As we kick off Salute to Small Business Week, we’re reflecting on what makes our community—and our state—such a fertile ground for business success.
Did you know Texas has once again earned the #1 spot on Chief Executive’s 2025 Best & Worst States for Business list? Read the full ranking here.
It’s no surprise that Texas is again recognized at the top of the list as the number one place for businesses of any size or kind—it’s proof the 'Texas Miracle' is alive and well. Texas’s economic performance continues to outpace the balance of the nation, due in large part to its low regulatory burden and its commitment to reducing the restrictions that make it more difficult to be successful in other states.
In fact, since 2010, employment in Texas has grown by 39%, outpacing the national rate of 23%.
And here in Abilene and the Big Country, that pro-business, pro-growth mindset runs deep. Whether it’s access to capital, mentorship, or tailored management assistance, aspiring business owners here have an ecosystem designed to help them succeed.
Thinking Ahead: A New Tool for Small Businesses
In our ongoing efforts to support the local small business community, the Abilene Chamber and the Abilene Regional Growth Alliance are exploring a new partnership with SizeUp—a platform designed to give small businesses valuable, data-driven insights.
SizeUp can help businesses:
Benchmark performance against industry peers
Locate potential customers, suppliers, and competitors
Make smarter decisions about advertising and marketing spend
But before we move forward, we want your feedback.
Would a free tool like this be useful to you? How are you currently gathering market information and identifying growth opportunities?
We’re inviting you to take a quick, 5-question survey to help us gauge interest in this potential new resource. Your input will help shape the future of how we support small businesses like yours.
Let us know what tools would help your business grow. After all, this week—and every week—is about supporting the small businesses that support Abilene.
Onward!