Lamar University Small Business Development Center

Have You Registered Yet?

There's just one week left until the SBA Programs and Resources Workshop comes to Beaumont.

Whether you're launching a business, expanding an existing one, or looking for new funding and growth opportunities, this free workshop will connect you with valuable SBA programs and local resource partners.

Tuesday, July 28
9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Dade Phelan Building, Room 113

Reserve your spot today: https://SBABeaumont.eventbrite.com

The Lamar University SBDC was proud to welcome local students to campus as part of Lead43's leadership initiatives.

A special thank you to Lead43, founded by Beaumont Mayor Roy West, for their commitment to developing the next generation of leaders through education, mentorship, service, and civic engagement. It was a pleasure to host such an engaged group of future leaders.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our campus and community partners who helped make the day possible:
• Lead43
• Lamar University Office of Strategic Initiatives
• Lamar University Venture Center
• Education First FCU
• Lamar University Career & Professional Development
• Lamar University President, Jaime Taylor, Office of the President

Through presentations, campus tours, and conversations with local leaders and professionals, students had the opportunity to explore leadership, career pathways, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and higher education.

Thank you to everyone who invested their time and expertise to inspire these students. We are grateful for the opportunity to work together to support the future of our community.

***New Date Announced: SBA Programs and Resources Workshop***

The SBA Programs and Resources Workshop has been rescheduled for Tuesday, July 28.

This free workshop is designed to connect small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders with the tools, resources, and opportunities available through the U.S. Small Business Administration and its resource partners.

Tuesday, July 28
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Dade Phelan Building, Room 113
5091 Rolfe Christopher Drive, Beaumont, TX 77705

Register here: https://SBABeaumont.eventbrite.com

We appreciate everyone's flexibility and look forward to seeing you on the new date.

Due to the predicted weather conditions, campus will be closed beginning at 12:00pm on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 through Thursday, June 18, 2026.

We will announce a rescheduled date as soon as we have one.

Stay safe during this weather!

****POSTPONED****

One week left to register!

Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and community partners are invited to join the SBA Programs and Resources Workshop in Beaumont on June 18.

This free session will cover SBA loan programs, business counseling and technical assistance, federal certification opportunities, access to capital, and resources designed to help businesses start, grow, and succeed. You'll also have the opportunity to connect with local resource partners and fellow business leaders.

Date: June 18
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
Location: Dade Phelan Building, Room 113

Register here: https://SBABeaumont.eventbrite.com

If you're looking for resources to help take your business to the next level, we hope you'll join us.

What do you do when the Lamar University SBDC team heads to Houston for our biannual regional meeting?

Attend the Astros game, of course! ⚾

After wrapping up the first day of meetings, we enjoyed a night at the ballpark before heading back for day two. A little baseball and team time made for a great evening.

Today, SBDC Business Advisor Mark Speirs was proud to attend the grand opening of Stanley’s Outdoor Equipment in Groves.

After spending more than 30 years building his lawn care business, Chad Stanley saw a need when the area's longtime outdoor equipment dealer closed its doors. Rather than let that gap remain, he took the leap and opened Stanley's Outdoor Equipment, providing small engine repair, parts, and equipment sales to serve homeowners, businesses, schools, and municipalities across Southeast Texas.

The Lamar University SBDC was proud to work alongside Chad throughout the process, helping him navigate financing options and connect with resources to turn his vision into reality. Seeing entrepreneurs take the next step and invest in their communities is what it's all about.

A special thank you to the Groves Chamber of Commerce & Tourist Center for hosting today's ribbon cutting and helping welcome another local business to the community.

Congratulations to Chad on today's grand opening. We look forward to watching Stanley's Outdoor Equipment continue to grow and thrive.

Check out Chad's article in PANews here: https://panews.com/2026/06/02/local-entrepreneur-opens-areas-only-outdoor-equipment-repair-shop/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSNdcpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeyEfZWZp4gP7e2Q6DM_D8G3i15NyhYT3ZErpYRCu47VxdF_hUdOmAbKvBKWk_aem_sTe8160VsPEVAvoPPxNvWw

Books, tea, and a little bit of dark, cozy magic… welcome to your new favorite spot in Nederland 📚☕✨

We’re proud to celebrate the grand opening of Odditeas Bookshoppe, owned by our SBDC client Kayzel Belgica, who brought a longtime dream to life with a beautifully gothic, storybook twist.

Cross the threshold into a realm of curated shelves, warm tea, and tales of far-off places, with a quiet sense of magic in every corner. A place for gathering and shared stories, where local authors are showcased, neighbors meet, and a little wonder is always close by. From unique finds to DnD campaigns that come to life at the table, each one easy to get lost in, every visit feels like stepping into something unforgettable.

It’s the kind of place you’ll keep coming back to, again and again.

Nederland just got a whole lot more enchanting!!

Congratulations to Kayzel, who poured so much into bringing this vision to life. We’re glad the SBDC could support her along the way and will continue to be a resource as she grows.

Have a tale of your own? See how the SBDC can help bring it to life. Register here: https://sbdc.uhbauer.org/reg.aspx?mode=counsel¢er=71080&subloc=0

Big wins at the nClouds/AWS AI Pitch Deck Competition hosted by the Lamar University SBDC!

🏆 1st Place ($50,000): Luxury First Travel, LLC, led by Chuck Guilhas, for an AI-powered travel planning solution. Even more exciting, Chuck is partnering with former Shark Tank winner Cameron Cruse and The Refinery.Studio for marketing support.

🥈 2nd Place ($35,000 in services): Adam Loucks and Muntasir Hossain of SatLink AI for their Port Communication solution.

🥉 3rd Place ($25,000): Shahadat Hossain, Md Asfaqur Rahman, and Md Masum Billah of Red Elephant for their construction estimating solution.

Congratulations to these outstanding teams!

A big thank you to our judges Jonas Bull (nClouds), Kyle Scott (Lamar University Venture Center), and Mike Soniat (mJobTime)!

The Lamar University Small Business Development Center will be closed March 11–13 for Lamar University’s Spring Break. Our team will be back in the office Monday and ready to help you move your business forward.

Ready to get started while we’re away? Go ahead and complete your registration here:
https://sbdc.uhbauer.org/reg.aspx?mode=counsel¢er=71080&subloc=0

We can’t wait to connect and help you start, grow, and strengthen your business.