AUSTIN — Governor Greg Abbott’s administration continues its statewide effort to connect small business owners with resources and expertise through a series of regional summits designed to address key challenges facing entrepreneurs across Texas.
The initiative, coordinated by the Governor’s Small Business Assistance Team, brings together local, state, and federal resource partners to provide actionable guidance on critical business topics while facilitating networking opportunities between business owners and industry experts.
July Events Focus on Technology and Legislative Changes
Two summits scheduled for July will address distinct aspects of the small business landscape, with programming tailored to regional needs and current policy developments.
Rockport-Fulton Summit – July 10
- Location: Fulton Convention Center, 402 N. Fulton Beach Rd., Fulton
- Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Registration: $20 (includes all sessions, resources, lunch, and complimentary headshots)
Waxahachie Summit – July 24
- Location: Waxahachie Civic Center, 2000 Civic Center Ln., Waxahachie
- Time: 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Registration: $20 (includes all sessions, resources, lunch, and complimentary headshots)
Legislative Updates Take Center Stage
The Rockport-Fulton event will feature a “Play-by-Play: Legislative Updates for Texas Small Businesses” fireside chat, addressing recent regulatory changes stemming from Governor Abbott’s Small Business Freedom Council, established in December 2024.
The discussion will examine the implications of Senate Bill 14, known as Texas DOGE, which Abbott signed in April to create the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office. This legislation aims to implement the Freedom Council’s recommendations for eliminating barriers to small business growth and creation.
Featured Speakers for Legislative Discussion:
- Moderator: Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office
- Co-Chair: Jeff Burdett, Texas State Director, National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB)
- Co-Chair: Glenn Hamer, President & CEO, Texas Association of Business (TAB)
- Additional Speaker: Alberto Treviño, Commissioner Representing Labor, Texas Workforce Commission
Technology Integration and Growth Strategies
Both July summits will address the evolving role of technology in small business operations, with sessions specifically focused on artificial intelligence applications and digital marketing strategies.
Rockport-Fulton Programming:
- Strategies for Growth: Leveraging State & Local Programs
- Harnessing the Power of Technology for Your Small Business
- Funding Your Future: Financing Strategies for Small Businesses
Waxahachie Programming:
- Magnetic Marketing: Strategies that Stick
- Smarter, Not Harder: AI Tools for Small Business Success
- Building Your Dream: A Conversation with Entrepreneurs
The Waxahachie event will feature Chet Garner, creator, host, and executive producer of “The Daytripper,” as keynote speaker.
Partnership and Sponsorship Structure
Each summit operates through partnerships with local chambers of commerce and state agencies, reflecting the administration’s emphasis on regional collaboration.
Rockport-Fulton Partners and Sponsors:
- Hosts: Rockport-Fulton Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center, Texas Workforce Commission
- Sponsors: Baker Law Office, Coastal Bend Waste, PCBancard
Waxahachie Partners and Sponsors:
- Hosts: Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce, Texas Workforce Commission
- Sponsors: Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, Ellis County Title Company, Legacy Chevrolet GMC, Spectrum Business
Remaining 2025 Summit Schedule
The administration has announced seven additional summits through November, with specialized programming for targeted demographics:
Upcoming Dates and Locations:
- August 7: Pharr
- August 21: Big Lake
- September 11: Eagle Pass
- September 25: Carthage
- October 9: Dalhart
- October 23: Denton (Women-Focused Event)
- November 13: Belton (Veteran-Focused Event)
Program Background and Objectives
The Governor’s Small Business Summit series represents part of a broader state initiative to support entrepreneurship and economic development across Texas. According to program materials, the events aim to help small business owners “reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen and grow a business.”
The format combines panel discussions, networking opportunities, and direct access to resource providers from multiple government levels, addressing what organizers identify as common challenges in accessing business development support.
Registration and Additional Information
All summits require advance registration through the Governor’s office website at gov.texas.gov/events. The $20 registration fee provides access to all programming, resource exhibits, meal service, and professional headshot services.
The administration emphasizes that sessions are designed to provide “timely, relevant and actionable advice” on business development topics, with content tailored to regional economic conditions and opportunities.
Program organizers encourage attendance from current business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and professional service providers who work with small businesses across various industries and development stages.
