Mapping Houston's Ecosystem
2025-11-21 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Ion – Conference Room 027, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002
Facilitated by Wade Pinder, Ion’s Mentor in Residence Houston’s startup and innovation ecosystem is as vast and dynamic as the city itself, full of opportunities, resources, and talent. Yet, navigating it can be challenging—especially for those unfamiliar with its many parts. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, investor, educator, student, community leader or curious professional, this session will offer valuable insights into how Houston’s innovation ecosystem works and how you can find your place within it. Discover the Houston Ecosystem’s FlowFacilitated by Wade Pinder, the Ion’s Mentor in Residence, this session will help participants map out the journey needed to take an idea from concept to a mature company. Wade brings years of experience in product management, community building, and mentoring entrepreneurs to the table, offering a thoughtful and informed perspective to guide this exploration. The heart of the session lies in exploring a dynamic mind map that Wade has created and continues to refine—an ever-evolving, community-driven tool that grows alongside Houston’s innovation ecosystem. Attendees will not only learn about the ecosystem’s flow but also have the opportunity to contribute to it by identifying gaps, sharing knowledge, and adding their insights. This session will center on the stages of a company’s growth journey, exploring the essential elements that drive it forward. Participants will examine the role of financial capital, from early fundraising efforts to securing the resources needed for scaling, and how these milestones align with a company’s progression. The discussion will also delve into the human element of growing a business, highlighting the evolving talent and expertise required to navigate the entrepreneurial journey. Additionally, we’ll explore the importance of “social capital”—the networks, support systems, and relationships that play a critical role in moving ideas to market and sustaining long-term growth. Ion’s VisionHelping the community better understand the local ecosystem reflects the Ion’s commitment “to being the home for Houston’s innovation community.” By fostering connections, creating opportunities, and sharing perspectives, the Ion is building a transformative culture that strengthens Houston’s economic resiliency and celebrates the entrepreneurial journey. From forming an initial entrepreneurial idea to the prototyping phase to scaling a business, this Houston Ecosystem Mapping session aligns with the Ion’s goals to support innovation, attract talent, and build a vibrant ecosystem. Who Should Attend?This session is ideal for:
Entrepreneurs looking to understand greater Houston’s landscape.Professionals and students wanting to connect with the innovation entrepreneurship.Innovators who have recently moved to greater Houston and are looking to get “plugged in” to the local ecosystem.
Event Details📅 Date: Friday, November 21, 2025 ⏰ Time: 10:00am📍 Location: The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX Register today for this chance to explore Houston’s ecosystem, uncover its flow, and help shape its future.

Houston Linux User Group
2025-11-26 18:00 - 20:00 | Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Are you interested or already invested in the Linux Operating System? Join us at the Houston Linux User Group, one of the oldest user groups involved with the Linux Operating System. We discuss new trends in operating system usage, software development, and current technological trends, as well as provide one-on-one training or class-based instruction. Learn about how to get more out of your computer or how to leverage any of the Linux-based computational platforms. All are welcome to attend, regardless of whether you’re a seasoned Linux professional intent on networking or a new Linux user struggling with installation or the command line. This monthly meeting includes all of the standard Houston Linux User Group meeting activities, which include meet-and-greet, presentations of personal projects, multi-meeting classes, as well as organizational and coordinating announcements. This event will be held at the Ion in the lower level of the building. The Ion is part of a tech district in Houston called the Ion District. For more information, click here. You can find directions to the Ion District Garage and the Red Parking Lot here. After you park, walk into the Ion, and ask the security guard to point you to Conference 029 – 030. You’ll find us there!

Angel Investing 202 Webinar - Instruments and Valuations
2025-12-02 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Event
Introduction to investment instruments and company valuations

Covers valuation across rounds (including typical cap tables), investment instruments (and term-sheet terms), and tax considerations.

Please Note: Registration closes at 5 pm on the day prior to the webinar start time. Email associate@swanimpact.org with questions.
Update on 4/25/2025: To help ensure accurate attendance and continue providing a high-quality experience for all guests, we’ve introduced a $25 ticket fee for registrations. This small fee helps us cover event costs and reduce no-shows.

Working Collaboratively to Understand and Address Student and Family Needs
2025-12-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Harris County Department of Education, 6300 Irvington Boulevard, Houston, TX 77022, Houston, TX, 77022, US
Experts will share existing research on student and family support needs and seek input from school districts and service providers.

Inadequate access to food, clothing, shelter, health care and other resources can hinder students’ academic success and overall well-being. To help address these needs, the Kinder Institute’s Houston Education Research Consortium is preparing an assessment to help identify common barriers to success students and families face. During this event, experts will share existing research and seek input from school districts, nonprofit organizations and stakeholders on what type of information would be useful for them to guide program development, decision-making and support.
Service providers will also be on site to answer questions about the programs they offer. If your organization has the capacity to partner with school districts and is interested in sharing information at a table, please let us know when registering and a staff member will be in touch.
PNC is the presenting sponsor of the Kinder Institute’s Education Research Engagement Series.

Angel Investing 203 Webinar - Unlocking the Power of Impact Investing
2025-12-04 14:00 - 15:00 | Online Event
A third class for those wanting to learn about impact angel investing.

SWAN Impact Assessment Deep Dive – Covers how SWAN assesses social or environmental impact. When you are making impact investments, you can apply the same rigor to assess the potential for impact returns as you do to assess the potential financial returns.

Please Note: Registration closes at 5 pm on the day prior to the webinar start time. Email associate@swanimpact.org with questions.
Update on 4/25/2025: To help ensure accurate attendance and continue providing a high-quality experience for all guests, we’ve introduced a $25 ticket fee for registrations. This small fee helps us cover event costs and reduce no-shows.

Steps for Starting a Small Business
2026-02-25 09:00 - 10:00 | Online Event
Spend an hour with the SBA

Thinking of starting a business? Wondering what is involved?
Learn the important steps to turn your passion into a business venture. In this session, we will take you through a step-by-step process of making your business legal in the state of Minnesota. Get the tools you’ll need in just one hour.
You will learn:

Free resources available to help you start a business
Define your startup cost
Making your business legal in Minnesota the easy and simple way
and more

Register today!
This event is virtual via MS TEAMS.
Questions? Email Maribel Mallet, maribel.mallet@sba.gov.
All SBA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Gulfton Small Business Resource Fair
2026-05-27 09:00 - 12:00 | BakerRipley Gulfton Sharpstown Campus, 6500 Rookin Street Room 124, Houston, TX 77074, Houston, TX, 77074, US
Join us for this event where we bring together a diverse array of organizations dedicated to supporting local businesses like yours!

Gulfton Small Business Resource Fair
Discover Your Path to Success!
Calling all small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Houston area!
The Gulfton Small Business Resource Fair is the perfect opportunity to learn about all the resources available for YOUR small business to succeed in 2026! Increase your knowledge, listen to experts, and get your questions answered. You will make the necessary contacts you need from small business agencies, financial institutions, and many more!
What to expect:
Resource Fair — Connect face-to-face with local organizations and programs offering real support for small business owners, including access to capital, legal resources, marketing support, financial coaching, and more!
Featured Workshop: Time Mastery for Business Developed by Wellness for Growth Foundation
Stop being busy and start being PRODUCTIVE! This powerful session uses the TIME Framework (Target, Implement, Manage, Eliminate) to help entrepreneurs:
– Prioritize high-impact tasks that actually move the needle
– Eliminate low-value work that drains your time and energy
– Implement practical tools like time blocking and AI to streamline your operations
– Build sustainable growth strategies that work WITH your lifestyle
This is not a passive seminar — you will walk away with actionable tools you can apply to your business immediately!

This is NOT a vendor registration link. It is only for attendance. Vendors are by invitation only.

Why Diversity is the Future of AI Development?
2026-05-28 05:30 - 06:30 | Online Event
Join Thousand Faces & Women in AI on 28 May to see why diversity is a founder’s top asset. Explore the DIVERSIFAIR mission.

How can we build a more inclusive tech ecosystem?
Join Thousand Faces and Women in AI for a one-hour session focused on the DIVERSIFAIR project, an EU-funded consortium initiative dedicated to fostering fairness and representation in the AI landscape.
At Thousand Faces, we know that women-led businesses are at the forefront of social and environmental innovation. To ensure these founders and leaders can continue to shape the future, it is essential that the tools of tomorrow – like AI – are developed with diverse voices at the table.
This session focuses on the human impact of the project. We will discuss why investing in diverse talent is a strategic choice for the future of tech and hear firsthand from women who have been part of the DIVERSIFAIR journey.
What to expect:

An overview of the DIVERSIFAIR project’s work in promoting fairness in technology.
Why inclusive representation is a key driver for sustainable innovation.
Testimonials from women in the community sharing their experiences and insights.
An open floor for discussion with our partners

Humans of Healthcare: Code Blue: Nursing Through Today's Healthcare Challenges
2026-06-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/code-blue-nursing-through-todays-healthcare-challenges-tickets-1987554881153?aff=oddtdtcreator
Humans of Healthcare: Houston Methodist Speaker Series at Ion
This quarterly speaker series, hosted by the Houston Methodist Center for Innovation, features a panel of healthcare experts sharing their insights, advice, and challenges shaping their careers. In this session focused on nursing, attendees will hear about today’s nursing landscape, the current healthcare industry’s expectations of nurses, and what various career paths are possible in the field of nursing. This panel will feature the following individuals:
Gail Vozzella, Chief Nurse ExecutiveTony DeDominico, Vice President of OperationsJoanne Muyco, Nurse ScientistJay Paul Budruz, Virtual ICU & Telenursing – Clinical Nursing Manager

Buying and Selling Businesses
2026-06-03 17:30 - 19:00 | Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join Lenny Saizan, owner of Murphy Business & Financial – Southwest Houston, Managing Director of Urban Capital Network, and creator of the Legacy Maximizer exit strategy, for a practical, real-world discussion on selling and buying businesses. Selling or acquiring a business is one of the most significant financial decisions most entrepreneurs will ever make, yet many owners and buyers go through the process for the first time without a clear roadmap. This session breaks down the transaction process from both sides of the table and highlights how thoughtful planning, proper valuation, and coordinated advice can materially impact outcomes. For business owners, the discussion centers on how to maximize enterprise value, prepare for a future exit, and align business decisions with personal wealth, tax, and legacy goals. For buyers, the session explores entrepreneurship through acquisition, including how buying an existing business can reduce risk, generate immediate cash flow, and serve as a growth strategy for current operators. Drawing on his experience as a business broker, investment advisor, and financial professional, Lenny connects the technical aspects of M&A with broader exit planning and wealth strategy considerations, helping attendees understand not just how transactions work, but how they fit into a bigger financial picture. Topics include:
Current market conditions and buyer demandWhen to prepare to sell or buyKey drivers of business valueHow businesses are valued in the real worldRecasting and normalizing financial statementsOverview of the sales and acquisition processThe role of advisors and the deal teamTax, insurance, and planning considerations before and after a transaction
This session is ideal for business owners considering a sale now or in the future, prospective buyers exploring acquisition, and professionals who support small business owners through growth and transition. Presenter
Lenny Saizan is the owner and lead broker of Murphy Business & Financial – Southwest Houston, where he advises business owners on exit planning, value maximization, and business sales, and supports buyers pursuing acquisitions and franchises. He is also the co-founder and Managing Director of Urban Capital Network, an investment firm focused on expanding access to private investment opportunities. Earlier in his career, Lenny spent two decades in engineering, automation, and oil and gas, leading teams across operational controls, financial controls, and audit. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Louisiana State University and an MBA from Tulane University. His credentials include Certified Mergers & Acquisition Professional, Six Sigma Green Belt, and Project Management Professional. In 2025, he was recognized as Deal Maker of The Year at Houston Dealmakers conference.

Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
2026-06-05 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-12 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-19 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
What is the purpose of Cup of Joey? It is to create a connected culture of coffee shop-open networking across our region. Every Friday morning, you’ll have the opportunity to meet new and expand your current networks, talk about tech, inspire innovation, and create community. So, what is the difference between a cup of joe and a Cup of Joe-Y? It is the WHY. It’s not what you do. It is why you do it! At the Ion, these are questions that we want to explore with the tech and innovation community. So, show up, be friendly, and make new connections. Know your why, and we will get to the future together. The future is only a cup away. Register Here: https://www.cupofjoey.org/

Rice Tech Transfer Office Hours
2026-06-05 10:00 - 11:30, 2026-06-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Have an idea, startup, or company looking for innovative technology? Meet with the Rice University Office of Technology Transfer during office hours at The Ion to explore how university research can power your next breakthrough. Our team works with startups, entrepreneurs, and established companies to help commercialize cutting-edge technologies developed at Rice. During these office hours, you can: Discover Available Technologies – Learn about Rice innovations available for licensing across fields like health, energy, engineering, and forward.Explore Collaboration Opportunities – Discuss potential partnerships with Rice researchers and ways to turn research into real-world products. Whether you’re building a startup, scouting new technology, or exploring research partnerships, stop by and connect with our team. Come with a question, leave with a path to commercialization. Stay connected and hear about new technologies available for licensing: https://mailchi.mp/rice/new-email-signup-page

NASA Office Hours
2026-06-05 10:00 - 12:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
NASA is bringing its expertise to Houston’s innovation hub! Every other Friday, join us for NASA’s office hours, designed to bridge the gap between Houston’s innovators, entrepreneurs, and startups with NASA’s elite experts, capabilities, and technology.
License the Future: Discover how to utilize NASA-developed technologies and intellectual property for your own Center.Build the Sector: Help us grow Houston’s commercial space

Startup Circle Houston 💫
2026-06-05 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-06-12 10:30 - 11:30 | Ion – Lobby, 4201 Main St., Houston, 77002, United States
Startup Circle Houston 💫 brings together founders, teammates, experts and newbies of startups in Greater Houston! Past topics include: Traction + Funding Stage Identification – What stage are you really at?ICP – Seeking your beachhead marketProblem Identification – Love the problem, not the solutionBootstrapping – Knowing your runway and not putting money on fire. 🔥Founder capacity, 10xing and recruiting for your weaknesses. 🚀
LinkedIn Group: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/16537030/

Dueño de un restaurant? Como es su estrategia de Marketing?
2026-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 | Cámara de Empresarios Latinos de Houston, 7324 Southwest Freeway training room, Houston, TX 77036, Houston, TX, 77036, US
Descubre estrategias top para lucirte con tu marca durante el Mundial FIFA 2026, ¡en vivo y a todo estilo!

Eres dueño de un restaurante? Tienes una estrategia de Marketing?
Debes atender a este workshop donde te ayudara a mejorar tu plan de marketing para tu negocio.
Presentadora: Isabel Zetina
Iktika Media

How to Start a Nonprofit Webinar
2026-06-09 11:00 - 12:00 | Online Event
Learn the essential steps to start your nonprofit. Join our monthly Tuesday webinar and get clear guidance on launching successfully.

Join Our Monthly Live Webinar!
Are you considering starting a nonprofit? Join our weekly online session hosted by the Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH) to learn the essential steps to launch and operate a successful organization. This webinar is designed to provide clear guidance on the process, helping you move forward with confidence.
During this session, you will learn:

Key steps to legally establish a nonprofit organization
How to conduct a feasibility study and define your mission
Differences between nonprofit and for-profit operations
Requirements for IRS Form 1023 and tax-exempt status
Best practices for building a strong organizational foundation

Who Should Attend:

Individuals exploring the idea of starting a nonprofit
Community leaders and volunteers ready to take action
Anyone seeking clarity on nonprofit requirements and processes

Hosted by ESCH, a trusted nonprofit consulting organization with years of experience supporting Houston-area nonprofits, this webinar is your first step toward creating meaningful impact in your community.

Greentown Labs GoMake 2026 Kickoff: Catalyst x Energy Tech Innovations with Shell & Technip Energies
2026-06-09 17:30 - 20:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://luma.com/vztjrgma ​Join us at The Ion to kick off Go Make 2026, an open-innovation program with Shell Catalysts & Technologies (Shell) and Technip Energies focused on catalytic solutions for industrial decarbonization and the energy transition! ​Why catalysis? Because these processes—the foundation of industrial chemistry—are largely fossil-based and energy-intensive, making catalysts a critical lever for reducing emissions and enabling more efficient, low-carbon production. ​Catalyst x Energy Tech Innovations will feature leaders from Shell and Technip Energies, pitches from the Go Make 2026 startup cohort (to be announced soon!), and networking with this select group of startups developing breakthrough catalytic technologies across the energy and chemical industries. ​Following the speaking program, please join us for networking, drinks, and food with Houston’s bright carbontech, energytech, and climatetech ecosystems.

Desayuno Empresarial Junio 2026 -Jovenes Empresarios
2026-06-10 08:30 - 10:30 | VIP By La Fontaine Reception Hall, 7758 West Tidwell Road, Houston, TX 77040, Houston, TX, 77040, US
Un Cafecito con Jovenes Empresarios

¡Únete al Desayuno Empresarial Junio 2026!
Apoyemos a los Jóvenes Empresarios con sus Negocios!!

Ven a disfrutar de una mañana increíble en persona, perfecta para conectar con Jóvenes profesionales, compartirles ideas y empezar el día con energía positiva.
Panel de Jóvenes Empresarios – Moderado por Melany Mendoza
Desayuno Empresarial
Un Cafecito con Jóvenes Empresarios
Empresarios conozcamos a nuestros emprendedores jóvenes
Panel de Jóvenes Emprendedores , sus testimonios, sus historias, su legado y su futuro como empresarios

Upstream: Digital Tech Meetup at Second Draught
2026-06-11 17:30 - 20:00 | Second Draught, 4201 Main St. Suite 130, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://luma.com/timbergrove Upstream: Digital Tech Meetup – Monthly Social 🍻 No stage. No slides. No panels. Just upstream operators, engineers, founders, and digital leaders getting together over beer and pizza. This is the informal side of the Upstream Digital Tech community. A casual, vendor-light happy hour for people navigating digital change in oil and gas and wanting real conversations. It’s not a presentation. It’s not a pitch are.Bring a

How Shareable Short-Form Videos Build Trust and Sales
2026-06-12 08:30 - 10:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-shareable-short-form-videos-build-trust-and-sales-tickets-1988916158771 How to create shareable videos that build trust, connect with the right audience and help turn attention into real business results! Creating short-form video can feel overwhelming, especially when every platform seems to reward something different. In this practical session, Britney Crosson of Fun Love Media will break down how to create shareable videos that build trust, connect with the right audience, and help turn attention into real business results. If you want to stop guessing and start making content people actually want to watch and share, this session is for you. Key Takeaways from the Talk: Learn a framework for creating shareable short-form videos that help build your brand. Understand why serving your audience first leads to more trust and more sales. Discover what makes video content more relatable, more watchable, and more likely to gain momentum on social platforms. Explore practical research methods, including using customer language and online conversations, to create stronger content ideas. Get a realistic content creation process you can use to batch videos and stay consistent without burning out. REGISTRATIONhttps://www.eventbrite.com/e/how-shareable-short-form-videos-build-trust-and-sales-tickets-1988916158771 SPEAKEREntertainer and Social Media Thought Leader, Britney Crosson, is the Founder and Creative Director at Fun Love Media, a creative marketing agency specializing in organic social media content creation and strategy. As a lifelong performer, Britney has appeared in numerous productions including stage plays, musicals, television and film. As life got busier with parenthood and business ownership, Britney turned to social media as a way to entertain audiences. Additionally, business owner friends turned to her for social media help, work that eventually led to the start of Fun Love Media. You may have seen Britney dancing on her treadmill or lip syncing to 90s music on social media. With 100+ million views, and counting, Britney inspires audiences all over the world with her “post the f***ing video” message. She believes that no matter your age, you can transform your life with the power of social media. Britney founded Social Success in 2022, an event for bold brands and creators that want to make a huge impact with their content. Britney was the Host of The Social Sunshine Podcast for 5 years, from 2019 – 2024 and is currently the host of The Middle Mix, a show for middle aged people serving up honest conversations about life and career that’s fun, funny and unfiltered. DETAILS📅 Date & Time: Friday, June 12, 2026, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM (9:00 AM online) 📍 Location: The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002 🚗 Parking: Red Lot- Enter 4203 Fannin Street for direct access. Complimentary up to 3 hours. Ion District Parking Garage- Enter 4111 Fannin Street. Complimentary up to 2 hours. 🥐 Breakfast: Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and coffee. LIVESTREAM LINKS<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/4381270955449792https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7462571857930502144” target=”_blank” title=”https://www.facebook.com/events/4381270955449792https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7462571857930502144“>https://www.facebook.com/events/4381270955449792https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:ugcPost:7462571857930502144 THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORSA special thank you to our sponsors: Impact HUB Houston, The Ion, Zoetica Media, Mighty Strategic Consulting, and SmartSocialMastery. SMBHOU NEEDS YOUThe Social Media Breakfast of Houston connects a community of over 1,600 PR, Marketing, and Small Business professionals who meet monthly to learn, connect, and collaborate. We’re looking for breakfast sponsors to help fuel the conversation for just $100 per month. Want to be an exclusive sponsor in your category? 📧 kami@zoeticamedia.com

How to Create Shareable Short-Form Videos That Build Trust and Sales
2026-06-12 08:30 - 10:30 | The Ion, 4201 Main street, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
How to create shareable videos that build trust, connect with the right audience and help turn attention into real business results!

Creating short-form video can feel overwhelming, especially when every platform seems to reward something different. In this practical session, Britney Crosson of Fun Love Media will break down how to create shareable videos that build trust, connect with the right audience, and help turn attention into real business results. If you want to stop guessing and start making content people actually want to watch and share, this session is for you.
Key Takeaways from the Talk:

Learn a framework for creating shareable short-form videos that help build your brand.
Understand why serving your audience first leads to more trust and more sales.
Discover what makes video content more relatable, more watchable, and more likely to gain momentum on social platforms.
Explore practical research methods, including using customer language and online conversations, to create stronger content ideas.
Get a realistic content creation process you can use to batch videos and stay consistent without burning out.

SPEAKER
Entertainer and Social Media Thought Leader, Britney Crosson, is the Founder and Creative Director at Fun Love Media, a creative marketing agency specializing in organic social media content creation and strategy. As a lifelong performer, Britney has appeared in numerous productions including stage plays, musicals, television and film. As life got busier with parenthood and business ownership, Britney turned to social media as a way to entertain audiences. Additionally, business owner friends turned to her for social media help, work that eventually led to the start of Fun Love Media. You may have seen Britney dancing on her treadmill or lip syncing to 90s music on social media. With 100+ million views, and counting, Britney inspires audiences all over the world with her “post the f***ing video” message. She believes that no matter your age, you can transform your life with the power of social media. Britney founded Social Success in 2022, an event for bold brands and creators that want to make a huge impact with their content. Britney was the Host of The Social Sunshine Podcast for 5 years, from 2019 – 2024 and is currently the host of The Middle Mix, a show for middle aged people serving up honest conversations about life and career that’s fun, funny and unfiltered. Instagram Facebook LinkedIn

DETAILS
📅 Date & Time: Friday, June 12, 2026, 8:30 AM – 10:30 AM (9:00 AM online)
📍 Location: The Ion, 4201 Main Street, Room 31, Houston, TX 77002
🚗 Parking: Ion District Parking Garage, 4111 Fannin Street. Complimentary up to 2 hours.
🥐 Breakfast: Enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast and coffee.
LIVESTREAM LINKS
Facebook
Linkedin
YouTube

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
A special thank you to our sponsors: Impact HUB Houston, The Ion, Zoetica Media, Mighty Strategic Consulting, and SmartSocialMastery.

SMBHOU NEEDS YOU
The Social Media Breakfast of Houston connects a community of over 1,600 PR, Marketing, and Small Business professionals who meet monthly to learn, connect, and collaborate. We’re looking for breakfast sponsors to help fuel the conversation for just $100 per month. Want to be an exclusive sponsor in your category? 📧 kami@zoeticamedia.com

Brunch para Parejas, Celebrando al día del Padre
2026-06-13 11:00 - 14:30 | Post Oak Grill, 17790 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77084, Houston, TX, 77084, US
Te invitamos a vivir una experiencia única diseñada especialmente para parejas que desean celebrar el Día del Padre de una manera especial.

Brunch para Parejas, Celebrando al día del Padre
¡Ven a disfrutar de un brunch especial para parejas! Celebra el día del Padre con un ambiente acogedor y lleno de amor. Será un momento perfecto para compartir, reír y crear recuerdos inolvidables en persona.
Te invitamos a vivir una experiencia única diseñada especialmente para parejas que desean celebrar el Día del Padre de una manera especial, significativa y llena de conexión.
Con nuestra Chef Ludivina Cantu que nos mostrara en persona como cocinar cada platillo y nuestro Doctor de los Empresarios Dr. Jay Rojas y el acogedor restaurant Post Oak Grill en Katy
Un menu que tiene un sentimiento especial en cada bocado,
El nutriente de tu Relación
El Bocado de Confianza
La receta de Nuestra Relación
El Legado de Papá

Angel Investing 101
2026-06-16 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 029 – 030, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
In a world where only the very wealthy, well connected, and major institutions have access to premium investment opportunities, which have created massive wealth for a small portion of the population, the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team believes the key to closing income and wealth gaps globally is to democratize access to opportunities across the investment ecosystem. Join the Innovation Center for Urban Entrepreneurship team for an evening of learning, discussion and possibilities as we explore the basics of angel investing and the role it plays in bringing new products and services to market and the impact it has on wealth and job creation.. At this event, you’ll learn the key components to successfully navigate the critical-path of investing in private, early-stage companies. This session is ideal for the following investment related stakeholders:
Prospective Angel Investors who want to learn more about the world of Angel InvestingInvestment Advisors (RIA/FA) who are looking for alternative investments for their clientsEntrepreneurs who want to learn more about what Angels are looking for in their dealsEntrepreneurs who want to meet/network with Angel Investors
Ion District Investor Activation Program: The Houston Ion District Investor Activation Program along with Urban Capital Network is helping build an equitable climatetech industry capable of rapid deployment by addressing a fundamental challenge: the region’s lack of funding for early-stage climatetech startups, and especially for those led by underrepresented founders. This program from Greentown Labs and the Ion brings early-stage investors from Greater Houston—a region playing a pivotal role in the energy transition—into the fold, offering education on climatetech investing, channeling a pool of capital to young startups, and catalyzing a thriving climatetech investment ecosystem that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion. If you would like to join the program, please fill out this form, and if you have additional questions, please contact Juliana Bernal Martinez at jbernal@greentownlabs.com.

Community. Connection.
2026-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Impact Hub Houston, 4201 Main St, Houston, TX 77002, Houston, TX, 77002, US
Join Impact Hub Houston's monthly space for entrepreneurs & changemakers to be Actively HUMAN, together. Led by Tracie Jae (The Quiet Rebel)

**SUMMER PAUSE**
During June & July 2026 – we invite you to join us for unstructured community co-working time.

Mark Your Calendar: It’s Time to Connect!
Are you working on a solution or startup that creates positive impact in our community? Then you have a standing invitation to join Impact Hub Houston at our monthly Community. Connection. meetup — a HUMAN-centered space to step away from the grind and into community with fellow impact-driven founders.
Between the pitches, the pivots, and the pressure to always have it together, it’s easy to forget that the most valuable resource we have is each other. That’s why we created Community. Connection. — a judgment-free zone that reminds you community isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Whether you need to reflect, reconnect, recharge, or simply remember that you’re not alone, join us for a moment where you can stop performing and simply BE.
Come as you are, with whatever joys, challenges, or questions you’re facing right now. Celebrating a breakthrough? Navigating uncertainty? Feeling stuck or burned out? All of it is welcome here. Just bring your authentic self and a willingness to listen, share, and be present with others who understand the unique challenges and rewards of building something meaningful.
Community. Connection. Show up, share out, and shine on!

This session will be facilitated by IHH Team + Community Member Tracie Jae, The Quiet Rebel.

Perfecting Your Pitch
2026-06-17 17:30 - 18:30 | Ion – Conference Room 028, 4201 Main St., Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Whether you’re a budding entrepreneur, a visionary startup owner, or a tech aficionado, this event is tailor-made for you. Join us and discover the indispensable value of a compelling pitch deck. About the Speakers Dr. Doug Franklin “Dr. Doug” is the CEO and Co-Founder of DeckLaunch and the COO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. He has fifteen years of management, marketing, and operations experience, including opportunities with iconic firms such as Coca-Cola, ExxonMobil, and RJ Reynolds. Dr. Franklin is also a leading scholar that has presented at more than a dozen conferences and has published in peer-reviewed journals such as The Leadership Quarterly and The Journal of the Texas Alliance of Black School Educators. Dr. Franklin graduated with a Doctoral Degree in Ethical Leadership from the University of St. Thomas Houston and currently teaches Quantitative and Mixed Research Methods at UST. Derrell Noris With more than ten years dedicated to developing business operations and software development, Noris is currently the Co-Founder and CTO of Deck Launch and the CEO of Fresh Tech Solutionz. Both successful startups provide services to growing businesses looking to mobilize their outreach further. Nicholas Mbaezue-Daniel Jr. Nick is the founder of Egis Project Management LLC, a project management firm dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses for projects in the industries of Construction, Technology, and Business Enterprise. He also serves as Director of Project Management for Fresh Tech Solutionz and as Chief Operations Officer at DeckLaunch LLC. Nicholas considers himself a servant of entrepreneurship because he sees entrepreneurship as a major vehicle to uplift the community.

SBA Programs and Resources Workshop - Beaumont
2026-06-18 09:00 - 10:30 | The Dade Phelan Building – Room #113, 5091 Rolfe Christopher Drive, Beaumont, TX 77705, Beaumont, TX, 77705, US
Join us to learn about SBA programs, resources, and to make connections for your small business!

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Houston District Office and the Lamar University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) invite you to an Information Session designed to connect small business leaders, entrepreneurs, and community stakeholders with the tools and resources needed to start, grow, and succeed.
Topics will include:

Business counseling and technical assistance
SBA loan programs and access to capital
Federal certification programs to expand into government contracting
Made in America Manufacturing Initiative
Networking opportunities

Presented in collaboration with:
