Austin Economic Development

The City of Austin offices will be closed on Friday, June 19 in observance of Juneteenth. Normal business hours will resume on Monday, June 22.

This summer, make waves for your small business. Austin's Kiva Hub offers crowdfunded microloans with 0% interest, no fees, and no collateral.

💰 Apply for funding today: https://bit.ly/austinkivahub

Register today for Test Before You Invest: Business Model Canvas (In-Person class)

Embarking on a new business venture can be exhilarating. Before diving into entrepreneurship, knowing if your business idea is viable, unique, and well-planned is essential. This class introduces you to the Test Before You Invest philosophy using the invaluable Business Model Canvas (BMC) tool that will equip you with insights and strategies to evaluate, refine, and validate your business concept before making a significant investment.

📆 June 24
⏱️ 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
📍5202 E. Ben White Blvd, Suite 300b
👉 https://bit.ly/4e3wQuT

Join us for the 4th Annual DECA Small Business Opportunity Summit, a high-impact event designed to bridge the gap between your business and the stakeholders shaping Central Texas’s economic future. This is your premier opportunity to engage directly with major regional leaders, ask critical questions, and build lasting professional connections.

The summit focuses on three essential pillars for business success:
Access to Capital: Designed specifically for small businesses who are actively seeking funding, featuring the DECA $1 Million Loan Fund in partnership with BCL of Texas.

Procurement Opportunities: Learn how to position your business to secure contracts available in the region, featuring infrastructure partners like Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Austin Transit Partnership (ATP) , Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS), and more!

Innovation & Community: Leverage technical support in AI applications, digital access, and workforce development with our community stakeholders.

The Summit also features a Resource Fair with refreshments, booths, and time to network with vital providers to help you scale your business.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/deca-4th-annual-small-business-opportunity-summit-tickets-1988631627731?aff=oddtdtcreator

🎉 SIP, SIP, Hooray! 🎉

The Summer Internship Program is officially underway! Nearly 200 Austin-area high school students have begun six weeks of hands-on learning, professional development, and real-world career experience across the city.

We're excited to see the next generation of talent build skills, make connections, and explore future career pathways. 🌟

🚀 Ready to grow your business?

Join us next week for these Small Business Classes:

📅 June 10
• Getting Started with AI for Small Business (Virtual)
• Intro to Small Business Video Production (In-Person or Virtual)

📅 June 12
• Workshop: Write an Effective Business Plan (In-Person or Virtual)

Learn new skills, explore innovative tools, and gain practical strategies to help your business thrive.

Register today:

Austin Economic Development Austin’s Economic Development Department Small Business Division is committed to providing opportunities and resources to small businesses to help them grow and prosper in a competitive business environment.