Business owners in Brownwood and the surrounding area are invited to attend the Governor’s Small Business Forum on Thursday, August 29th at Howard Payne University’s Mabee Center from 8 a.m. – noon with breakfast being served at 7:30 a.m.

Commissioner Hope Andrade of the Texas Workforce Commission, former Secretary of State, will be the keynote speaker for the event.

Governor’s Small Business Forums give entrepreneurs and small businesses the valuable tools, skills and knowledge needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced economy. Featuring a wide range of instructive seminars and expert speakers offering vital information on both public and private resources, the forums offer a great opportunity to network and connect with industry specialists, government officials, service providers and other regional businesses.

“Small business is a major reason Texas has been home to more new jobs than any other state over the last 10 years,” Governor Rick Perry said. “These forums will help ensure business owners have the tools necessary to survive and thrive, which will mean more jobs and stronger communities throughout Texas.”

Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas will present information on the Skills Development Fund and other Workforce programs.

Those in attendance will also receive information about programs to help start-up companies, access to capital, and business assistance programs from local, state and federal agencies.   Presentations will be made by the Small Business Development Center, USDA Rural Development, National Association of Occupational Safety and Health Consultation Programs, Texas Department of Agriculture, Council Finance, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation, Early Economic Development Corporation, Brownwood Industrial Foundation and the Office of the Governor Economic Development and Tourism, Texas Bank for Economic Development.

Larry Ruggiano from the Office of the Governor and Commissioner Andrade will present Small Business Recognition Awards at the end of the event.  Each presenter will have additional information available at booth spaces during the forum.

The Brownwood event is co-sponsored by the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), and the Governor’s Office.

Those interested in attending can register by calling the Brownwood Area Chamber of Commerce at 325-646-9535 or register online at BrownwoodChamber.org.   The registration fee is $10, which includes breakfast.