Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the final 2025 Governor’s Small Business Summit will take place in Belton on Thursday, November 13. The event will focus on honoring veteran-owned businesses and providing resources for entrepreneurs across Texas.
According to Governor Abbott, “Small businesses are the cornerstone of our vibrant communities and the driving force behind the eighth largest economy in the world. 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 aims to connect Texas small business owners with local, state, and federal resource partners who can offer advice on a range of business topics. Attendees will have opportunities to network with other veteran business owners and participate in sessions designed to provide practical information.
Scheduled for Thursday, November 13 from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Cadence Bank Center – Assembly Hall in Belton, TX, the event includes 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.” Joe Esparza, Chairman and Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission, is also listed as an additional speaker.
Registration for the summit costs $20 and covers access to all sessions, lunch, resource providers, and complimentary headshots. More details about registration can be found at gov.texas.gov/events.
Plans for future events include announcing locations for the 2026 Governor’s Small Business Summits next year. In addition to these summits held across different regions throughout the year, Governor Abbott’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office offers online webinars aimed at sharing information about resources available to small businesses statewide. On-demand recordings of previous webinars are accessible through gov.texas.gov/business/page/small-business-webinars.
