News
Dear Texas Economic Development Stakeholders,
May is an exciting month for the State of Texas! The first week of May is not only Small Business Week, but also Travel & Tourism Week and Export Week, followed by Economic Development Week. EDT’s Travel Texas division is also promoting May as BBQ Month in Texas! We hope you will be sure to follow us on social media throughout the coming weeks as we celebrate our state's small businesses, highlight the importance of Texas' tourism industry, discuss the Lone Star State's leadership in exports and bring awareness to the local, regional and state efforts that create new economic opportunities for Texans across the Lone Star State!
I am also proud to announce that Texas was once again named the Best State for Business by Chief Executive Magazine for the 18th time in a row! Check out Governor Greg Abbott's press release for more information.
In the May Texas Business Bulletin, you will find a spotlight on the Governor's Small Business Assistance Team, a focus on the Texas chemical manufacturing industry, our economic snapshot, recent project announcements, and much more!
As always, please visit our website, follow us on social media, or reach out to a member of our team if we can be of any assistance. Thanks for all you do for our great state!
-Adriana Cruz, Executive Director, Texas Economic Development & Tourism
Unemployment Rate: 4.4%
Jobs Added in March: 30,100
Job Recovery Rate: 115%
Workforce: 14.4 million
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Meet the Governor's Small Business Assistance Team!
The Governor's Office of Small Business Assistance, within the Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, serves as the principal resource for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Texas. The team provides opportunities for effective education, training, management and technical assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses in the state. They offer resource referrals to help entrepreneurs and small business owners start, grow and sustain their businesses. The team also oversees the planning and execution of the Governor's Small Business Series and Webinars.
As the office's Small Business Advocate, Jarvis Brewer serves as the principal focal point in the state for assisting small and historically underutilized businesses. He also helps support the creation, stability and growth of Texas small businesses across the state by serving as an expert on available resources.
Jarvis' Fun Fact: On weekends, you can catch Jarvis waiting in line for breakfast tacos or smoked meats. He’ll likely be on his way to cheer on the Longhorns to victory!
As Business Assistance Specialists, Bryan Roller and Eric Schneider work directly with small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to ensure that they have the tools and resources available to get started and grow in Texas. They help with everything from general business and permitting inquiries to connecting business owners with relevant local, state and federal contacts to help them find success.
Bryan's Fun Fact: From small craft breweries to custom speed shops, Bryan admires the men and women who take that step into the unknown to chase a dream of owning a business.
Eric's Fun Fact: Eric can typically be found visiting local music and marine fish shops, and as a Dallas native, he cannot help but stop by Campisi's Restaurant any time he is in town.
You may reach the members of the Governor's Small Business Assistance Team through our online staff directory. To learn more about the team and the resources our office offers, be sure to follow us on social media throughout Small Business Week! #SmallBizWeekTEXAS