Governor Greg Abbott has announced the 15 Texas communities that will serve as host cities for the 2026 Governor’s Small Business Summit. The summits, which are scheduled throughout the year in different regions of the state, are designed to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by connecting them with resources and information to help start, strengthen, and grow their businesses.
“Small businesses are the backbone of the Texas economy,” said Governor Abbott. “With more than 3.5 million small businesses across our state employing nearly half of all working Texans, Texas continues to lead the nation as the top state for job creation. I congratulate the communities selected to host a Governor’s Small Business Summit and encourage small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to participate. By connecting Texans with the tools, resources, and partnerships they need to grow their businesses, we will spur continued economic expansion across every region.”
The summits offer sessions where participants can engage with local, state, and federal resource partners on important business topics. Attendees also have opportunities to network with other business owners and meet experts who provide relevant advice on a variety of subjects related to small business operations.
Registration is now open for events in Allen (April 2) and Cuero (April 16). Registration for other locations—Mission (May 14), Tyler (May 28), Laredo (June 11), Pasadena (June 25), Graham (July 9), Copperas Cove (July 23), Midland (August 6), Pflugerville (August 20), Nacogdoches (September 3), Brewster County (September 17), Dalhart (October 1), El Campo (October 15), and Midlothian (November 5)—will open three months prior to each event.
More information about registration is available at gov.texas.gov/events.
Communities interested in hosting future summits can contact the Office of Small Business Assistance. The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office and the Office of Small Business Assistance within the Office of the Governor also manage the Business Permit Office, which helps guide entrepreneurs through permitting, licensing, and regulatory requirements. The office provides a comprehensive guide on required state-level licenses or permits for various types of business activities.
Governor Abbott leads the executive office responsible for economic development efforts in Texas. His administration has focused on supporting job growth initiatives that have contributed to record employment levels in recent years (source). Since his election in 2014 (source), Abbott’s priorities have included expanding economic opportunities and fostering innovation statewide (source). The governor’s office operates from its primary location at Austin’s State Insurance Building (source) as part of the executive branch serving all regions of Texas.
