Bradlink President Named U.S. SBA Houston District's "Women in Business Champion of the Year"

Helen Callier, president of Bradlink LLC, was recently selected by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as the Houston District’s “Women in Business Champion of the Year.” The award was announced in a press release from the SBA on March 23, and Callier and other honorees will be recognized during the May 12, 2016 Small Business Awards Luncheon.

Callier was honored to be selected, which was recognition for her dedication to coaching, mentoring and teaming with other women owned small businesses. As founder and president of Bradlink LLC, Callier has honed her leadership and business success skills since founding the technical services firm in 2004.

Women entrepreneurs who have worked with Callier are quick to articulate the impact her mentoring has on their businesses. Kawana Marshall of Infinity Tax and Accounting spoke recently about the impact of a coaching session with Callier, “The one-on-one coaching that I received from meeting with Ms. Callier was highly impactful. She helped me to put some things into perspective as far as growing and reaching different markets. In addition, she helped to develop a five-year roadmap to success. I am forever grateful for the wisdom that she imparted.”

“I am truly thankful to receive this SBA award,” Callier said. “In my own career as a woman creating and growing a successful small business, I have benefited from the insights and advice of many generous mentors. I’m delighted to pay it forward for other women business owners at every opportunity. It’s a tremendous honor to receive this recognition in Houston’s vibrant small business community.”

National Small Business Week celebrations will be held across the country May 1-7. The Houston Small Business Awards Luncheon, sponsored by SCORE Houston, will be held at the JW Marriott Houston on May 12, 2016. The event will kick off at 9 a.m. with two workshops before the luncheon.

Callier earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from Prairie View A&M University. She has received numerous business awards and honors including the Houston SBA MEDWeek Mentor of the Year; the Houston Minority Business Development Council’s E-10 Award; a feature on American Express’ Small Business Open Forum on building relationships for winning government contracts; and recognition by Minority Business Entrepreneur Magazine for her participation in an invitation-only roundtable discussion with 20 women of color business owners and White House, Congressional and U.S. Small Business Administration leaders.  She is active in many industry associations including Tri-County Black Chamber of Commerce and she serves on the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) Business Members Board of Governors board.  She also has volunteered as Chair of the Planning Committee Government Procurement Connections, a nonprofit organization focused on helping SMWDBE’s and Veteran-owned businesses make connections with agencies, large primes and contract information in the government marketplace.  She is also a graduate of SBA’s Emerging Leaders and Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Programs.