Small business owners in Brownwood and the surrounding area are invited to attend the Governor’s Small Business Forum on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 at Howard Payne University’s Mabee Center from 8am-11:30pm with breakfast being served at 7:30am.  This special forum is designed to assist small business owners as they grow and expand their businesses in a tough economy. Brownwood was selected by the Office of the Governor to be included in this statewide series of business-building events.

The Governor’s Small Business Forums are designed to educate the Texas entrepreneur and small business community on workforce development, marketing, hiring and managing employees, and training and growth opportunities.

“Small businesses are an integral part of the engine that drives our state economy,” said Governor Rick Perry.  “These forums will give small business owners essential tools to help their businesses succeed, provide jobs for Texans and strengthen the economies in their communities.”

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) will present information on money-saving tools, the $2 million Skills for Small Business Fund, the Texas Back to Work wage subsidy program, a new entrepreneurship program, and other programs available from state and federal workforce agencies.

Those in attendance will also receive information about programs and assistance from the Small Business Development Center, USDA Rural Development, Texas Department of Agriculture, Council Finance’s SBA 504 Loans, Brownwood Economic Development Corporation, and many more.  Larry Ruggiano from the Office of the Governor 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 and the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

Individuals 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.