2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit hits The Woodlands

THE WOODLANDS, TX – The 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit came to The Woodlands this week as a full morning of speeches, panel discussions, and networking breaks took place at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott. The event was hosted by The Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance in partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission and The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The 2023 Governor’s Small Business Summit – The Woodlands is designed to help small business owners and entrepreneurs take their businesses to new heights,” said Texas Governor Greg Abbott in a statement. “This event helps businesses at every stage of development find answers on accessing financing, hiring skilled employees, bidding on government contracts, marketing your business, and more.”

The summit provided an opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs to network and connect with industry specialists, government officials, resource providers, and other regional businesses.

After the morning was kicked off by the welcome and opening remarks by JJ Hollie, President and CEO of The Woodlands Area Chamber of Commerce; Alberto Treviño. Commissioner Representing Labor, Texas Workforce Commission; and Larry McManus, Director of Business & Community Development, Texas Economic Development & Tourism, Office of the Governor, the first panel kicked off moderated by Gil Staley, CEO of The Woodlands Area Economic Development Partnership.

Panel discussions covering a broad range of relevant topics such as cybersecurity, workforce development, micro-credentialing, e-commerce essentials, and more dominated the event with local and regional business leaders moderating each session.

Chamber president JJ Hollie was proud of the event. “The Chamber likes to partner with all different sorts of organizations to be a resource for the community, and we were thrilled to be approached by the Governor’s office and just worked with them to develop this summit.”

The event concluded around lunchtime with a closing ceremony led by Janea Jamison, Regional Advocate, U.S. Small Business Administration, and Jarvis Brewer, Small Business Advocate, Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance.

Resource providers included Gulf Coast Workforce Solutions; Houston Community College - Entrepreneurial Initiatives and Community Relations for Women of Color; Lone Star College; Port Houston; Southwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center; Texas Department of Information Resources; Texas Department of Insurance - Division of Workers’ Compensation; Texas Department of Insurance - Occupational Safety and Health Consultation; Texas Manufacturing Network; Texas Workforce Commission; Texas Veterans Commission; U.S. Department of Agriculture - Texas Rural Development; and U.S. Small Business Administration.

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