Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the final Governor’s Small Business Summit for 2025 will take place in Belton on Thursday, November 13. The event will focus on honoring veteran-owned businesses and aims to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs across Texas.
“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our vibrant communities and the driving force behind the eighth largest economy in the world,” Governor Abbott said. “Home to more than 3.5 million small businesses and 1 in 10 of all veteran-owned businesses in the U.S., our state continues to lead in job creation and business expansion. By supporting veteran entrepreneurs and ensuring our small businesses thrive, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Texas than ever before.”
The summit is designed to connect attendees with local, state, and federal partners who can provide guidance on important business topics. Participants will have opportunities to network with other veteran business owners and meet experts offering advice on a range of issues relevant to running a small business.
Scheduled for Thursday, November 13 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Cadence Bank Center – Assembly Hall in Belton, the event includes several panel sessions such as “Getting Started: Small Business 101,” “Stronger Together: Marketing Success Through Collaboration,” and “Benefits of Integrating & Supporting Veterans.” John Wayne Walding, Founder & CEO of Gallantry Global Logistics, will deliver a keynote address titled “Lean Forward, Fight Hard.” Chairman Joe Esparza, Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission, is also listed as an additional speaker.
Registration for the summit costs $20 and covers access to all sessions, resource providers, lunch, and complimentary headshots. More information about registration can be found at gov.texas.gov/events.
The locations for next year’s Governor’s Small Business Summits are expected to be announced early next year.
In addition to these summits held across different regions throughout the year, the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office along with the Office of Small Business Assistance also offer online webinars that share resources for small businesses statewide. Recordings of past webinars are available at gov.texas.gov/business/page/small-business-webinars.
