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Dear Texas Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Resource Providers:
Small businesses are the backbone of our booming Texas economy, and I want to thank you for all you do each day to help families in your community to prosper.
The story of Texas has long been written by men and women willing to take a risk, to dig deep into their own pockets and stake their future on an idea. From our small towns to our big city centers, that pioneering spirit still fuels our shared prosperity today.
As Governor, I am proud that Texas is home to 3.1 million small businesses, employing nearly half of all working Texans. Small business is big in Texas, and we need small businesses to thrive.
My Office of Small Business Assistance stands ready to help, whether you are looking to start a business or strengthen and grow an existing business. Read more in this inaugural newsletter issue about the resources available to you. Together, we are building the Texas of tomorrow.
— Governor Greg Abbott
Join us as our office hits the road for the start of the statewide 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summits. Hosted throughout the state in 15 different cities, the Governor’s Small Business Summits aim to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen and grow a business.
North Texas – Abilene: May 18; Arlington: July 13; Stephenville: July 27
Central Texas – Temple: May 4; Fredericksburg: September 21; San Antonio: November 8
East Texas – The Woodlands: June 15; Marshall: August 24; Beaumont: October 5
West Texas – Amarillo: June 1; Horizon City: September 7; San Angelo: October 19
South Texas – Kingsville: June 29; McAllen: August 10; Zapata: December 7
The Summits offer a variety of sessions bringing together local, state and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics. These events also provide participants the opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant and actionable advice on a multitude of small business topics.
For registration and Summit topics as well as upcoming webinars, check out the Events Calendar.
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Feedback from a Governor's Small Business event: “If you didn’t make it to this event, you missed out on a lot of very, very important information ... to be able to network, to be able to understand what it takes to start a business, what it takes to maintain a business and just so much information ... Although I’ve been in business for a few years, I learned so much, and I can’t wait to link up with some of the people I met today.”
— Kamar Chambers, Owner of K&K Bar-B-Que, Corsicana
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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.
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“Identify a target market and clearly understand your clients' needs. Start small and build on your qualifications, capacity and experience. Establish strategies, goals and objectives, and then measure results. But most importantly, always invest in your team.”
That is the advice of Omar Veliz of El Paso, one of three small business owners recognized with a Governor’s Small Business Award in May 2022 for his resilience in overcoming supply chain challenges experienced across industries nationwide.
Nominated by business and community leaders in El Paso, Omar was celebrated not only for his positive vision in sustaining his business, Veliz Construction, but also for his generosity in sharing his ideas and supporting other small businesses in the community.
Today, Omar is a member of the Governor’s Small Business Advisory Task Force, where he hopes to continue sharing lessons he has learned.
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 For more information and to apply, visit: ttir.texas.gov
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!
- May 2: Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer will participate as a panelist at the TMAC Manufacturing Conference in College Station.
- May 4: Governor’s Small Business Summit – Temple.
- May 18: Governor’s Small Business Summit – Abilene.
- May 24: Business Assistance Specialists Bryan Roller and Jack Herrell will attend the Houston Small Business Expo.
- June 1: Governor’s Small Business Summit – Amarillo.
- June 15: Governor’s Small Business Summit – The Woodlands.
- June 29: Governor’s Small Business Summit – Kingsville.
- July 13: Governor’s Small Business Summit – Arlington.
- July 27: Governor’s Small Business Summit – Stephenville.
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FAQ: Do I need a general business license in Texas? Unlike other states, Texas does not require a general business license. All entities that transact business in Texas are required to register with the Texas Secretary of State or the county clerk’s office. A certificate of formation from the Secretary of State or an assumed name certificate from the county clerk satisfy the “general business license” requirement that exists in other states. Some specific business activities do require permits or licenses. To determine what is required for your business activity, see the Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide.
See more answers to frequently asked questions by viewing our FAQ video playlists in English and Spanish. Also check out the Webinar Resource Library for more information.
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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.
Small Business Week is April 30 to May 6. Join us in celebrating the small businesses that help make Texas the top state for jobs! Follow us on social media as we highlight some of the many small business owners who embody the unwavering entrepreneurial spirit of Texas. Download the #SmallBizWeekTexas badge and use the hashtag in your social posts!
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 The Small Business Assistance team participated in the Texas Workforce Commission's (TWC) Texas Conference for Employers in Harlingen on March 31. Pictured, left to right: TWC Commissioner Representing Employers Aaron Demerson, Executive Director of Workforce Solutions Cameron County Pat Hobbs, Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer and TWC Commissioner Representing Labor Alberto “Albert” Trevino.
 Members of the Texas Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network were recognized on March 15 at the Texas Capitol in Austin. A resource partner with our Small Business Assistance team, the SBDCs provide business consulting to clients at no cost and offer affordable training to guide small businesses through every stage of development. Pictured with the Small Business Assistance team.
Other recent Small Business events around the state:
- February 14: The "Ready, Set, Export!" webinar first aired.
- March 6: Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer was a panelist for the Texas Ambulatory Surgery Center Society in Georgetown.
- March 14: Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer presented at the Pflugerville Chamber of Commerce Monthly Luncheon.
- March 16: The webinar “Food Trucks 101 – Taking Your Business on the Road” first aired.
- March 22: Community Relations Specialist Betty Russo attended “SBDC Day” at Angelina College in Lufkin.
- March 24-25: Business Assistance Specialists Bryan Roller and Jack Herrell attended the Veteran EDGE Conference in Dallas.
- April 30: Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer attended the 2023 Black Business Day at the Capitol in Austin, hosted by the Texas Association of African American Chambers of Commerce (TAAACC).
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