TX Sec. Of State Carlos Cascos Talks To Austin-San Antonio Area Entrepreneurs On Sept. 1
Small Business Owners Recognized at 2016 Governor’s Small Business Forum
SAN MARCOS, TX – Small businesses are responsible for the majority of new jobs created in America but entrepreneurs are also taking big risks when opening a business. From second mortgages to no sleep, the obstacles facing these pioneers aren’t in short supply.
The 2016 Governor’s Small Business Forum on September 1 aims to help address some of those challenges by connecting entrepreneurs of all industries to resources that can support their journeys and by celebrating exceptional small business from the Austin-San Antonio region with the Governor’s Small Business Awards.
Advance tickets available at www.greatersanmarcostx.com/event/2016-governors-small-business-forum. Tickets will be sold at the door for $60 – subject to capacity.
Interviews with event organizers available in advance. Secretary Cascos is available for interviews during the event – please contact Ashley Gossen at ashleyg@greatersanmarcostx.com or (512) 781-2074 to make arrangements.
WHAT:
2016 Governor’s Small Business Forum
WHEN:
September 1, 2016
8:30 AM to 1:30 PM
WHERE:
Embassy Suites
1001 E. McCarty Lane
San Marcos, TX 78666
AGENDA:
8:30 AM
Guests arrive, registration open
9:00 AM
Forum Kick Off (Spring Lake Ballroom)
Speaking: San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero, Larry McManus (Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance), Chairman Andres Alcantar (Texas Workforce Commission), Adriana Cruz (Greater San Marcos Partnership)
10:00 AM
Breakout Session One (Four tracks detailed below)
11:00 AM
Breakout Session Two (Repeat of Session One tracks)
12:00 PM
Lunch & Governor’s Small Business Awards (Spring Lake Ballroom)
Special Guest Speaker: Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos
Also featuring Commissioner Karen Harris (Governor’s Commission for Women)
PANELS:
The Women Behind the Businesses (Chautauqua A)
Taking the leap to business ownership is one of the biggest decisions any entrepreneur will take. It’s not for the faint the heart and requires 24/7 commitments. Hear from women business owners about their experiences launching their businesses, the challenges the faced and the advice they want inspiring and experienced female entrepreneurs to know.
Moderator: Pam Couch (Two P’s & Calli’s Boutique)
Panelists: Carla Sisk (ColorMix Graphics & Printing), Patti Winstanley (Aztec Promotional Group)
From Boots to Small Business: Veteran Entrepreneurs (Chautauqua B)
From leaders on the battlefield to pioneers in the business world, veterans take their military experience and translate those skills into entrepreneurship. Veterans turned entrepreneurs will talk about their transition to civilian life after years of service and how they channeled specialized military training into launching a business. Learn what resources they utilized to support their businesses and hear their advice to other veterans interested in opening a business.
Moderator: Jude Prather (Hays County Veteran Services & San Marcos City Council Member)
Panelists: Randell Casey (CyberDefenses), Tara Hutchinson (Tara Hutch Fine Jewelry), Tiffany Tremont (Silotech Group Inc.)
Financing your Small Business (San Marcos A)
Big ideas often require more than creativity and a business plan. One of the biggest obstacles business owners face consistently is financing. Join us to hear from a diverse set of small business lenders on how you can find the best option to meet your needs. Panelists work with a wide range of small businesses, from those just getting started to those looking to expand.
Moderator: Victor Garza (Greater San Marcos Partnership)
Panelists: David Case (Wells Fargo), Orlando Castillo (Able), Miguel De La Riva (LiftFund)
Student Entrepreneurs (San Marcos B)
Launching a business is a true statement of creativity, which expands the limits of possibility. Right here in San Marcos, the students at Texas State University are proving their place in the entrepreneur ecosystem. Join the University’s Center for Entrepreneurial Action as student businesses from various industries and their professors show the entrepreneurial spirit fostered in the Austin-San Antonio Corridor.
CONTACT: Ashley Gossen, Greater San Marcos Partnership
(C): 512.781.2074 [Call or Text]
