Embedded Files
Hold the Date - May 6th at the Hilton Post Oak! Buy your Early-Bird tickets today!
The SBA Awards Houston
May 6th, 2026 - 9:00am - 1:30 pm
Hilton Post Oak at the Galleria Houston
A celebration of Small Businesses in our Community
A celebration of Small Businesses in our Community
Networking &
Sponsor Booths
Networking &
Sponsor Booths
Meet our sponsors and network with key members of the Houston small business ecosystem.
This year we also have an inaugural Capital Connections Lounge (see below).
This year we also have an inaugural Capital Connections Lounge (see below).
Award Luncheon &
AI Keynote
Award Luncheon &
AI Keynote
Most importantly - celebrate the SBA Award winners and enjoy the exciting talks of our keynote speakers on AI in Houston.
Optional Workshops -
Houston Soccer Economy & AI
Optional Workshops -
Houston Soccer Economy & AI
We will have 2 workshops prior to the luncheon providing an introduction to the Soccer Economy with T.E.A.M. Houston and a session on how to leverage AI in your business!
This event celebrates the amazing contributions of
Small Businesses to the Houston Economy!
This event celebrates the amazing contributions of
Small Businesses to the Houston Economy!
Agenda:
09:00 - 09:45 SCORE Workshop with T.E.A.M. Houston: From Field to Fan: How AI is Transforming Soccer
09:30 - 10:45 Capital Connection Lounge
10:00 - 10:45 SCORE Workshop: Managing Your Business with AI
11:00 - 11:40 Registration, Networking and Sponsor Booths
11:40 - 1:30 SBA Awards Luncheon
Celebrate Our 2026 SBA Awards Winners!
Sarah Lieberman
Dandelion Cafe
Houston District Small
Business Person of the Year
Jason Burleson
Mammoth Lake Dive Academy
Houston District Rural
Small Business of the Year
Dr. Beata Lerman
Sinless Treats Chocolate
Houston District Small Business Manufacturer of the Year
Nicole Shah, Jen McDonald, Jill Oliver
Garden Girls
Houston District Blue-Collar
Small Business of the Year
Heather Lambert
Clearhope Counseling & Wellness Center
Houston District Woman Owned Small Business of the Year
Bryant Coronado
Maps Flowers
Houston District Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year
Marie and Justin Bock
Ryan’s Smokehouse
Houston District Family-Owned Small Business of the Year
Bryton Praslicka
FluxWorks
Houston District Innovation (SBIR/STTR) Recipient of the Year
Houston City College
Entrepreneurial Initiatives
Houston District Small Business Community Partner of the Year
Panel AI in Business
Panel AI in Business
Our Panel AI in Business will be a particular highlight for the event. We have a fantastic panel with deep expertise in AI. We will cover:
Houstons overall economic development and participation in the AI economy - Colin with his deep background on the Houston economy will provide this intro and also moderate the session
How small AI startups support local industries like Healthcare, Space Exploration or Energy - Fernando will highlight how his company supports NASA's mission
How small entrepreneurs can leverage AI to increase efficiency and effectiveness to stay competitive - Mick is working with small companies day-in and day-out to get them ready for the AI transformation
How mid- and large enterprises invest into AI to gain competitive advantages - Amod is working daily with large companies to make sure they are not missing the rapidly moving AI train
How entrepreneurs can proactively pursue business opportunities in building out AI infrastructure - AI is not only a software but also a "hardware" opportunity, Jean will discuss how well established companies can support the AI buildout
Do not miss this incredible discussion!
Colin Baker
Manager of Economic Research
Greater Houston Partnership
Dr. Fernando
De La Peña Llaca
President and Chief Executive Officer Aexa
Amod Bavare
Partner/Principal at Deloitte Consulting
Leader - Gen AI based Scaled Engineering Practice
Jean Austin
CEO and Managing Partner
Austin Business Strategies
Micky Rudskyi
Founder and CEO
Bridigital Group
Workshops Add-Ons
9:00 - 9:45
9:00 - 9:45
From Field to Fan: How AI is Transforming Soccer — and What It Means for Houston (Soccer) Business Opportunities in 2026 and Beyond.
From Field to Fan: How AI is Transforming Soccer — and What It Means for Houston (Soccer) Business Opportunities in 2026 and Beyond.
The session will position Houston within both the U.S. and global soccer economy, while showcasing how artificial intelligence is reshaping the sport end-to-end - from player development and training, coaching and game intelligence, and stadium operations, to fan engagement, media/content creation, and commercialization.
10:00 - 10:45
Managing Your Business with AI
10:00 - 10:45
Managing Your Business with AI
Running a small business in Houston means wearing many hats—but you don’t have to wear them all at once. Join us for a high-impact, practical session designed specifically for the busy entrepreneur who wants to reclaim their time.
In this workshop, we move past the hype and dive straight into "Quick Wins"—low-cost, easy-to-implement AI tools that automate tedious tasks, sharpen your marketing, and streamline customer service. Whether you’re a solo founder or a growing team, you’ll walk away with a personalized AI toolkit ready to boost your efficiency from day one. Let’s put AI to work so you can focus on what you do best.
Capital Connections Lounge
9:30 - 10:45am
Build direct relationships with banks and other funding agencies to learn the industries they typically lend to and tips on how to use AI to prepare for lending opportunities. Also, engage directly with key leadership, including Thomas Kim (newly appointed Executive Director of SCORE National) and Winston Labbé (SBA Deputy District Director) among others.
Access is free for all Awards Luncheon ticket holders.
Agenda:
09:30 - 10:00 Networking / Lender Match
10:00 - 10:30 Houston Small Business Ecosystem Talks
Mark Winchester - SBA Director Houston
Winston Labbe - SBA Lead Lender Relations
Jada Harris - SCORE Chapter President
Thomas Kim - SCORE Executive Director
Jha Allen - AI Business Specialist
10:30 - 10:45 Q&A / Networking
If you are interested in being represented in the Capital Connections Lounge and are not a SCORE sponsor, please send us an EMail by clicking on the "Interested in Sponsoring Details? Contact Us" button below.
Master of Ceremonies
Master of Ceremonies
Traci Pelter
Traci Pelter
Market President & Publisher
Houston Business Journal
Market President & Publisher
Houston Business Journal
The Venue
The Venue
Hilton Post Oak
Hilton Post Oak
This year the event will be held in the Hilton Post Oak -
the perfect location for our celebration.
This year the event will be held in the Hilton Post Oak -
the perfect location for our celebration.
Let us know if you'll be attending this amazing event in celebration of Houston Small Business Entrepreneurs!
Let us know if you'll be attending this amazing event in celebration of Houston Small Business Entrepreneurs!
Table for 10
10 Luncheon Tickets assigned to one table
$1200
Promo Code: TABLE10
Exhibit Booth
Booth in official
Exhibit Area
$850
Promo Code: EXHIBIT
Premier Pass -
Exclusive Networking Space (incl. 2 tickets)
$500
Promo Code: PREMIERPASS
Page updated
Report abuse