Texas is taking its small-business roadshow to communities across the state this fall, offering a compact, $20 summit that bundles practical guidance, on-the-spot resources, and networking into a single day. The Governor’s Small Business Summit—produced by the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office—connects founders and future founders with local, state, and federal partners who can help them start, strengthen, and grow their companies.
For newcomers relocating to Texas with a business idea (or an existing company to expand), the format is intentionally hands-on: sessions spotlight how to launch in Texas, tap public programs and capital, and recruit and retain talent in a hot labor market. Attendees also gain a curated list of agencies and lenders to contact after the event via the state’s Small Business Resource Portal.
What you’ll get for $20
Registration includes access to all sessions, lunch, complimentary headshots, and a resource fair—a rare value-per-day lineup geared to busy owners. Most summits run 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. so you can get in, get answers, and get back to business.
Who you’ll meet
Speakers vary by city and often include leaders from the Governor’s Office and the Texas Workforce Commission. For example, the Eagle Pass stop features Joe Esparza, Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission. (Esparza was appointed to the three-member commission in November 2023 and currently serves as the statewide liaison to employers.
Why it matters now
Texas counts more than 3.3 million small businesses, employing nearly half of working Texans—a scale that makes knowing “who to call” and “which program fits” a real advantage for new arrivals. The summit distills that maze into a single day of briefings and person-to-person connections.
2025 remaining dates & themes
As of August 13, 2025, the statewide calendar still has multiple stops ahead. Next up is Big Lake on August 21, followed by the fall slate below (including women- and veteran-focused editions):
- September 11 — Eagle Pass (International Center for Trade)
- September 25 — Carthage (Panola College)
- October 9 — Dalhart (Rita Blanca Coliseum)
- October 23 — Denton (Women-Focused) (Monroe Pearson)
- November 13 — Belton (Veteran-Focused) (Cadence Bank Center – Assembly Hall)
Tip for relocators: If you’re moving a business from out of state, the resource tables can point you to licensing/permitting help, HUB & procurement contacts, financing tools like the Texas Small Business Credit Initiative, and one-on-one follow-ups after the event. Start with the Small Business Resource Portal to build your customized checklist before you go.
How to register
Spots are limited at each location. Registration is $20 and handled through the Governor’s Office event pages, which also list local agendas and speakers as they’re finalized.
Editor’s note for newcomers: Texas’ business support network is highly regional. Even if you miss a date near you, the state keeps an updated events calendar with additional stops and related webinars throughout the year—use it as your first port of call.