Houston Daily

Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the final Governor’s Small Business Summit of 2025 will take place in Belton on Thursday, November 13. The event will focus on honoring veteran-owned businesses and supporting entrepreneurs across Texas.

“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our vibrant communities and the driving force behind the eighth largest economy in the world,” Governor Abbott said. “Home to more than 3.5 million small businesses and 1 in 10 of all veteran-owned businesses in the U.S., our state continues to lead in job creation and business expansion. By supporting veteran entrepreneurs and ensuring our small businesses thrive, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Texas than ever before.”

The summit is designed to connect local business owners with resources at the local, state, and federal levels. Attendees will have opportunities to network with other veteran business owners and hear from experts on a range of topics relevant to starting and growing a business.

Scheduled for Thursday, November 13, from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Cadence Bank Center – Assembly Hall in Belton, the event includes several panel sessions such as "Getting Started: Small Business 101," "Stronger Together: Marketing Success Through Collaboration," and "Benefits of Integrating & Supporting Veterans." John Wayne Walding, Founder & CEO of Gallantry Global Logistics, will deliver a keynote address titled “Lean Forward, Fight Hard.” Additional speakers include Chairman Joe Esparza from the Texas Workforce Commission.

Registration costs $20 and provides access to all sessions, resource providers, lunch, and complimentary headshots. More information about registration can be found at gov.texas.gov/events.

The locations for next year’s Governor’s Small Business Summits will be announced in early 2026. Additionally, the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office offers online webinars for small businesses seeking further resources; recordings are available at gov.texas.gov/business/page/small-business-webinars.