Our Mission

The purpose of the corporation is to strengthen community connection and well-being. We serve underserved small business owners and startups by providing community-centered markets and events that expand access to customers, resources, and economic opportunities. Through these programs, we help reduce financial and visibility barriers that new entrepreneurs commonly face. Our mission is to strengthen local economic development and support equitable access for small business owners.

Why We Exist

Bayou City Hangouts exists to increase visibility, access, and opportunities for small business owners and early‐stage entrepreneurs who often lack financial resources, exposure, or professional networks needed to grow their businesses.

Who We Serve

We serve:

  • new and emerging small businesses

  • local product-based and service-based entrepreneurs

  • business owners who need exposure, access to markets, and resources

  • underserved entrepreneurs who lack capital, support, or community

  • new and emerging talent and artists

This includes:
• minority-owned businesses
• women-owned businesses
• individuals launching their first business
• home-based businesses entering public markets.

Board Of Directors

  • A smiling woman with glasses and earrings, wearing a striped shirt, indoors with a blurred background.

    MaKayla Hoover

    President & Director of Events

  • Close-up of a man with glasses, dark curly hair, a beard, and wearing a black sweater, sitting indoors with a blurred plant in the background.

    Amanda DeVaul

    Vice President & Director of Operations

  • A smiling woman with shoulder-length black hair, wearing a dark blue top, standing among green plants in a greenhouse.

    Kimberly Love

    Chief Financial Officer

  • A woman with dark skin, curly black hair styled in an updo, smiling, wearing a purple lipstick, pearl earrings, a cream-colored ruffled blouse, and a blue jacket, against a cloudy sky background.

    Dr. Kina White

    Grants & Impact Chair

  • Close-up of a woman with red hair, wearing a white blazer and pearl necklace, smiling softly in an indoor setting.

    Deborah "Nikki" Witherspoon

    Marketing & Outreach Advisor

  • A smiling woman with short curly black hair, wearing a yellow top, pearl necklace, and pearl earrings, standing against a plain white background.

    Shannon McGautha

    Fundraising & Development Chair

  • A woman with long dark hair and light skin smiling, wearing a black floral jacket over a red floral blouse, and a gold necklace with the letter M, in front of a plain gray background.

    Lindsay McIntosh

    Executive Assistant and Special Events Chair