The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been tough on small businesses across the world. 

The Texans have three main goals as an organization: win championships, create memorable experiences and do great things for our community. With that third goal in mind, the Texans and Amegy Bank are promoting and assisting the small businesses that make the Houston community so great. 

The Texans took nominations from fans, and awarded four Small Business Boosts. Each winner gets $5,000 to support their immediate business needs, some free promotional assets from the Texans, an inclusion in the Texans 'Local Business Playbook', and an invitation to exclusive Amegy Bank Business Webinars and Events.

What started five years ago as one woman taking meal orders from members of a local church, has blossomed into a plant-based nutrition company specializing in local meal prep and dietary education. 

LaVerne Reid is the founder of The Plated Plant, which is a small business boost recipient. 

The Plated Plant is committed to forming relationships with people looking to lose or manage their weight, deal with chronic diseases, and much more.  

From humble beginnings, the business now rents a commercial kitchen and advertises online. With the funds from the small business boost, Reid plans on taking the first step to converting a school bus into a mobile grocery store and smoothie bar. With that, Reid and company will be able to bring fresh produce to areas lacking convenient access to grocery stores and nutritious items.  

The beauties of The Plated Plant are multi-fold: people get fed, but they also get educated on the benefits of good nutrition. Reid said she's helping fight chronic illnesses that arise from poor nutrition, and in turn, she's saving her customers and the health-care system a lot of money.