Austin Economic Development

06/10/2026

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

06/09/2026

🎉 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. 🌟

06/09/2026

06/05/2026

🚀 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’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.

06/03/2026

Austin is for everyone. 🏳️‍🌈 is formally celebrated in June and August around here, and we love it that way. This and always, we honor the rich LGBTQIA+ culture and history of our community.

🥳 Join us at Austin Public Library activities and events all month long: bit.ly/3V2AgVj

📸: JType Photography

06/03/2026

📢 We're hiring! Join our team as a Program Manager II – Business Incentives & Expansion and help drive investment, business growth, and job creation in Austin. Apply by June 18!

🔗: https://bit.ly/4uOXUp3

06/01/2026

Save the Date!

We are partnering with Austin Small and Minority Business Resources and Austin Financial Services to bring you the City of Austin's 4th Annual Small Business Connections Conference.

This year's theme, Small Business Strong, celebrates the resilience, creativity and economic impact of Austin's small businesses, from neighborhood storefronts to home-based startups.

Whether you're an established owner, an aspiring entrepreneur or somewhere in between, you'll connect with the people, programs and tools you need to grow and thrive.

📅Wednesday, Aug. 19
⏰ 8 a.m.–2:30 p.m.
📍Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road
🅿️ Validated parking

No cost and open to the public.

Register now: https://bit.ly/AED_CC26

06/01/2026

Join us for a virtual session!💻

Worker Status Made Simple: Employee or Independent Contractor

Knowing if a worker is an employee or an independent contractor is key to staying compliant and avoiding expensive errors. In this quick and focused session, you’ll get clear answers about what sets each role apart and what tax duties come with them.

📅Friday, July 17
⏰9:30 - 11:30 a.m.
⛓️‍💥Registration: https://bit.ly/4uI1yRg

05/27/2026

🎓 Celebrating the next generation of leaders!

The Austin Youth Council honored 18 graduating seniors as they received their cords and certificates of service alongside proud family members and supporters.

Mayor Watson and Council Member Duchen shared inspiring keynote remarks, while five seniors reflected on their experiences, growth, and impact through the program. ✨

We’re excited to welcome the 2026–2027 Youth Council class this August — 90 students representing 32 different high schools across Austin!

Congratulations to our graduates and future leaders! 💙

05/26/2026

🤘 Austin showed up at the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference.

Austin Economic Development was proud to join Downtown Austin Alliance in showcasing the projects, partnerships, and momentum driving Austin forward. Throughout the week, we connected with developers, brokers, retailers, and industry leaders from across the country to highlight why Austin continues to be a top destination for investment and opportunity.

And of course, we brought a little Austin hospitality and flavor with us too. 🌶️🤠

City of Austin Government