News

When Jeromecia Brantley left the Tampa, Florida area two years ago, she wasn’t just relocating, she was starting over. With three young children in tow, she came to Houston determined to rewrite her story and show her two sons and daughter that it’s never too late to build something better.

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 Houston City College Veterans Entrepreneurship Program, in partnership with the Houston Regional Veterans Chamber of Commerce (HRVCC), wrapped up its 2025 cycle last month with a pitch competition that awarded $7,500 in seed funding to four veteran-led ventures.

Two alumni of the HCC Veterans Entrepreneurship Program have been named among the top five finalists for the inaugural National Entrepreneur of the Year award from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship.

When Aracely Salas graduated from Heights High School in 2023, she already knew her future would involve beauty and business. What she didn’t know was how quickly HCC could help put her on the path toward her dream of owning a salon.