Future BOOST sessions are being developed. Email ECHO TXST to stay informed.
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.
STAY UP TO DATE ON UPCOMING BOOST SESSIONS
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.
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.
Elle Hall-Coleman
Money & Business Coach, CEO of Girlfriend's, Budget LLC
Gian C. Villarreal, PE, CPSWQ, CFM
Principal - Water Services of Seagull PME
Kalor Williams Sr
CDFA® Peaceful Resolutions, LLC
Page Michel
President & CEO of San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
Suzan Deison
CEO, President, & Founder of Greater Houston Women's Chamber of Commerce
Walter Pinckney
CEO of SuperiAir
Co-sponsored by the Texas State University Small Business Development Center