Business Owners Online Support and Training (BOOST)

What is BOOST?

Small businesses account for 99.8% of all TX businesses and have a direct impact on the economy of their communities. BOOST is a limited virtual series developed for TX small business leaders and others who are interested in these businesses' ability to grow and contribute to a resilient economy.

BOOST graphic with two women standing in front of their shop.

BOOST SERIES SESSIONS AND DATES

Thank you to all who have participated in our BOOST program. If you're interested in upcoming BOOST sessions, please email us at echo_txst@txstate.edu.


PAST BOOST SESSIONS

Session 3: Crisis Communications

Session Date: May 16, 2024

About the Session: How to control your message when internal and external crises happen.

About the Guests: Dr. Stephanie Dailey is a consultant who applies communication, management, and psychology to help industries enhance their work. She is an Associate Professor at the Department of Communication Studies where she teaches organizational communication, empirical research methods, consulting, and social media in organizations.

Paul Villagran served as an Air Force Public Affairs officer, having worked with national and international media. Villagran is the founder of PR GO, a non-profit, student-run public relations agency that provides strategic communication counsel to local small businesses. He is currently an Assistant Professor of Practice at the School of Journalism and Mass Communication.


Session 2: Basics of Strategic Marketing

Session Date: April 18, 2024

About the Session: How to use your marketing dollars more effectively to increase the health of your business.

About the Guest: Dr. Clay Craig is a Professor of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. His numerous publications focus on representation, pedagogy, message strategy, and branding.


Session 1: University Resources for Small Businesses

Session Date: March 21, 2024 

About the Session: Resources available from the University (e.g., internships, recruitment, Small Business Development Center).

About the Guests: Dr. Peg Richmond is a lecturer at the Department of Management of the McCoy College of Business, where she focuses on strategic management, consulting, and business plan development. She was formerly the Associate Director and Advisor of the TXST Small Business Development Center (SBDC), where she consulted with small business owners and entrepreneurs.

Joe Harper is the Executive Director of the Texas State Small Business Development Center (SBDC) with over two decades of entrepreneurial experience. Joe's extensive business consulting expertise equips him with a comprehensive understanding of entrepreneurship, business planning, marketing strategies, market research, and financial management. 


ABOUT THE HOST

Joshua J. Daspit, Ph.D.

Joshua J. Daspit, Ph.D. studies entrepreneurship in family businesses, minority businesses, and small and medium-sized business enterprises. 

Dr. Daspit is an Associate Professor of Management, the Dean Paul R. Gowens Excellence Professor in Business, a Faculty Fellow at the Translational Health Research Center, and the Director of SCALEUP, a program of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship that investigates challenges and solutions for minority- and small-business growth in Texas and beyond.

Dr. Josh Daspit, Host of BOOST

BENEFITS OF BOOST

BOOST offers resources and strategies, and a network of industry experts, researchers, and like-minded individuals to foster healthy and resilient small businesses and, as a result, healthy and resilient communities.

Access New Resources

Attend all three sessions to acquire a variety of services and tools that support small business success.

Expand Your Network

Join a network of business leaders from across the state with similar experiences and challenges.

Learn Through Collaboration

Engage with business leaders and other experts to discuss current trends and strategies focused on business growth.

BOOST AMBASSADORS

Thank you to our BOOST Ambassadors for their program development and promotion support.

Headshot of Elle Hall-Coleman

Elle Hall-Coleman

Money & Business Coach, CEO of Girlfriend's, Budget LLC
Headshot of Gian Villarreal

Gian C. Villarreal, PE, CPSWQ, CFM 

Principal - Water Services of Seagull PME
Headshot of Kalor Williams Sr

Kalor Williams Sr

CDFA® Peaceful Resolutions, LLC
Headshot of Page Michel

Page Michel

President & CEO of San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
Headshot of Suzan Deison

Suzan Deison

CEO, President, & Founder of Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce
Headshot of Walter Pinckney

Walter Pinckney

CEO of SuperiAir

America's Texas State University Small Business Development Center Logo

Co-sponsored by the Texas State University Small Business Development Center