Impact Hub Houston: Empowering Impact Entrepreneurs, Startups, and Community!

How Shareable Short-Form Videos Build Trust and Sales
2026-06-12 08:30 - 10:30 (America/Chicago) | 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

Startup Circle Houston 💫
2026-06-12 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-06-19 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-06-26 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-03 10:30 - 11:30, 2026-07-10 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/

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, 2026-07-15 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:

Ion Networking with Cup of Joey
2026-06-19 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-06-26 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-03 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-10 08:30 - 10:30, 2026-07-17 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
2026-06-19 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

Houston Methodist Office Hours
2026-06-19 10:30 - 12:30 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
Join us at the Houston Methodist Tech Hub at Ion on select Friday mornings for Office Hours to meet with the Center for Innovation team. Do you have an idea for an innovative healthcare solution? Do you work on technology in another industry that could be applicable to healthcare? Do you want to learn more about how hospital systems work with innovators? Come meet with us!

Starting and Running Your Nonprofit
2026-06-24 11:00 - 12:15 | Online Event
Learn the ins and outs of starting and running your own nonprofit organization from the comfort of your home!

Welcome to the Starting and Running Your Nonprofit event! Join us online for a comprehensive guide on how to establish and manage a successful nonprofit organization. Learn about fundraising, marketing, legal requirements, and more from industry experts. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve your existing nonprofit, this event is perfect for you. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a difference in your community!

NASA Tech Talks
2026-06-25 18:00 - 19:00 | Ion, 4201 Main Street, Houston, TX, 77002, United States
We want HOU! Join us to discover NASA’s toughest tech challenges–and apply your skills and expertise to solve them.In these presentations, occurring the fourth Thursdays of the month, Mr. Montgomery Goforth and other aerospace subject matter experts will discuss the technology development challenges faced by NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding Aerospace community in our ongoing efforts as the hub of human spaceflight. Presentations will focus on the ways in which these challenges, and the associated opportunities, can be leveraged by Houston’s innovation community.Join us after the talk for drinks and networking at Second Draught!Past NASA Tech Talks have included: Montgomery B. Goforth discussing NASA Intellectual Property suitable for commercialization by small/start-up companies; Jared Daum discussing Orion’s parachutes and risk identification and mitigation that are showstoppers for the spaceflight parachute industry; Kevin Kobylka discussing current Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) capabilities and needs; and Nick Skytland, Chief Technologist at the Johnson Space Center (JSC) and Director of the Business Development and Technology Integration Office. Future NASA Tech Talks will include: dual-use (space/terrestrial) technologies in the areas of:
Avionics / Communication / SensorsRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long lived wireless sensorsPower Storage and DistributionAutonomous & Robotics SystemsExtra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) SystemsVirtual/Augmented Reality in Human Spaceflight Training & ExecutionHuman Health & Performance / Human Systems Research
About the Speakers Montgomery B. Goforth has more than 40 years of experience as both Engineer and Manager in a variety of highly technical space and defense-related efforts. After working for a small defense contractor specializing in anti-submarine warfare, he joined NASA’s Johnson Space Center in 1990. He has held leadership positions in multiple JSC Directorates and Program Offices. In his current role as Assistant Director of the JSC Engineering Directorate, he has established a framework to better focus Engineering’s efforts towards Human Spaceflight technology and systems development consistent with JSC and Agency goals for exploration. He has used this framework to guide Engineering’s internal investments and external partnerships supporting Lunar and Mars Exploration. Mr. Goforth was born in East Texas, raised in Southern California and Arizona, and graduated from Rice University (BSME 1982, MSME 1987). NASA Tech Talks topics include dual-use (space/terrestrial) technologies and focus areas in:
Avionics / Communication / SensorsRadio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long-lived wireless sensorsPower Storage and DistributionAutonomous & Robotics SystemsExtra-Vehicular Activity (EVA) SystemsVirtual/Augmented Reality in Human Spaceflight Training & ExecutionHuman Health & Performance / Human Systems ResearchNASA Intellectual Property suitable for commercialization by small/start-up companiesOrion’s parachutes and risk identification and mitigation strategiesLeveraging Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology for ultra-long-lived wireless sensors

Are You Lender Ready - Session I: Preparatory Workshop
2026-06-30 09:00 - 12:00 | Houston Center Small Business Development Center, 1455 West Loop South Suite 900, Houston, TX 77027, Houston, TX, 77027, US
This event will offer training resources that will prepare you for asking for a small business loan.

The “Are You Lender Ready?” Series is intended for those businesses that have been in business for 2+ years. This event will offer training resources that will prepare you for asking for a small business loan.
The preparatory workshop is focused on credit, financials & pitching a business to a lender. The goal of the workshop is to help participants understand the importance of:

Business vs. personal credit
Business financials
Thinking like a lender
Pitching your business effectively

This in-person event will be focused on Session 1 of 3. To make the most of the series, we encourage small businesses to attend as many sessions as they can. So, buckle up and prepare yourself to truly understand how to ask for a business loan!
**SBA’s participation is not an endorsement of the views, opinions, products or services of any other person or entity. All SBA programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

BACKGROUND ON THIS SERIES:The “Are You Lender Ready?” Series is intended for those businesses that have been in business for 2+ years. This event will offer training resources that will prepare you for asking for a small business loan.
The series is broken into three sessions…

Session I: Preparatory Workshop – The workshop focuses on credit, financials & pitching a business to a lender.
Session II: Lender Forum – The Lender Forum will consist of panel discussions from traditional and alternative lenders followed by a lender fair to meet with SBA guaranteed lenders in an informal setting.
Session III: Office Hours Session – The office hours session is intended to help businesses further craft their business pitch and discuss other SBA financial resources. This structured mentor matchmaking sessions will be in small groups that provide direct access to mentors to get your questions answered and receive real, actionable guidance.

To make the most of the series, we encourage small businesses to attend as many sessions as they can. So, buckle up and prepare yourself to truly understand how to ask for a business loan!

Presented in conjunction with:

PARKING INSTRUCTIONS:

Parking is only available in the Garage labeled 1455 West Loop South.
If you are headed North on 610 take the San Felipe Road/Post Oak Blvd. Exit and continue until you come to 1455 West Loop South. Turn right into the parking lot. Turn left into the second garage entrance labeled 1455 West Loop South (under Skywalk). When you enter the garage, take an immediate right, and proceed straight up the ramp passing the Park/Exit sign. Once on the 2nd Floor (Green), park in spots without any signs or follow signs to Park UP towards the 3rd Floor (Orange) or 4th Floor (Purple) for additional parking. If you park in spots labeled “RESERVED”, your vehicle will be towed.
If you are headed South on 610 take the Post Oak Blvd. Exit and turn left onto Post Oak Blvd. At the Stop Sign, turn right and then continue to turn right into the Garage Back Entrance labeled 1455 West Loop South. Take an immediate right and proceed straight up the ramp passing the Park/Exit sign. Once on the 2nd Floor (Green), park in spots without any signs or follow signs to Park UP towards the 3rd Floor (Orange) or 4th Floor (Purple) for additional parking. If you park in spots labeled “RESERVED”, your vehicle will be towed.
Take the stairs or elevator to the Skywalk on the Second Floor. You will enter through the double glass doors.
Go down the stairs, proceed to the elevator and go to the 9th floor. When exiting the elevator go through the glass doors with the “UH” door mat. Please note the stairs are not handicap accessible.
Disabled Parking is located on the Street Level B of the Garage, Visitor Parking. An access ramp into the building is on Post Oak Park Drive, at the back of the building, and there is also one located on the North side of the building (under Skywalk).

PICTURE A: PARKING GARAGE ENTRANCE (WEST LOOP SOUTH)

PICTURE B: PARKING GARAGE ENTRANCE (POST OAK PARK DR.)

NASA Office Hours
2026-07-03 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

Desayuno Mensual Julio 2026- Un Cafecito con Empresarios
2026-07-08 08:30 - 10:30 | VIP By La Fontaine Reception Hall, 7758 West Tidwell Road, Houston, TX 77040, Houston, TX, 77040, US
Compartiremos con nuestros socios de Educación Approach, la importancia de la educación, y el impacto social.

¡Únete al Desayuno Mensual!
Ven a compartir un cafecito con otros empresarios. En este desayuno tendremos como invitados a Educación Approach – La importancia de la Educación y como impacta socialmente – la oportunidad de educación para sus empleados y familia.
UNa formación que transforma personas, empresas y comunidades.
Nos vemos en persona, así que trae tu mejor actitud y ganas de pasarla bien.

Buying and Selling Businesses
2026-07-08 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.

Upstream: Digital Tech Meetup at Second Draught
2026-07-09 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

SBA Programs and Resources Workshop - College Station
2026-07-14 09:00 - 10:30 | Texas A&M University – McFerrin Center for Entrepreneurship, 1700 Research Parkway, College Station, TX 77843, College Station, TX, 77843, 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 Brazos Valley 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

This Event is in Cooridnation with:

How to Start a Nonprofit Webinar
2026-07-14 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.

SBA Programs and Resources Workshop - Baytown
2026-07-16 09:00 - 10:30 | Lee College Small Business Development Center, 909 Decker Drive, Baytown, TX 77520, Baytown, TX, 77520, 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 Lee College 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 coordination with:
