Important announcements, resources, events & recent news.



Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page [ [link removed] ].

Snapshot Header NEW

Dear Texas Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Resource Providers:

The new year has already started off with excitement, and the Governor’s Small Business Assistance Team is eager to continue to share initiatives that make Texas the best state for small businesses.

As we look ahead, we'd also like to reflect upon the record-setting activities of 2023, which serve as a foundation to build upon. Last year, we rolled out the new Governor’s Small Business Summits with 15 in-person events held across the state, resulting in thousands of entrepreneurs registering and attending. The unprecedented interest led to four sold-out events!

Furthermore, our team is excited to launch the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide, which provides quick and accurate information on permitting requirements by industry type. The newest version of this popular resource is now even more user-friendly and can be downloaded below!

Our office strives to be an ally for small businesses, and we are very grateful for our fellow state agencies that also serve the Texas small business community. In this edition of the Snapshot, you'll learn more about the Texas Department of Agriculture, and how they can also serve you as a small business ally.

As we commit to bigger, better, Texas-sized success in 2024, we encourage you to contact our team if we can be of any assistance. Please be sure to visit our website [ [link removed] ], follow us on social media and utilize the Governor's Small Business Resource Portal [ [link removed] ] to schedule a call with our team!

— "Jarvis Brewer, Small Business Advocate, Texas Economic Development & Tourism"

________________________________________________________________________



Hot off the Press

Image [ [link removed] ]

*The 2024-2025 Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide is now available!*

This comprehensive permit guide is the first stop for those looking to start a new business in Texas. It offers a listing of state permits that may be required to operate a business enterprise in the state, including requirements for more than 300 business types. 

The guide is designed to direct aspiring business owners to the appropriate state resources that can address any business permitting need. 

With more than 17,000 downloads each year, this guide is one of the most popular resources for inquiring small business owners! We hope that you will find the 2024-2025 edition of the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide helpful in starting your new entrepreneurial endeavor in the Lone Star State. 



Download the Guide › [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



"“If you attended the Governor’s Small Business Summit....you got some great information, great benefits...that you can take home to "*"help kickstart your business"*". I highly recommend if the Governor’s Summit is in your city...that you take the opportunity to attend.”"

"— "*"Erica Harris, Harris Consulting, Beaumont"*



________________________________________________________________________



Governor's Small Business Resource Portal

*Information on demand:* Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or established business owner, the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal is easy to use and offers a customized list of resources to assist you.



Resource Portal › [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



SPOTLIGHT: Small Business Resource Provider

*The** Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA)* is an important resource provider for Texas small businesses and a key state agency partner for economic development. From trade and business development to financial incentives for the expansion of agriculture-related businesses, TDA offers countless tools to enhance our state's robust small business ecosystem.

Together, TDA and Texas Economic Development & Tourism (EDT) work closely to keep Texas the best state to start and grow a small business in the country. Through our partnership, TDA frequently attends the Governor's Small Business Summits to participate as a resource provider and connect in-person with small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in each region of Texas.

Image

*Carol Faulkenberry* is TDA's Regional Field Representative for Region 2, covering the Texas Panhandle area. Carol spoke about her experience at last year's Governor's Small Business Summits:

"*"These business summits are instrumental to discovering new opportunities. Whether its small businesses, women owned or industry empowered. Attendees and resource folks like me learn and meet something or someone new, EVERY TIME!"*"

This year, TDA is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the GO TEXAN [ [link removed] ] program, which showcases quality products made right here in the Lone Star State. Established in 1999, the program has been a driving force in fostering economic growth, highlighting the diversity of Texan products and championing the state's agricultural producers. 

EDT and TDA also work closely to promote the State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) [ [link removed] ]. This grant offers support to help small businesses in developing export opportunities and increase the value of those exports. Through EDT's Texas Business Exports Assistance [ [link removed] ] program, STEP can be utilized to support small business participation at leading industry trade shows around the world. Currently, applications for STEP are poised to open late January 2024 and those interested may sign up to be notified [ [link removed] ] as soon as the grant opportunity opens.

We thank TDA as our long-term economic development partner and look forward to continuing our work together to help small businesses succeed in our state. To explore TDA's many helpful resources, visit their website [ [link removed] ] or connect in-person at a Governor's Small Business Summit in a city near you in 2024! Continue to check back on our events calendar [ [link removed] ] as we announce event locations and dates for this year.



________________________________________________________________________



Image

We divided the process of starting a business into seven basic steps. Follow these steps to help start your new business in the state of Texas.* Get Started › [ [link removed] ]*



________________________________________________________________________



Webinar Resource Library

*Watch on your schedule.* The Governor’s Small Business Webinars provide updates on resources and topics from subject-matter experts. Playbacks are available to watch online.

Webinar Library › [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________



'Round the State Roundup

*The Small Business Assistance team travels to communities around the state *throughout the year to meet with small businesses and share information on the resources available. We look forward to seeing you at upcoming events!


* March 20-22: *Veteran EDGE Conference*, hosted by Syracuse University’s D’Aniello Institute for Veterans & Military Families in *Dallas*
* March 18-22: *Research & Innovation Week 2024*, hosted by Texas Southern University in *Houston*

________________________________________________________________________



*FAQ: How do I write a business plan?* There are numerous resources to help you write a business plan or update your current plan. You can schedule a consultation with your nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) representative for one-on-one assistance. You can find your nearest SBDC by using the online locator [ [link removed] ]. We also encourage you to view this informative webinar titled The Importance of Business Planning [ [link removed] ]. You can also visit our website [ [link removed] ] for helpful resources, tips and guidance to get started on your business plan.

*See more answers* to frequently asked questions by viewing our FAQ video playlists [ [link removed] ] in English and Spanish. Also check out the Webinar Resource Library for more information. 



________________________________________________________________________



Photos from the Field
Image

The sold-out Governor's Small Business Summit — *Houston* took place December 7, connecting more than 200 women entrepreneurs in the region with resources to start, grow and sustain their businesses. The event was hosted in partnership with the *Governor's Commission for Women* and the *Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce*. See more photos from the event [ [link removed] ].

*Watch on demand:* Find the full panel and keynote sessions from the event on our YouTube channel [ [link removed] ].

 

Image

The Governor's Small Business Summit — *San Antonio*, honoring veteran-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, took place on November 9 at the San Antonio Food Bank-Valero Community Engagement Center. Panels included Benefits of Being a Veteran-Owned Business, Workforce Challenges and Access to Capital. See more photos from the event [ [link removed] ].

*Watch on demand:* Find the full panel and keynote sessions from the event on our YouTube channel [ [link removed] ].

 

*Other recent small business events and webinars:*


* The "Governor's Small Business Webinar: "*"Challenges that Businesses Face "*took place on December 13. Watch the webinar playback and review presentation slides. [ [link removed] ]
* In January, EDT's Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer and other team members presented at the *South Texas Community Summit* at the Texas Capitol to provide an update on our office's resources to communities from the South Texas region.

________________________________________________________________________



MORE RESOURCES 

*The Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance* assists small and medium Texas businesses through advocacy, entrepreneurial support, education and technical assistance.

You are invited to explore the Governor's Small Business Resource Portal [ [link removed] ], the Governor's Small Business Webinar Resource Library [ [link removed] ] and the Small Business Events Calendar [ [link removed] ].

For additional information from state and federal agencies and other resource partners, click on the page links below:   

>  Start a Business in Texas [ [link removed] ]
>  Business Permit Office [ [link removed] ]
>  Financing and Capital [ [link removed] ]
>  Veteran, Minority, Women-Owned [ [link removed] ]
>  Public Procurement and HUB [ [link removed] ]

To contact the Small Business Assistance Team, please use the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal. [ [link removed] ] At the end of the customized results list, you will have the option to schedule a call with the team.







The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office markets Texas as
one of the world's premier business locations and travel destinations.
For more information on doing business in Texas, visit us online at gov.texas.gov/business [ [link removed] ].



Sign up for our other e-newsletters! Visit our subscription page [ [link removed] ] for more information.

Twitter [ [link removed] ] Facebook [ [link removed] ] Instagram [ [link removed] ] YouTube [ [link removed] ] LinkedIn [ [link removed] ]



Subscribe and Manage Subscriptions [ [link removed] ] • Opt Out of Receiving These Emails [ [link removed] ]



GovDelivery [ [link removed] ], Inc. sending on behalf of the Office of the Governor · P.O. Box 12428 · Austin TX 78711-2428 · 800-843-5789