Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the next 2025 Governor’s Small Business Summit will take place in Rockport-Fulton on July 10. The summits, held throughout the year across Texas, aim to assist small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by connecting them with necessary resources and information for starting, strengthening, and growing their businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and the heart of Texas' vibrant communities,” stated Governor Abbott. “From family-owned shops to innovative startups, more than 3.3 million small businesses across our state fuel job creation and drive our economic success. Texas is proud to support their growth. I encourage all small business owners and entrepreneurs to attend this Governor’s Small Business Summit or one in their region. Together, we will ensure that our small businesses have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive."

The summit in Rockport-Fulton will gather local, state, and federal resource partners to provide insights on critical business topics. Participants will have opportunities for networking with other business owners and meeting experts who offer relevant advice on various small business topics.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Fulton Convention Center located at 402 N. Fulton Beach Rd., Fulton, TX 78358. A featured fireside chat titled “Play-by-Play: Legislative Updates for Texas Small Businesses” will be moderated by Adriana Cruz, Executive Director of the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office.

Panelists include Jeff Burdett, Freedom Council Co-Chair and Texas State Director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), as well as Glenn Hamer, Freedom Council Co-Chair and President & CEO of the Texas Association of Business (TAB). Additional sessions cover strategies for growth through state and local programs, technology use in small businesses, and financing strategies.

Alberto Treviño from the Texas Workforce Commission will also speak at the event. Registration costs $20 and includes access to all sessions along with lunch and complimentary headshots.

Future summit locations include Waxahachie on July 24; Pharr on August 7; Big Lake on August 21; Eagle Pass on September 11; Carthage on September 25; Dalhart on October 9; Denton focusing on women entrepreneurs on October 23; and Belton focusing on veterans on November 13.

The Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office also hosts webinars offering online resources for small businesses in Texas. Recordings are available at gov.texas.gov/business/page/small-business-webinars.