Our Services
- Contractor Services
- HR & Strategic Management
- Veterans Assistance
Contractor Services
The Contracting Resource Center provides assistance to small business owners wanting to expand their business into federal, state, county, regional and local contracts with government agencies and military installations. CRC staff provides counseling, training and networking opportunities through specialized classes, monthly breakfast meetings, matchmaking events, and one-on-one assistance. The BidMatch Service provides an affordable, customized contracting opportunity search tool for clients of the Contracting Resource Center.
Human Resources and Strategic Management
The Contracting Resource Center's certified human resource professionals provide direct assistance to small business employers in the areas of employment practices, emergency preparedness, regulatory compliance, jobsite safety, drug-free workplace and effective HR management. Working in collaboration with the field centers of the SWTX Border SBDC Network, our Human Resources Specialists provide training and free, confidential counseling to small businesses.
Veterans Services
The SBDC Contracting Resource Center assists veterans, active duty military, National Guard and reservists and their dependants and spouses to realize the dream of owning a successful business. Through the VASP (Veterans Assistance and Services Program) website, the program provides a one-stop shop for military personnel and veterans to obtain information and link to resources to start and expand their small business. Trained advisors with the CRC provide online, phone and in-person counseling to veteran clients. Working with the ten field centers of the Region, the CRC provides training and referrals to local resources to veterans and military personnel throughout the 79 county South West Texas Border SBDC Network.
Required Workplace Posters
Required Workplace Posters can be found and downloaded for free from the Texas Workforce Commission website. Go to: www.texasworkforce.org/ui/lablaw/posters.html
10 Common Employee Handbook Mistakes
Aside from not having one at all, these are some of the common employee handbook mistakes:
- Using Form Handbooks - make sure the handbook is applicable to your business! It's not just about copying and pasting from something you found online or borrowed from a previous employer.
- Confusing Policy Manuals with Handbooks - policy manuals are not handbooks. Manual provide step by step procedures for running the business while handbooks are emloyment guidelines for everyone.
- Including a Probationary Period - this can create an implied contract which means can leave you stuck with problem employees.
Plan - Don't Panic: Influenza Response
If you do not have a contingency plan for responding to an influenza outbreak currently in place - don't panic, but don't wait any longer. For detailed instructions on how to develop a basic Emergency Preparedness Plan you can visit www.AllSafeMart.org for a free template, training materials and other resources.
Regarding Influenza: What are some simple steps that you can take today?
1. Protect Your Human Capital:
Express to your employees the importance of their conscientious efforts for infectious disease control. Here are some handy flyers you can post and share with your team:
- Flu/Influenza: A 5-Minute Safety Training Aid
- Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs
2. Keep Your Business Going
Assess both your vulnerabilities and the resources that will enable you to respond potential challenges such as:
- reduced workforce (whether through illness or because of school closures)
- supply chain disruption
- exposure risks for both employees and customers
- community regulations/guidelines
- more examples can be found at: http://www.osha.gov/Publications/influenza_pandemic.html#maintain_operations
Here is a detailed check list for elements to consider for influenza-specific contingency plans: Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist
Human Capital staff are available to assist you with emergency planning tools and sample policies to address the needs of your workforce. Please contact Deirdre Pattillo ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) 210.458.2096 or Faith Hinchman ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) 210.458.2430 for further assistance.
And remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Plan - Don't Panic.
Pay for Weather-Related Business Closing
Question: Our business closed for three days last week because of a
power outage. Do we have to pay our employees for these days?
Emergency Preparedness Resources
Visit AllSafeMart.org to create your own Emergency Preparedness Plan for your business. Additional information and resources as well as free templates and instruction can be found on the All Safe Mart website.
Events Calendar
Latest Training and Events
- Supplier/Vendor Network Breakfast
February 10, 2010 (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) - The Employment Lifecycle
February 17, 2010 (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM) - Getting Started with Government Contracting
February 23, 2010 (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM) - Job Description and Performance Appraisals
February 24, 2010 (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM) - Cost Proposal
February 25, 2010 (1:30 PM - 4:30 PM)
