Governor Greg Abbott has announced the 15 Texas communities selected to host the 2026 Governor’s Small Business Summit. The summits, held throughout the year in various regions, are designed to help small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by connecting them with resources and information needed for starting and growing 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 that bring together local, state, and federal resource partners who provide insights on key business topics. Attendees have opportunities to network with other business owners and meet experts sharing practical advice on a range of issues relevant to small businesses.
Registration is open for the first two summit locations in Allen (April 2) and Cuero (April 16). Registration for subsequent events will become available three months before each scheduled date. Other host cities include 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).
More information about registration can be found at gov.texas.gov/events.
Communities interested in hosting future summits are encouraged to contact the Office of Small Business Assistance.
The Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office and Office of Small Business Assistance within the Office of the Governor also oversee the Business Permit Office, which helps small business owners navigate permitting, licensing, and regulatory requirements in Texas. The office publishes a guide detailing required licenses or permits for specific activities.
According to information from the official website, Governor Greg Abbott leads efforts focused on economic development, job growth, education enhancement, border security initiatives such as Operation Lone Star, as well as supporting community programs across Texas. Since his election in 2014, his administration has contributed to record employment levels in Texas through collaboration with private sector entities like Southwest Airlines and by fostering innovation statewide.
The executive branch office maintains its primary location at Austin’s State Insurance Building according to official sources. In recognition of these efforts, Greg Abbott was named among TIME’s “100 Most Influential People” in 2024 according to official records.
