Governor’s Small Business Summit – Abilene

When:

May 18, 2023 8:00 am – 1:30 pm

Where:

Abilene Convention Center, 1100 N. 6th St., Abilene, TX 79601

About the Event:

The Governor's Small Business Summit – Abilene 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. 

Keynote Speaker: Alberto Treviño III, Commissioner Representing Labor, Texas Workforce Commission

Panel Topics and Speakers: 

• Access to Finance & Funding:
  • Moderator: Dr. Doug McIntyre, Charles & Pauline Brinkley Endowed Chair of Business, Hardin-Simmons University
  • John Powell, Area Director, U.S. Department of Agriculture – Texas Rural Development
  • Calvin Davis, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration – West Texas District
  • Alan Hartmann, President/CEO, Hartmann, Inc.
     
• Recruiting & Retention of Employees: 
  • Moderator: Staci Benavides, Director of Human Resources, Doubletree by Hilton Abilene Downtown Convention Center
  • Cindy Burnett, Workforce Development Program Coordinator, Texas State Technical College
  • Bill Dean, Director of Business Services, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas
  • Taylor Sturgis, Partner, Key Appraisal Group
     
• Marketing & E-Commerce Essentials:
  • Moderator: Chris Cook, Executive Vice President – Marketing, First Financial Bank
  • Holly Blackwell, Owner/CEO, H2M Solutions, LLC
  • Manzel McGhee, Business Consultant, America's Small Business Development Center, Texas Tech University
  • Dr. Paul Mason, Dean of Johnson School of Business, McMurry University 
  • Jessica Adams, Owner, Vagabond Pizza

Registration is $20 and includes access to all sessions. 

Register