Supporting Small Business with the Office of the Governor

I’ve spent a significant amount of my career in economic development. More importantly, my parents and grandparents ran a small business in a dying rustbelt economy and I learned first hand the ways small business successes and failures ripple through families and communities. Throughout my economic development journey, most of my experiences can be boiled down to two gaps: capital and education. Businesses need access to funding and the tools to be successful. I would need a classroom full of hands to count the times an entrepreneur didn’t have a solid business plan, access to the financial mainstream, or the specialized expertise needed to thrive.

Nonprofits like the Tory Burch Foundation and Bunker Labs connect entrepreneurs to networks and resources while carrying hefty name recognition. City governments also offer grant programs, main street initiatives, trainings, and contracting opportunities. In Texas, the Office of the Governor also has several agencies that deliver resources, including the small business workshops and forums throughout the state.

I was honored to serve on a panel last year, and now that these sessions are virtual and focus on ongoing coronavirus recovery, the resources are needed now more than ever. They are free to attend, and contain critical information about statewide grant programs, revitalization initiatives, and legislation that impacts small business. Community leaders like chambers, community lenders, small business development centers, and strategic partners will share more about their services as well.