in the vibrant community of Houston, Texas, every product and service from a small business is an authentic creation of care and passion for the community. These businesses are more than just places; they are reflections of their owners' cultures, values, and histories, offering unique and meaningful experiences that no mass-produced alternative can replicate. However, we’ve also seen the challenges faced by small business owners striving to adapt in a digital age that’s dominated by corporate giants. These challenges inspired us to launch ApplyIT, a student-run initiative dedicated to empowering local entrepreneurs through pro-bono, custom-built websites. ApplyIT is more than a project—it’s a way for us alongside our peers to channel our passion for computer science into giving back to our community, showing these local businesses we care by applying it.” With our websites and podcast, we establish an online presence and promote the digital visibility of these underrepresented businesses, helping to bridge the digital divide currently present.