Texas is doubling down on its commitment to veteran entrepreneurs with the final installment of its small business summit series for 2025.
Governor Greg Abbott announced that Belton will host the last Governor’s Small Business Summit on November 13, with a special focus on honoring and supporting veteran-owned businesses across the state. The event, set to take place at the Cadence Bank Center’s Assembly Hall, comes as Texas continues to cement its position as home to one-tenth of all veteran-owned businesses in the United States.
Veteran Entrepreneurs Take Center Stage
“Small businesses are the cornerstone of our vibrant communities and the driving force behind the eighth largest economy in the world,” Abbott stated. “Home to more than 3.5 million small businesses and 1 in 10 of all veteran-owned businesses in the U.S., our state continues to lead in job creation and business expansion.”
The summit isn’t just ceremonial. Attendees will gain access to practical panel sessions covering essential topics for entrepreneurs at various stages. These include “Getting Started: Small Business 101,” “Stronger Together: Marketing Success Through Collaboration,” and “Benefits of Integrating & Supporting Veterans” — all designed to provide actionable insights for business owners in the Central Texas region and beyond.
Why Belton? The city sits in the heart of a region with strong military connections, positioned between Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) and other veteran-rich communities. It’s a fitting location for an event that aims to bridge military experience with entrepreneurial opportunity.
From Battlefield to Boardroom
The keynote address, titled “Lean Forward, Fight Hard,” will be delivered by John Wayne Walding, Founder and CEO of Gallantry Global Logistics. Walding’s background as a veteran-turned-entrepreneur aligns perfectly with the summit’s focus on transitioning military leadership skills to the business world.
Additional insights will come from Joe Esparza, Commissioner Representing Employers at the Texas Workforce Commission, who will share perspective on workforce development and business growth opportunities in the current Texas economic landscape.
The $20 registration fee covers more than just admission. Attendees will receive access to all sessions, connections with resource providers, lunch, and even complimentary professional headshots — a practical perk for business owners looking to update their professional profiles without the typical studio costs.
Collaborative Effort
Is this just another government program? Not quite. The summit represents a collaborative approach, partnering the state government with local stakeholders including the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Central Texas Council of Governments. This coalition aims to create a more comprehensive support system for small businesses, particularly those owned by veterans.
For those unable to attend in person, the Governor’s Texas Economic Development & Tourism Office, along with the Office of Small Business Assistance, also hosts online webinars throughout the year. These virtual options provide wider access to similar resources for entrepreneurs across Texas’s vast geography.
The event runs from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at the Cadence Bank Center – Assembly Hall, located at 301 W. Loop 121 in Belton.
As Texas continues to attract businesses from across the country, these targeted summits highlight the state’s particular interest in supporting those who’ve served in uniform before serving their communities through entrepreneurship — a transition that, while challenging, carries unique advantages in a state that prides itself on both military tradition and business innovation.
