Governor Greg Abbott has announced that the next Governor’s Small Business Summit will take place in Carthage on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The event is part of a series held throughout the year in different regions of Texas, aiming to support small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs by providing access to resources and information needed for business growth.
“Small businesses are the driving force behind Texas’ thriving economy,” said Governor Abbott. “With more than 3.5 million small businesses across Texas, employing nearly half of all working Texans, our state continues to lead in job creation and business expansion. I invite all small business owners and entrepreneurs to attend this Governor’s Small Business Summit or one in their region. Together, we will ensure that our small businesses continue to thrive as we build a stronger, more prosperous Texas than ever before.”
The summit in Carthage will bring together partners from local, state, and federal levels to provide insights on important business topics. Attendees will have opportunities for networking with other business owners and learning from experts who will offer advice relevant to current challenges faced by small businesses.
The event is scheduled from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Panola College, located at 1109 W. Panola St., Carthage, TX 75633. Panel sessions will cover workforce strategies, decisions about scaling or selling a business, social media marketing and AI trends for small businesses, as well as a conversation with entrepreneurs. Joe Esparza, Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission, is among the speakers.
Registration costs $20 and includes entry to all sessions, resource provider access, lunch, and complimentary headshots. Additional details and registration are available at gov.texas.gov/events.
Future summits are also planned for Denton on October 23 (focused on women) and Belton on November 13 (focused on veterans). The Governor’s Economic Development & Tourism Office also hosts webinars sharing resources for small businesses online; past recordings can be accessed at gov.texas.gov/business/page/small-business-webinars.
