am to 1:00pm at varying locations.
• West Houston Business Summit Committee - Please refer to the online calendar. 
• Women Driving Business Committee: Please contact Kari@hwcoc.org for WDB committee info. 

Please check our calendar for any updates concerning any of the committee meetings or events.

Committee Participation and Volunteering

The Chamber's event programming is decided and coordinated by our members, for our members. Members that volunteer on committees plan, fundraise, and execute monthly/annual events. By providing time, dedication, resources and ideas committee members ensure that the Chamber can provide quality events all members can benefit from. In addition to giving you the opportunity to give back, committee participation provides a way to build stronger long-term relationships with your fellow members as you work towards a common goal.

All active Chamber members are invited to participate in committees and we encourage you to visit groups that appeal to you and your business goals. If after visiting the meeting, you would like to become a part of the committee, contact the staff liaison to receive committee criteria for review. Depending on the committee, this can include time commitment and fundraising goals.

Once you have reviewed and agreed to the committee criteria, you will be added to the roster for the committee. You must attend at least three consecutive meetings to be considered an active member of the committee.

Click Here to View a List of Committees