America's SBDC at Texas Tech University

06/16/2026

SBA Launches Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge in Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary

Email from Texas Tech University SBDC @ Abilene       SBA Launches Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge in Celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary     SBA Launches Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge in

06/11/2026

Small Business Tip of the Week: Monitor Trends

The business landscape is constantly changing. Customer expectations shift, new technologies emerge, and competitors adjust their strategies. Successful businesses don't wait to react. They stay informed and plan ahead.

Regularly monitoring industry trends, competitor activity, and customer needs helps you make better strategic decisions and identify new opportunities for growth.

The businesses that stay informed today are the ones that are prepared for tomorrow.

Need help developing a strategy for your business? The Abilene SBDC is here to help.

05/22/2026

Memorial Day Office Closure Notice

05/22/2026

Registration is now OPEN for the upcoming Industry Day at Dyess AFB! Join us to connect, learn, and explore opportunities to engage with government and industry partners. Don’t miss this chance to network and gain valuable insight into upcoming opportunities.

Register today — space may be limited!

Register for Industry Day at Dyess
https://nwtapex.ecenterdirect.com/events/988

Register for the Booth Sign Up Form:
https://forms.office.com/r/TUm6LTZcKt

05/19/2026

Great news for small businesses looking to grow!

The SBA has increased the cumulative borrowing limit for SBA 7(a) and 504 loans from $5 million to $10 million.

That means eligible businesses may now have greater access to capital for:

✅ Expansion
✅ Equipment purchases
✅ Commercial real estate
✅ Working capital
✅ Strategic growth projects

If your business has been considering “what’s next,” this update could open new opportunities worth exploring.

Need help understanding SBA financing or preparing for lender conversations?

America’s SBDC at Texas Tech University - Abilene is here to help.

WASHINGTON – Today, Kelly Loeffler, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), announced a new rule that will allow eligible borrowers to combine their 7(a) and 504 loans for up to $10 million in SBA-backed financing, increasing the cumulative loan limit from its current $5 mil...

05/14/2026

The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched the Freedom 250 Patriot Pitch Competition, featuring a $1 million cash prize pool for eligible small businesses.

Could your business be ready for the national stage?

✅ Cash prizes
✅ National exposure
✅ Investor connections
✅ Live pitch opportunity in Washington, D.C.

🗓 Applications close June 10, 2026

Need help preparing? America’s SBDC at Texas Tech University – Abilene is here to help.

Apply here:
SBA Patriot Pitch Competition

05/14/2026

At America's SBDC at Texas Tech University – Abilene, we work with entrepreneurs, startups, and established business owners every day, and one thing remains true:

One of the most expensive phrases in business is…

“I didn’t know.”

Especially when it comes to workplace safety, compliance, and protecting your team.

That is why we encourage business owners, managers, supervisors, and team leaders to join us for our upcoming OSHA training presented in partnership with the Texas Department of Insurance.

Whether you have one employee, fifty, or you are preparing to hire your first, understanding what you may not know can make all the difference in protecting your people, your operations, and your business.

Check out the event details below and register today.

Know someone who could benefit? Tag them in the comments or share this post.

Sometimes the best investment in your business costs nothing but your time.

05/12/2026

During National Small Business Week, America’s SBDC at Texas Tech University – Abilene was honored to partner with Google and Dyess Air Force Base on May 8 to deliver AI training for military spouses, veterans, and aspiring entrepreneurs exploring how artificial intelligence can support business growth, efficiency, and innovation.

It was inspiring to spend time with individuals who continue to invest in themselves, their families, and their future through entrepreneurship.

As a follow-on to National Small Business Week, Google has announced additional AI learning opportunities for U.S. small businesses, including access to the Google AI Professional Certificate and related AI learning resources designed to help business owners build practical, real-world AI skills.

If you are curious about how AI may support your business journey, now is a great time to continue learning: grow.google/smb

Thank you to our partners, our military community, and the entrepreneurs who showed up ready to grow.

01/27/2026