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



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Dear Texas Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs, and Resource Providers:

Texas’ unprecedented success in job creation continues to break records time and time again, and Texas again leads the nation in annual job creation with a 15.4 million strong labor force. As a driving force behind Texas’ momentum, small businesses employ nearly half of all working Texans. Our entrepreneurial spirit combined with a talented workforce keeps our economy strong and growing.

With only two 2024 Governor's Small Business Summits remaining, I am thrilled to announce over half of this year's events sold out! Over 2,700 small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs have registered to learn and expand their knowledge to ultimately grow or launch their dream business. We are proud to support the nearly 3.2 million small businesses across the state and look forward to continuing these successful summits in 2025.

Interested in having a Governor's Small Business Summit come to your community? Our office recently released the 2025 Community Interest Form, and we encourage you to reach out to your local chamber of commerce or economic development organization to complete the form for your community's consideration. 

Whether you’re just starting a business or have been a Texas entrepreneur for many years, the Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance in the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office remains committed to supporting Texans’ efforts towards achieving their dreams of building a business. 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.

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

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Disaster Preparedness & Recovery Resources

With hurricane season winding to a close in Texas, the impact from hurricanes and other natural disasters seen across the state and nation this year have not gone unnoticed. Investing time in disaster preparedness means assessing risks, creating an emergency response plan, and ensuring your business and assets are covered in the event of a natural disaster.

The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office offers a list of emergency and recovery resources for small businesses in the wake of disaster. Multiple state and federal resources can be found by visiting the Business & Community Emergency Preparation & Recovery [ [link removed] ] webpage. 

One program to note is the newly created* Texas Micro-Business Disaster Recovery (MBDR) Loan Program*, designed to facilitate loans from Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to eligible micro-businesses following declared local, state, or federal disasters in Texas, enabling them to recover quickly and continue serving their communities.

Governor Greg Abbott recently noted, "Businesses with less than 20 employees make up a vast majority of all businesses in Texas. These micro-businesses are critical drivers of the Texas economy and are often the cornerstone of our communities. They can also be the hardest hit after declared disaster strikes. The Texas MBDR Loan Program will assist our local businesses in building continued resiliency around declared disasters. Texas will continue to provide the necessary disaster preparation and recovery resources to businesses and communities across the state."

Preparing for emergencies is not just about survival; it's about ensuring your business can thrive in the face of adversity. Having a solid plan in place can minimize disruption and keep your operations running smoothly. By leveraging this program, micro-businesses can build resiliency and mitigate the economic impacts following disaster.

Micro-businesses are encouraged to reach out to their local CDFI to encourage their participation in the program before disaster strikes. For more information on the Texas MBDR Loan Program, including eligibility, application details, and other resources, visit: mbdr.gov.texas.gov [ [link removed] ].

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The Chandelier of Gruene: Champions of Community Success
The Chandelier of Gruene - NB Award Recipient

Pictured left to right: Jarvis Brewer, Small Business Advocate, Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office; Myra and Tim Zunker, Co-Owners, The Chandelier of Gruene; Jonathan Packer, President and CEO of the Greater New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce. 

Recently at the *Governor's Small Business Summit — New Braunfels*, the Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance celebrated and honored four businesses from New Braunfels and the surrounding community for the contributions they have made to the state of Texas.

Among these recipients was *The Chandelier of Gruene*, recognized with the Outstanding Community Partner Award. In May of 2017, Myra Zunker and her husband, Tim, along with their family, opened the doors to a luxury wedding and event venue that features a 500-guest event hall, open-air chapel, and the original ranch home for guest accommodations. 

Since then, The Chandelier of Gruene has become a regionally recognized destination staple for hosting area, state, and regional corporate gatherings, weddings, and non-profit and school district events. Along with many other local involvements, Myra Zunker has poured her heart into this business, which has not only fulfilled her dream of a booming family-owned and operated business but has created a warm space for the citizens of New Braunfels and surrounding areas to gather. 

Check out the venue and more at chandelierofgruene.com [ [link removed] ].

Also recognized at the New Braunfels Summit were Terry and Celina Muckenfuss with *Muck & Fuss Craft Beer and Burgers [ [link removed] ]*, awarded Outstanding Small Business; Ashley Landerman and April Ryan with *2tarts Bakery [ [link removed] ]*, awarded Outstanding Historically Underutilized Business Champion; and Dr. Leigha Nielson, O.D. with *High5 Vision Development [ [link removed] ]*, awarded Outstanding Small Business Innovator.

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Feedback from Recent Governor's Small Business Summits

The 2024 Governor's Small Business Summits are winding to a close with just two remaining this year. Check out what others are saying about the events, register [ [link removed] ] for a remaining event, and stay tuned for the announcement of next year's communities.

 

""Excellent event with excellent speakers and presenters. Great use of time.""

"— Glenn Q., *Weatherford*"

 

""The topics covered at the event were relevant to what is happening in our community. Good information shared by the panelists and business owners.""

"— Carina P., *El Paso*"

 

""We have attended two [Governor's Small Business Summits]. Each time we walk away with new information and ideas to help and grow our business." "

— "Kevin G., *Buffalo*"

 

""[The Governor's Small Business Summit] was extremely beneficial! I believe anyone who has a small business should attend. I am so thankful for everyone who spent time organizing and putting together the event.""

"— Katelyn S., *Buffalo*"

 

""I had an excellent experience at the Governor's Small Business Summit. The event was incredibly well-organized, and every session provided valuable information that was both practical and relevant." "

"— Sheila R., *New Braunfels*"

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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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Texas Small Business Credit Initiative Program

The latest list of approved financial institutions participating in the Texas Small Business Credit Initiative (TSBCI) Program [ [link removed] ] is available for small businesses to review. Additionally, a new, simplified application process has launched for financial institutions to apply.

The TSBCI Program supports small business growth and helps create new jobs through increased access to small business funding. The program assists all small businesses but focuses on traditionally marginalized entities and those that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

There is a potential for up to $472 million in funding available through the program. Through participating financial institutions, Texas administers two TSBCI Programs:


* The Capital Access Program (CAP) [ [link removed] ] with loans of $5,000 to $5 million.
* The Loan Guarantee Program (LGP) [ [link removed] ] with loans of $5,000 to $20 million. 

It's now easier to apply! Financial institutions interested in participating in the TSBCI Program may navigate the simplified application process by launching the TSBCI Portal linked below. 

Learn More [ [link removed] ]

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"Did you know?"

In 2021, Congress enacted the bipartisan *Corporate Transparency Act* to curb illicit finance. This law requires many companies doing business in the U.S. to report information about their Beneficial Ownership Information (BOI)—the individuals who ultimately own or control the company—to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), a bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. 

FinCEN began accepting reports on January 1, 2024. 


* Companies created or registered prior to January 1, 2024, will have until January 1, 2025 to report BOI.
* Companies created or registered in 2024, must report BOI within 90 days.
* Companies created or registered after January 1, 2025, must file BOI within 30 days. 

There may be penalties for not complying with this requirement. Learn your company's reporting requirements, see FAQs, and more at fincen.gov/boi [ [link removed] ]. 



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Happy Veterans Day!

Happy Veterans Day to all who have served! We thank our state's many veterans for their service to our country and for their significant impact on our state.

In Texas, we are proud to be the No. 1 state in the U.S. for jobs created by veteran business owners and we offer a multitude of resources for veteran-owned businesses on our website [ [link removed] ].

*Job Fair*: Texas veterans are encouraged to attend the Texas Workforce Commission's Hiring Red, White & You! [ [link removed] ] statewide hiring event that connects veterans, transitioning military members, and military spouses to employers across Texas.

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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!


* *November 6: **Arlington* Chamber of Commerce Monthly Meeting 
* *November 14*: Governor's Small Business Summit — *Wichita Falls [ [link removed] ]*
* *December 4 - 6*:Texas Workforce Commission Annual Conference in *Grapevine*
* *December 5*: Governor's Small Business Summit — *Kaufman [ [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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Photos from the Field
GGA in El Paso for Small Business Summit

It was an honor to have Governor Greg Abbott at the *Governor's Small Business Summit* in *El Paso*. Held during Hispanic Heritage Month on September 19, Governor Abbott touted the contributions Hispanic Texans make to the great Texas economy. 

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

 

FLCA in New Braunfels for Summit

First Lady Cecilia Abbott joined the women-focused *Governor's Small Business Summit* in *New Braunfels *on October 16. With the keynote address, First Lady Abbott celebrated the positive impact women business owners and entrepreneurs have on their families, communities, and state. Stay tuned to watch full panel and keynote sessions on YouTube. 

 

Weatherford Summit with Matt Pittman

On September 5 at the *Governor's Small Business Summit* in *Weatherford*, Founder and CEO of Meat Church BBQ Matt Pittman joined Director of Communications & Marketing for the City of Weatherford Amy Borders for a keynote on Business Growth & Resiliency.

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

 

MED Week Breakfast

On October 11 in *San Antonio*, Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer attended the *Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Breakfast*, hosted by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center, to discuss where Texas stands, where Texas is going, and how plans will benefit the Alamo area. 

 

*Other recent small business meetings and events:*


* A *Governor's Small Business Summit* was held in *Plainview* on August 8. View photos [ [link removed] ] from the event and watch full panel and keynote sessions on YouTube [ [link removed] ].
* Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer was in *Dallas* for the *H-E-B Quest for Texas Best Info Session & Resource Fair* on August 9.
* Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer spoke at the *Leadership Central Texas* event hosted by the Central Texas Council of Governments in* Belton *on August 15.
* A *Governor's Small Business Summit* was held in *Odessa* on August 22. View photos [ [link removed] ] from the event and watch available panel and keynote sessions on YouTube [ [link removed] ].
* A *Governor's Small Business Summit* was held in *Buffalo* on September 19. View photos [ [link removed] ] from the event and stay tuned for panel and keynote sessions to be available on YouTube.
* Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer was at The University of Texas at *Arlington* for the *Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference 2024* hosted by the Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) on October 10.
* A *Governor's Small Business Summit* was held in *Sweetwater* on October 31. Stay tuned for photos from the event on Facebook and panel and keynote sessions to be available on YouTube.

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It Ain't Braggin' if it's True

Two Texas cities have ranked among the top 20 *Best Cities in the World for Entrepreneurs* by SumUp, a global financial technology company: *Dallas* (#13) and *Austin* (#16). *Houston* made the top 30, coming in at number #29. 

SumUp's research considered everything from the number of millionaires per city, tax regulations, quality of life, internet speed, networking clubs, international airports, and more.

Read the full article here [ [link removed] ]. 

Dallas - Klyde Warren Park

Pictured: Klyde Warren Park in *Dallas* by Jaime Hudson / Travel Texas

Downtown Austin

Pictured: Downtown *Austin *Skyline by @dylanguidone / Travel Texas

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MORE RESOURCES 

*The Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance* assists small and medium Texas businesses through 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