Biz Tech Summit - Economic Growth Business Incubator

We’ll guide you through bridging technology gaps, optimizing your business with digital tools, and mastering essential skills for success. All workshops will be facilitated to groups in English and in Spanish.

The Small Business Tech Summit has four main goals:

Education – Teach aspiring and existing small business owners and military families about new technologies and practical strategies to improve operations.
Networking – Connect business owners, tech providers, and partners for collaboration and growth.
Resources – Provide access to tools, solutions, and opportunities tailored for upskilling and reskilling needs.
Inspiration – Share success stories and trends to motivate and prepare businesses for the future.

Through a combination of workshops and 1-on-1 support, we will provide small business owners, military spouses and the military community insights and technical assistance to optimize their day-to-day business operations the assistance they need such as Google My Business, Branding, Canva, tech data, Microsoft Software, marketing and accounting software, online platforms, and Artificial Intelligence.

This event is made possible by our partnership with the Military Families Center at ACC. Military Families Center at ACC is committed to supporting service members and their families by giving them a place to connect, co-work, access resources, and build community Military families can connect to a broad network of resources, and engage with key partners and community organizations. Get connected to events and other exciting local opportunities. Network and build a foundation for their family in Central Texas. The Military Families Center is 4,000 square feet of space for military families to meet, network, co-work, and find support.

Reserve your spot today!

WHEN: October 24th, 2025 from 9 am to 4 pm.

WHERE: Austin Community College – Riverside Campus, 1020 Grove Blvd, Austin, TX 78741

A light lunch will be provided to attendees.

**It is highly recommended that you bring your laptop**.

Come early to hear from our Keynote Speaker:

Ruben Cantu

Systems Catalyst & Thought Leader for Impact via Tech/AI/Social Innovation

Rubén Cantú is a heart-centered social entrepreneur, educator, and AI leader who fosters peace through understanding and love. He believes that compassionate leadership is essential in the fast-moving world of AI. He empowers underserved communities and has been recognized with honors like the Presidential Volunteer Community Service Award from the Biden Administration (2024).

Speakers:

Todos los talleres se impartirán en inlés y en español o contarán con interpretación simultánea.

Linda Smarzik - ACC - Digital Fluency & Innovation

ACC - Digital Fluency & Innovation

As Dean of Digital Fluency & Innovation, Linda is a committed advocate for digital equity and inclusion. Under her leadership, the division offers 16 microcredentials specializing in digital workforce competencies essential for the workplace of today. Previously, Linda served as the Dean of Computer Science and Information Technology, (CSIT) where she spearheaded groundbreaking initiatives funded by several federal grants, including ACC’s Competency Based Education/Accelerated Programmer Training program, the Texas is IT Apprenticeship program, and Women in IT. In 2020, Linda led the successful initiative for CSIT’s first Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Software Development, and more recently, a second BAS in Cybersecurity. The projects she has led have earned multiple awards, including the Innovation of the Year from the League for Innovation, Administrator of the Year, the John and Suanne Roueche Award, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board’s STAR Award, and an Adjunct Faculty Award of Excellence. Previous to ACC, Linda was Vice President and Creative Director of a marketing firm and has authored “The Mind of Thuse,” which explores the dynamics of flow.

José Antonio Salas - DELL Technologies

Microsoft Tools for Productivity

José Antonio Salas is an IT Infrastructure Field Product Marketing Manager at Dell Technologies. His focus as IT FPM Lead is spearheading enterprise clients’ sales strategies and customer satisfaction initiatives. His team’s efforts have translated into consistent sales growth and enhanced client relations, with a keen eye on market trends to drive product innovation.

Hector Muniz - Economic Growth Business Incubator

Increase Your Sales with Google Tools

Hector is a business coach at EGBI, where he assists entrepreneurs one-on-one with financial and business growth topics. He graduated with a degree in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin and worked as a financial advisor at UBS, focusing on sales and enhancing the client experience. Additionally, he was an ESL instructor, teaching basic computing in a bilingual setting. He has a strong passion for financial guidance, sales, and teaching.

Ericka Barnes - Black Makers Market

Instagram Hacks for a One-Woman Show. How to leverage your Instagram to grow your small business.

Ericka Barnes is a multifaceted entrepreneur, festival founder, and creative community builder. She founded the Black Makers Market, Dope Creatives web design agency, and Dope Creatives Market. As the instructor behind Dope Crochet, she shares her fiber art expertise with fellow makers. With years of experience in tech and e-commerce, along with strong project management skills, Ericka is passionate about cultivating spaces where creatives and businesses can connect and grow.

More speakers coming soon!