Texas Governor’s Small Business Summit featured actionable advice and insights for Bastrop entrepreneurs

Business owners and professionals in Bastrop, Texas experienced a unique opportunity to connect with thought leadership and next-level resources for their small businesses at a recent Governor’s Small Business Summit. Bastrop was one of 15 Texas communities selected as a 2025 host city for the event.

The summit featured four different speakers presenting panels and a keynote on essential small business topics. It also provided an enhanced networking experience, allowing entrepreneurs and experts to connect, share ideas, and forge new relationships. Participants left with timely, actionable advice relevant to their enterprises. For interested professionals unable to make the event, an archive of videos from the Bastrop summit is available on the Texas Economic Development YouTube channel.

“Small businesses are the driving force behind the Texas economy,” said Governor Greg Abbott when host cities were announced. “With more than 3.3 million small businesses across Texas, employing nearly half of all working Texans, our state continues to lead the nation in small business growth and as the best state to start a business. I congratulate the 15 communities selected to host a Governor’s Small Business Summit and encourage all small business owners and entrepreneurs to attend. Together, we will continue to partner with small businesses to help them grow and thrive in our great state.”

Bastrop Governor’s Small Business Summit discussions

Pyrology Foundry and Studio owner delivers keynote

Clint Howard, a sculptor and the owner of Pyrology Foundry and Studio in Bastrop, provided the event’s keynote address. Pyrology employs 40 full-time workers who help produce monument installations displayed around the world. Through his address, Howard shared his journey to Bastrop and the evolution of Pyrology. From roots in a single leased space, it has grown to an expansive owned location in the Bastrop Industrial Park and a downtown retail gallery.

Along the way, Howard utilized the services of local banks, local experts, and local, state, and federal funding opportunities and resources to grow strategically. From SBA loans to Bastrop EDC incentives and state capital funding options, Howard advised, “If you’re an entrepreneur looking for a path to grow, do your research. Join your chamber. Talk to your EDC. There are so many opportunities.”

Watch the full keynote here.

Harnessing the Power of Technology for Your Small Business

Participants:

• Moderator: Traci Rodriguez, Sales Director for Austin and San Antonio, Community Impact News
• Panelist: Randy Bryan, Founder and CEO, TekRescue
• Panelist: Dr. Meghan Hollis-Pell, Data Management Officer, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation
• Panelist: Roy Draa, Senior Manager, X Support Center

No contemporary tech conversation is complete without a discussion of AI, and this panel of experts discussed ways AI can be used to increase efficiency and fill niche jobs, such as data analysis, without personally compiling spreadsheets or outsourcing work to a third party. Panelists also shared the importance of learning how to ask GPTs the right questions in the right way and how to access valuable learning opportunities online and in local libraries. Watch the full conversation here.

Strategies for Growth: Leveraging State & Local Programs

• Moderator: David Elizondo, District Director, U.S. Small Business Administration
• Panelist: Jon Simmons, Mentor, Score
• Panelist: Shane Wilhelm, Business Development Officer, BCL of Texas
• Panelist: Kim Dugey, VP, Commercial Banker, Verabank

Strategies for growth highlighted the different paths businesses can take to scale and many easily accessed resources for growth. Panelists shared the importance of finding a mentor, having and refining business plans for financing needs, and the role of community development financial institutions in bridging the gaps between traditional bank loans and the needs of entrepreneurs. Watch the full conversation here for more unique insights.

Grow or Go: Knowing When to Scale or Sell Your Business.

• Moderator: Dominica McGinnis, CEO, Bastrop Law Group
• Panelist: Stephen Todee, Co-owner/Operator, Cooper Shot Distillery
• Panelist: Bryan Bracewell, Owner/CEO, Southside Market & BBQ
• Panelist: Tim Kimbro, President/Principal, TCS Mechanical

In a wide-ranging discussion with diverse businesses, key takeaways focused on lessons learned when each company hit an inflection point and what owners would do differently in retrospect. From creating better systems for managing day-to-day operations and cash flow management to planning for growth early, each owner brought unique perspectives to the table. Watch their discussion here to learn more about scaling and planning for the future.

The Governor's Small Business Summit — Bastrop was hosted in partnership with the Bastrop Chamber of Commerce, Bastrop Economic Development Corporation, and the Texas Workforce Commission. The event was sponsored by the Bastrop Economic Development Corporation. 

To learn more about Bastrop Economic Development Corporation, including incentive programs and other educational resources, visit our website here or contact us today.