The Governor's Small Business Summit aims to help Texas small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs reach new heights by connecting them with the resources and information needed to start, strengthen and grow a business.
This event offers a variety of sessions bringing together local, state and federal resource partners to provide key insights on critical business topics. It's also an opportunity to network with other business owners and meet experts who will share timely, relevant and actionable advice on a multitude of small business subjects.
Registration will open at 7:45am and the first session will start at 8:15am.
REGISTER HERE!
Registration is $20 and includes access to all sessions, lunch and complimentary headshots.
Chamber members receive a 50% discount!
Only $10 to join other community members in networking and gaining valuable resources!
Just enter code Chamber_50 on the last screen at payment checkout.
Topics will include:
Access to Finance & Funding
Workforce Development
Marketing & Social Media
Cybersecurity
This is event is hosted by the Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance in partnership with the Stephenville Chamber of Commerce, Tarleton State University, and Texas Workforce Commission.
FULL AGENDA:
7:45 AM - 8:15 AM Registration & Networking
8:15 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks
July Danley, President/CEO, Stephenville Chamber of Commerce
Dr. Rupa Iyer, Vice President of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, Tarleton State University
Larry McManus, Director of Business & Community Development, Office of the Governor Economic Development & Tourism
9:00 AM - 9:40 AM Access to Finance & Funding
Moderator: Dr. Rupa Iyer, Vice President of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development, Tarleton State University
- Linda Williams, Economic Development Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration
- John Powell, Area Director, USDA—Texas Rural Development
- Trent Tidwell. Executive Vice President, Lending, First Financial Bank
Networking break (10 minutes)
9:50 AM - 10:30 AM Workforce Development
Moderator: Phedra Redifer, Executive Director, Workforce Solutions North Central
- Hilary Stephans, Entity Human Resources Officer, Texas Health Resources
- Jeff Sandford, Executive Director, Stephenville Economic Development Authority
- Tally Hickey, Director of Human Resources, Fossil Rim Wildlife Center
- Dr. George Mollick, Interim Dean, Workforce Pathways and Career Development, Tarleton State University
Networking break (10 minutes)
10:40 AM - 11:20 AM Marketing & E-Commerce
Moderator: Bill Leaverton, Instructor, Management, Tarleton State University
- Jarrod Brown, Owner, Bite of Brownie Productions
- Laura Henson, Owner, Laura Henson Designs
- Nate Bural, Associate Vice President of Marketing & Communications, Tarleton State University
11:30 AM - 12:10 PM Cybersecurity
Moderator: Dr. Dennis Jones, Professor, College of Business, Marketing & Computer Information Systems, Tarleton State University
- Chad Adams, Supervisor Cybersecurity Advisor, Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)
- Kris Nehring, Owner, Nehring Technology
- Erick Owens, Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer, TexasBank
12:10 PM - Lunch Service
12:30 PM - 1:00 PM Keynote Panel
Moderator: Bryan Daniel, Chairman and Commissioner Representing the Public, Texas Workforce Commission
- Reagan Thompson, Founder & Principal, Reload Capital & Reload Development
- Michele Simmonds, Owner & Chief Marketing Officer, Clear Path Home Care
1:00 PM - Small Business Awards Presentation
1:15 PM - Closing Ceremony
Event Description: