Important announcements, resources, events & recent news for your small business.



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Dear Texas Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Resource Providers:

It’s summer in Texas, and the only thing hotter than the temperature is the booming Texas economy! Thanks to hardworking entrepreneurs across the state, Texas is a top state for small business job growth. And the opportunity to succeed is boundless. Below are some stats to boast about:


* Texas is home to more than 1.3 million women business owners.
* Texas is home to 1 in 5 of the nation’s Hispanic business owners.
* Texas is home to 1 in 10 of the nation’s Black business owners.
* Texas is the #1 state for jobs created by Black business owners, Black women business owners, Hispanic women business owners and veteran business owners.

When small businesses succeed in Texas, all Texans succeeds. The Governor’s Small Business Assistance team within the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office remains committed to supporting Texans’ entrepreneurial endeavors. The Governor’s Small Business Snapshot highlights our resources for small businesses and recent activity as well as future opportunities where our team may be able to assist you.

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 if we can be of any assistance!

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

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Family-Owned Business Tastes Sweet Success
Atkinson Candy Co. SBA Visit

Pictured left to right: Austin Atkinson, Jarvis Brewer, David Menchaca Garcia, Bryan Roller, Sandra Sanchez, Betty Russo, Kevin Green.

While traveling for the 2024 Governor’s Small Business Summits, the Small Business Assistance team enjoys checking out local eateries, shops and more from each destination. While in *Lufkin*, they popped into Atkinson Candy Company where they were warmly greeted by Kevin Green, President, and Austin Atkinson, Sales Representative and fourth-generation owner since the founders B.E. and Mabel Atkinson.

A family tradition since 1932, Atkinson Candy Company has remained a small, family-owned business and continues to cook up many of the original recipes. In 2010, the company opened a manufacturing facility in Guatemala, which was later expanded in 2015. Today, you can find their family-favorite line of sweets in some of the nation’s top retailers such as H-E-B, 5Below, Brookshires, Brookshire Brothers, Dollar Tree and more!

Speaking of his experience as a family-owned small business, Austin Atkinson noted: “My most treasured memory is joining my father at work in the summer and being a youngster observing the candy factory in awe. Our unwavering dedication and commitment to employee suggestions have been vital in navigating difficult times like COVID. By pursuing innovative opportunities, we continue to flourish. To our fellow confectioners and small business owners, we recommend: never surrender, push through hardships and embrace new ideas.”

Visit the historic Atkinson Candy Company at 1608 W. Frank Avenue, Lufkin, TX 75904 or online at atkinsoncandy.com [ [link removed] ].

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Feedback from Recent Governor's Small Business Summits

""This event was a remarkable opportunity for our newly launched business. My business partner and I had the chance to meet numerous individuals, network effectively and exchange ideas. I gained valuable insights and expanded my knowledge in previously challenging areas. Thank you for organizing this event." "

— "Misti Scales, Co-Owner, Full Bloom Business Coaching, *Round Rock*"

 

""The Governor's Small Business Summit was completely laser focused on business owners/entrepreneurs. The workshop topics were well chosen and pertinent to the state of small business today. I appreciate the agenda being organized with ample time to network and visit the sponsors' booths. Overall, an outstanding Summit and well worth the time investment!""

"— Dr. Evelyn Robertson, "Executive Consultant, "Robertson and Associates Consulting, *Round Rock*"

 

""The event was full of useful information, with excellent guest speakers. Enjoyed it very much.""

""— "Marvin Allison, Owner, Bill Allison Auto Sales, *Pampa*"

 

""I love that this is for Texans by Texans. The panelists and vendors were all very good resources. The format was perfectly designed.""

"""— Becky Scasta, Director, Scutari Nurse Management Consulting, *Lufkin*"""

 

""""This was a very good opportunity to meet other local business owners in the area, network with peers we might not have been aware of, and continue to learn and keep up with new trends in the digital age." """

"""— Alex Hatt, Partner/Acting CEO, The Madhatter Distillery, *Lufkin*"""

 

"""""""I appreciate the presentations and the resource information that was shared with us. I left there very encouraged. Thankful that I was able to attend."""""""

""""""""""""— Beverly Ferguson, President/Owner, The Life Coach Institute Inc., *Galveston*""""""""""""

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New Team Member

David Manchaca Garcia Headshot

*David Menchaca Garcia* joined the Small Business Assistance Team as a Business Assistance Specialist in May. In his new role, he aids and identifies opportunities available to Texas’ entrepreneurs, businesses and communities. He serves as the primary point of contact for the Business Permit Office and assists businesses with state licensing and regulatory compliance. Prior, David was a Business Analyst at The University of Texas at Austin. He graduated from Saint Edward’s University with a degree in global studies. David is originally from Monterrey, Mexico, and grew up in Laredo. David enjoys spending his spare time with his dog Charlie, practicing Muay Thai, traveling and watching his favorite sports from baseball to soccer. Reach out to David through our online staff directory [ [link removed] ].



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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] ]

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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] ]

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'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 one of the upcoming events!


* *August 8*: Governor's Small Business Summit — *Plainview [ [link removed] ]*
* *August 8: *H-E-B Quest for Texas Best [ [link removed] ] Info Session & Resource Fair (*Dallas*)
* *August 22*: Governor's Small Business Summit — *Odessa* [ [link removed] ]
* *September 5*: Governor's Small Business Summit — *Weatherford [ [link removed] ]*
* *September 19*: Governor's Small Business Summit — *El Paso* [ [link removed] ]
* *October 3*: Governor's Small Business Summit — *Buffalo [ [link removed] ]*
* *October 17*: Governor's Small Business Summit — *New Braunfels [ [link removed] ]*
* *October 31*: Governor's Small Business Summit — *Sweetwater [ [link removed] ]*

"Be sure to follow us on social media or check back at our events page [ [link removed] ] as more information is released for each event. "

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"Did you know?"

Businesses interested in Texas public procurement can register for the *Centralized Master Bidders List [ [link removed] ]* (CMBL) through the Texas Comptroller's Office to receive bidding opportunities to furnish materials, equipment, supplies and services to the state. 

Further, the Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Program aims to promote fair and equal business opportunities for small, minority and women-owned businesses by ensuring public entities set aside part of their contracts for HUBs or otherwise disadvantaged businesses. Learn more about the certification process and see if you are eligible through the Texas Comptroller website [ [link removed] ]. 

"See answers to other 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. "



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Photos from the Field
SBS — Round Rock

May featured another sold-out *Governor's Small Business Summit* in *Round Rock*. Attendees heard from industry experts in workforce solutions, marketing and communications, technology for small businesses, HUB certification, finance and funding and cybersecurity. See more photos [ [link removed] ] from the event. 

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

 

MLB Allstar Game (SBA)

Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer and Business Assistance Specialist Bryan Roller attended the *Major League Baseball Diverse Business Partner Luncheon* in *Arlington* on July 12. At the luncheon, the contributions of diverse small businesses were highlighted as they partner with Dallas-area professional sports organizations in a myriad of ways. 

 

Galveston SBS 2024

On July 18, a *Governor's Small Business Summit* was held in *Galveston. *To help ensure the Gulf Coast region remains resilient, a session titled "After the Storm: Navigating Small Business Recovery" was presented. Other informational topics offered small business owners timely and relevant recovery resources. See more photos [ [link removed] ] from the event.

*Watch on demand:* Stay tuned for full panel and keynote sessions available on our YouTube [ [link removed] ] channel soon. 

*Other recent small business meetings and events:*


* Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer attended the 2024 Spot Bid Fair & HUB Expo in *Irving* on May 14. 
* A Governor's Small Business Summit was held in *Pampa* on June 13. View photos [ [link removed] ] from the event and watch full panel and keynote sessions on YouTube [ [link removed] ]. 
* A regional Governor's Small Business Summit was held in *Lufkin* on June 27, highlighting the East Texas region. View photos [ [link removed] ] from the event and watch full panel and keynote sessions on YouTube [ [link removed] ]. 

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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] ].



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