Austin Small and Minority Business Resources

Austin's 4th Annual Small Business Connections Conference is back and offering a full-day of content curated for Austin's small business community.

This year's theme, Small Business Strong, shapes the whole program: access to capital, marketing that works, contracting with the City, permits and licenses, and building real resilience.

You'll also get face time with the City teams who support small businesses every day including Small and Minority Business Resources, Economic Development and Financial Services, alongside local lenders, chambers and nonprofits in the resource expo.

🗓 Wednesday, Aug. 19
⏱️ 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
📍 Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road

Space is limited, register on Eventbrite today.

Know an Austin small business owner who could use a day like this? Send it their way!

Austin Small Business Connections Conference Austin's Small Business Connections Conference brings together Austin's small business community for a full day of learning and networking.

From helping local businesses and nonprofits hit their goals to creating customized marketing strategies that deliver real results, Halo Effect Marketing is helping organizations across Austin grow with purpose and impact. 📈✨

As part of the Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Small Business Success series, Public Information Specialist Alejandra Villanueva sat down with Angela McKendree, founder of Halo Marketing, a woman-owned marketing and communications consulting business focused on strategic, customized, and results-driven work.

During their conversation, Angela described her business in three words: “custom, strategic, and results-focused.” She shared how Halo Marketing takes a tailored approach to every client, diving deep into analytics, communications, and outreach goals to create solutions that truly fit each organization’s needs.

Angela also reflected on one of her proudest projects — supporting a voter education campaign for the Pflugerville Fire Department that passed with a 69% to 31% margin. Through campaign strategy, outreach materials, social media, and communications support, she helped protect critical emergency response resources for the community.

Her “why” is rooted in helping smaller businesses, nonprofits, and local organizations access the same high-quality marketing expertise often reserved for larger corporations, while creating meaningful work that positively impacts the community.

Support local small businesses and learn more about Halo Effect Marketing in the comments!

Support local small businesses and learn more about small business certification at https://lnkd.in/gZGMixmM
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From shaping spaces that strengthen community to helping clients turn big ideas into meaningful places, FIRMAH is helping redefine Austin’s built environment through collaboration and thoughtful design. 🌿🏙️

As part of the Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Small Business Success series, Public Information Specialist Alejandra Villanueva sat down with Ashley Heeren, founder of FIRMAH, an Austin-based architecture and design studio grounded in connection, collaboration, and community impact.

During their conversation, Ashley described her business in three words: “grounded, connected, and collaborative.” She shared how FIRMAH approaches architecture not just as aesthetics, but as a way to solve problems, strengthen neighborhoods, and create spaces where people can truly connect.

Ashley also reflected on a memorable “Only in Austin” moment when her team went to lunch and found themselves surrounded by neighboring tables filled with fellow architecture firms — a reminder of Austin’s strong, community-driven design culture.

Her “why” is rooted in creating a better everyday life for Austin families and future generations by helping shape places where people can gather, connect, and find joy.

Support local small businesses and learn more about FIRMAH in the comments!

Learn more about small business certification at https://lnkd.in/gZGMixmM
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SBA offers $1M in cash prizes to small businesses in new pitch competition - The Business Journals $1M is available to small businesses through a new pitch competition.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Join us for Small Business Office Hours! 💼

Meet with experts from Austin Economic Development, Austin Financial Services, Austin Development Services, Austin Public Health and more! Get valuable advice, resources, and referrals to help your small business grow!

📅 Wednesday, May 20 | Noon - 2 PM CDT
📍 1800 S 5th St, Austin, TX 78704
🔗 Register Here - https://conta.cc/4tLDpcd

Registration is not required, but by completing our form, we can learn about your business and needs!

From transforming outdated spaces into functional, beautiful homes to solving complex design challenges across Austin,
Lisa Kang Interiors' design work is redefining how people experience their living spaces. 🏡✨

As part of the City of Austin Small and Minority Business Resources Small Business Success series, Public Information Specialist Alejandra Villanueva sat down with Lisa Kang, founder of Lisa Kang Interiors focused on thoughtful, functional, and client-centered spaces.

During their conversation, Lisa described her business in three words: “capable, creative, and resilient.” From navigating large-scale commercial projects like the Canyon Creek Fire Station to managing complex residential remodels, her work blends design expertise with hands-on problem solving.

Lisa also shared a memorable “Only in Austin” moment involving an 11-foot installation that had to be hoisted through a stairwell using macramé skills and teamwork—proving that creativity doesn’t stop at the design table.

Her “why” is rooted in growth—continually scaling her business, taking on more complex projects, and turning challenges into opportunities for long-term success.

Support local small businesses and learn more about Lisa Kang Interiors in the comments!

Learn more about small business certification at https://lnkd.in/gZGMixmM
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Small businesses working on City contracts should know where to turn when issues come up.

Austin Small and Minority Business Resources offers the Small Business Subcontractor Resolution Form to help small businesses request assistance with common City contract concerns, including payments, substitutions, replacements, retainage and performance.

Need help with an issue on a City contract? Start here: conta.cc/4cPfG4X

Contractors Growth Alliance – Central Texas (CGA-CTX) has partnered with EGBI to host an upcoming workshop focused on helping subcontractors strengthen and grow their businesses.

Whether you’re looking to sharpen your positioning or take your business to the next level, this session will provide practical, real-world insight you can immediately put to work.

Participants will learn how to:
• Develop compelling capability statements
• Build a strong and consistent brand
• Leverage relationships to grow within the construction industry

In addition to the workshop, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with fellow contractors, industry peers, and local business leaders in a relaxed, collaborative setting.

Lunch will be provided.

Seating is limited to ensure a high-quality experience - early registration is encouraged.

More info + Registration at conta.cc/42WEFNG

Promoting Your Business An interactive Lunch & Learn workshop helping subcontractors build their brand, craft capability statements, and grow through relationships.

Have questions about City procurement, certification or available business resources?

Austin Small and Minority Business Resources hosts monthly Small Business Office Hours where individuals can stop by a scheduled location and have informal conversations with department representatives about City procurements, certification and other City requirements.

Come ask questions, get connected and learn more about resources that may support your business.

Learn more: conta.cc/4tLDpcd