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Dear Texas Small Business Owners, Entrepreneurs and Resource Providers:
From Main Street shops and family-owned businesses to innovative startups, small businesses are a big part of what makes our Texas communities — and our state — so vibrant.
As a small business owner, the list of things you are expected to keep up with can seem bigger than Texas. Running a business takes grit, good instincts and occasionally the ability to smile while putting out three fires at once. In this Small Business Snapshot, we attempt to narrow down the updates that deserve your attention, highlight new resources and detail our team's recent activity and upcoming key dates.
The Office of Small Business Assistance is here to support you as you continue building, adapting and doing business the Texas way. Keep growing, keep asking questions and keep showing up — we'll be here to help you navigate whatever comes next!
— Jarvis Brewer, Small Business Advocate, Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office
Small business means big business in Texas! And we are focused on ensuring Texas remains the best state to start and run a business in the country. That's why Governor Greg Abbott launched the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office (TREO) to find outdated and redundant regulations and create best practices to make agencies rulemaking processes more efficient — slashing red tape and unnecessary costs for business owners that hinder business success.
As part of it's mission to support Texas business owners, TREO's website now houses SAM — an AI chat bot and your one-stop-shop for questions regarding Texas permits, licenses, statutes and administrative rules. Whether you are launching a new business or have questions regarding your established business, SAM — named after the great Sam Houston — is your concierge to navigate Texas government and, when necessary, routes you to the correct agency for further counsel.
Check out SAM AI and learn more on the purpose of the Texas Regulatory Efficiency Office at efficiency.texas.gov.
Business Spotlight: Double R Hat House
There may be plenty of hat shops... but there's only one hat house! At just 19, Emilio Rangel of Elgin took a leap of faith into entrepreneurship. Double R Hat House has since become a pin on the map, shaping and shipping hats not only across Texas, but around the nation and the world.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Emilio for Small Business Week to talk shop. Tune in to his testimony, check out his shop the next time you're in Central Texas or view his work online at doublerhathouse.com.
Feedback from Recent Governor's Small Business Summits:
"I learned of many resources that can help my customers and veterans that I work with. [The Governor's Small Business Summit] was very informative and organized. The panelists were very knowledgeable and helpful. The keynote speaker, Vance Walker, was very motivating and inspirational."
– Small Business Summit Attendee in Copperas Cove (Veteran-Focused Event)
"The Governor’s Small Business Summit was informative, inspiring and well organized. I appreciated the valuable resources, knowledgeable speakers, hands-on workshops and additional time to network with vendors. I look forward to attending future Summits!"
– Small Business Summit Attendee in Midland
"The Summit was an excellent opportunity to learn about the many resources available in our community to support small businesses and entrepreneurs. It was also a great opportunity to network, hear from fellow entrepreneurs and gain valuable information about growing a business, accessing funding and finding the right support and resources. Thank you for bringing this event to Midland. Our community truly needed an opportunity like this, and I hope to see the Summit return in the future!"
– Small Business Summit Attendee in Midland
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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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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.
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? Grants.gov has launched an updated website to simplify your search for various federal funding opportunities. Check out the new website to find grants today!
Visit: simpler.grants.gov/search
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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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August 26: Plug and Play Microelectronics & Robotics Expo in Cedar Park
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September 3: Governor's Small Business Summit — Nacogdoches
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September 17: Governor's Small Business Summit — Brewster County
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October 1: Governor's Small Business Summit — Dalhart
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October 15: Governor's Small Business Summit — El Campo
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November 5: Governor's Small Business Summit — Midlothian
Be sure to follow us on social media or check back at our events page as more information is released for each event.
 In May, Small Business Specialists Bryan Roller (far left) and David Menchaca Garcia (middle), along with our South Texas Regional Representative Jose Lopez (second from left), attended a Small Business Resource Fair in Seguin.
 In July, Governor's Small Business Summit — Copperas Cove attendees received a keynote from Vance Walker, 2X Ninja Warrior Champion and Team Never Quit Speaker.
Other recent small business meetings and events:
- On May 13, Business Development Director Larry McManus and Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer participated in LiftFund's "The Business of Rebuilding" in Kerrville.
- In May, the Small Business Assistance team traveled to host the Governor's Small Business Summits in Mission (May 14) and Tyler (May 28).
- On June 30, Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer presented at the Veteran's GovCon Prep Fair in San Antonio.
- In June, the Small Business Assistance team traveled to host the Governor's Small Business Summits in Laredo (June 11) and Pasadena (June 25).
- On July 28, the Small Business Assistance team attended the sixth AI Day hosted by the Texas Department of Information Resources (DIR) in Austin, where they explored opportunities to implement and expand the use of AI within public sector organizations.
- On July 30, Small Business Specialists David Menchaca Garcia and William Taylor provided an overview of our office's various funding opportunities and small business support services in Primera (Cameron County).
- In July, the Small Business Assistance team traveled to host the Governor's Small Business Summit in Graham (July 9) and Copperas Cove (July 23).
- On August 12, Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer served as a guest speaker at H‑E‑B's "Quest for Texas Best" event in San Antonio.
- On August 19, Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer attended Recruit. Reward. Retain: Smart Benefits Strategy for Small Business Owners in Austin hosted by the Better Business Bureau's Foundation for Better Business.
- On August 21, Small Business Advocate Jarvis Brewer served as the keynote speaker at the 1st Annual Small Business Summit in Harlingen hosted by the Greater Chamber of Harlingen and Harlingen Economic Development Corporation.
- In August, the Small Business Assistance team traveled to host the Governor's Small Business Summit in Midland (August 6).
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