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Dear Texas Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Resource Providers:
With Veterans Day approaching, I am honored to highlight the incredible contributions of veteran entrepreneurs who continue to serve their communities beyond their military careers, like that of Steve Cornelius, retired U.S. Army Colonel. Steve’s journey from military service to small business ownership is a powerful reminder that leadership, purpose and community spirit are at the heart of Texas entrepreneurship.
Texas is home to more veterans than any other state and more than 1 in 10 of all veteran-owned businesses in the U.S. — something we are deeply proud of. Our office remains committed to supporting our veteran business owners and all Texas entrepreneurs through various programs, resources and events.
I invite you to watch Steve’s story below and explore the many opportunities and resources highlighted in this Snapshot. Together, we are building a bigger, better Texas for all.
— Jarvis Brewer, Small Business Advocate, Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office
After more than 25 years of dedicated military service, retired U.S. Army Colonel Steve Cornelius is on a new mission — helping others feel confident in their own skin. As the owner of Rejuva Haven, an advanced skincare and wellness spa in New Braunfels, Steve now calls serving his community one of his greatest privileges.
Guided by “healing, peace and confidence,” Steve blends his commitment to service with a passion for wellness to restore, rejuvenate and support long-term skin health in each patient.
Many state agencies and local entities guided him through his transition from military service into business ownership: the Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans (offered at Texas A&M University), the Texas Veterans Commission and his local chamber of commerce. “Texas is business friendly,” Steve says, “...[Texas offers] a strong support system for guys like me, veteran entrepreneurs.”
His advice for fellow veterans and entrepreneurs? “Relationships. Relationships. Relationships. Build real connections, show up, serve with integrity and your business will grow with you.”
Watch the full interview on YouTube or click below.
Interested in having a Governor's Small Business Summit come to your community? Our office recently released the 2026 Community Interest Form. 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.
For questions please contact our Governor's Small Business Assistance team at [email protected].
Read what others have been saying about the 2025 Governor's Small Business Summits...
- "The Governor's Small Business Summit provides small businesses with valuable information regarding resources available to help grow their business and become more competitive." - Pharr Attendee
- "This event provided a wonderful space for small business owners in a small Texas town to come together — to network, share ideas and best practices, and hear directly from institutions in our local communities that are here to support our businesses. It was an excellent experience — thank you so much!" - Big Lake Attendee
- "Loved it! Very well organized and valuable information." - Eagle Pass Attendee
- "There was a lot of great information, insight and resources shared during the panels, as well as throughout the resource booths." - Carthage Attendee
- "Very nice event loaded with the correct vendors onsite to help with all small business needs! Great and informative." - Carthage Attendee
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 home to 1.7 million veterans and serving military members, including active duty, reserve and National Guard, and we offer a multitude of resources for veteran-owned businesses on our .
Job Fair: Texas veterans are encouraged to attend the Texas Workforce Commission's statewide hiring event that connects veterans, transitioning military members and military spouses to employers across Texas.
Blueprint to build a stronger Texas of tomorrow
Texas has enjoyed extraordinary economic success in the past decade. The new "Bigger. Better. Texas.” Economic Development Strategic Plan helps position Texas to capitalize on our success and capture the promise of our future economy in order to maintain our competitive edge in the years ahead.
Our vision is simple: ensure Texas remains the premier place to visit, live, work and grow a business. And it will take all of us to ensure Texas’ regions, industries and residents continue to thrive for years to come.
Everyone has a role to play in building our future economy. We welcome and encourage the many individuals and organizations who are driving growth in the state to join us in this effort to build a bigger, better Texas for decades to come!
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Information on demand: Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or established business owner, the Governor’s Small Business Resource Portal will provide you with the most relevant resources and contacts to assist you in starting or growing your business in Texas.
Types of information included in the portal:
- Federal, State and Local Resources
- Business Advice and Growth Assistance
- Funding Sources
- Licensing and Permitting Information
- Additional Specific Resources & Contacts
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Last week, the Governor's Small Business Assistance Team hosted an online webinar, "Business Setup 101: Registration & Structuring for Success" covering the different business registration and classification types. Playback last week's webinar and view previous online events.
Resources to fit your needs. The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Catalog compiles resources currently operating within the state and connects Texas innovators and entrepreneurs with resources that can best meet their needs; from business accelerators, incubators and co-working spaces, to venture capital and pitch programs.
FAQ / Did you know?
Did you know the Texas Veterans Commission (TVC) Veteran Entrepreneur Department administers the Veteran-Owned Business (VOB) Certificate and Logo? This certification enables certified businesses to market themselves as owned and operated by honorably discharged veteran(s) with credibility and reliability.
Additionally, certified veteran-owned small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) have the opportunity to pursue sole-source and set-aside federal contracts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the VA's Vets First program.
Learn more about the TVC and the VOB Certification here. Learn more about the SBA's Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) here.
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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 or webinars!
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November 13: Governor's Small Business Summit — Belton (Veteran-Focused)
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December 3-5: Texas Workforce Commission's Annual Conference in Corpus Christi
Be sure to follow us on social media or check back at our events page as more information is released for each event.
 On August 7, the Small Business Assistance Team hosted the Governor's Small Business Summit — Pharr along with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).
Watch on demand: Find full panel and keynote sessions from the event on YouTube. View photos on Facebook.
 On August 28, the Governor's Small Business Assistance Team hosted the Governor's Small Business Disaster Recovery Fair in Kerrville to support Texas small businesses in the midst of recovering and rebuilding following the devastating hill country flooding events in the beginning of July.
Watch on demand: Find full panel sessions from the event on YouTube. View photos on Facebook.
 On October 8, Small Business Specialists William Taylor and David Menchaca Garcia presented in Houston at the Energy Trade Mission, hosted by Edmonton Global of Alberta, Canada. The presentation covered the process of relocating and/or expanding a business into Texas, along with Texas licensing and permitting requirements, to an audience of Canadian businesses primarily acting in the energy sector.
 On October 8-10, Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer attended the Business Beyond the Battlefield Conference in Arlington. Hosted by The University of Texas at Arlington's Veteran Business Outreach Center, Jarvis shared the Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance's various business initiatives and resources.
 On October 23, the Small Business Assistance Team hosted the Governor's Small Business Summit — Denton (Women-Focused) along with the City of Denton Economic Development, Texas Woman's University Center for Women Entrepreneurs, Governor's Commission for Women and TWC.
Watch on demand: Find full panel and keynote sessions from the event on YouTube. View photos on Facebook.
Other recent small business meetings and events:
- August 21: The Small Business Assistance Team hosted the Governor's Small Business Summit — Big Lake along with the Big Lake Economic Development Corporation and TWC. Event panel and keynote sessions can be found on YouTube. View photos on Facebook.
- September 11: The Small Business Assistance Team hosted the Governor's Small Business Summit — Eagle Pass along with the City of Eagle Pass Economic Development and TWC. Event panel and keynote sessions can be found on YouTube. View photos on Facebook.
- September 12: Jarvis Brewer presented in Houston at the Internal Procurement Annual Supplier Showcase, hosted by the Harris County Department of Education (HCDE), on how small businesses can do business with state agencies through the Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL).
- September 25: The Small Business Assistance Team hosted the Governor's Small Business Summit — Carthage along with Panola College, Panola County Chamber of Commerce and TWC. Event panel and keynote sessions can be found on YouTube. View photos on Facebook.
- October 21: Small Business Specialist Bryan Roller served as a panelist and presenter for an online webinar, "Entrepreneurs with Disabilities" hosted by the Governor's Committee on People with Disabilities and TWC. Bryan shared business initiatives and resources that are available to Texas—including programs specifically for entrepreneurs with disabilities.
- October 29: The Small Business Assistance Team hosted a Governor's Small Business Webinar Series, "Business Setup 101: Registration & Structuring for Success" offering foundational knowledge on the different business registration and classification types. Watch the playback here.
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