Governor Greg Abbott has announced the selection of 15 communities across Texas as host cities for the 2026 Governor’s Small Business Summit. The events, scheduled throughout the year in different regions, are designed to support small business owners and those looking to start new ventures by providing access to resources and information needed for business development.
“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 will feature sessions that bring together resource partners from local, state, and federal levels. Attendees can expect insights on key business topics and opportunities to network with other business owners as well as experts who will provide advice relevant to running small businesses.
Registration is now open for the first two summit locations: Allen on April 2 and Cuero on April 16. Other locations scheduled include Mission, Tyler, Laredo, Pasadena, Graham, Copperas Cove, Midland, Pflugerville, Nacogdoches, Brewster County, Dalhart, El Campo, and Midlothian. Registration for subsequent events will open three months before each summit.
Further details about registration are 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 also manage a Business Permit Office that guides entrepreneurs through permitting and licensing requirements in Texas. The 2026-2027 Texas Business Licenses & Permits Guide provides information about necessary state-level permits for specific business activities.
Governor Abbott leads the executive office for Texas state government from its primary offices in Austin at the State Insurance Building (official website). His administration focuses on economic development initiatives that have contributed to job growth and record employment levels in Texas (official website). Since his election in 2014 (official website), Abbott’s office has supported efforts in economic opportunity expansion statewide (official website) and maintains involvement with community certification programs like Travel Texas (official website). In 2024, Greg Abbott was recognized among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People (official website).
