The Texas Midwest Community Network (TMCN) along with the Texas Workforce Commission and Governor’s Office will be co-hosting the Governor’s Small Business Forum On Wednesday, May 21st.   The forum will take place at the Abilene Civic Center, located at 1100 North 6th Street in Abilene from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

The forum will feature a presentation by Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas on the Skills Development Fund and other Workforce programs, a panel on access to capital for small business, a panel on doing business in the oil and gas industry which will cover contract opportunities and procedures, a presentation by the Teas Veteran’s Commission, a presentation by the Texas Tech University Small Business Development Center and a panel offering information on contracting with the government.  A keynote address will be presented by Texas Workforce Commissioner Hope Andrade followed by the recognition of outstanding regional small businesses by the Governor’s Office.

Host partners of the event include the Brownwood Chamber of Commerce, West Texas Council of Governments Council Finance, Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, the West Teas Energy Consortium and various economic development organizations within the TMCN region.

Texas Midwest Community Network is a one-of-a-kind regional organization founded in 1994 for economic development, tourism development, regional awareness & promotion, and legislative awareness. It is an organization of “communities working together to accomplish what one community cannot do alone.”  For more information about TMCN visit www.texasmidwest.org or the Texas Midwest Facebook page.

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.  Likewise, Texan businesses are afforded a chance to network and trade with one another, exchange best practices, and discuss challenges and innovative ways of overcoming them.  Overall, the forums highlight the wide range of opportunities available to all businesses, including minority and women-owned small businesses, veterans, and businesses interested in expanding globally.

Registration is required; the cost is $25 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch.  Registration available through http://tmcn.org/event-registration/.