Add Row
Add Element
Add Element
cropper
update
Texas Business Now
update
  • Home
  • Categories
    • Texas
    • Business
    • News
    • Insights
    • Innovation
    • Technology
    • Economy
    • El Paso News
    • Austin News
    • Dallas News
    • San Antonio News
    • Ft. Worth News
    • Houston News
    • Business Leader Spotlight
    • Extra News
    • Featured
March 10.2025
3 Minutes Read

Join the Clover x Shark Tank Summit: Empowering Small Business Owners for Success

Confident woman smiling warmly at Clover x Shark Tank Summit.

A Groundbreaking Summit for Small Business Owners

In a landmark collaboration, Clover, a leader in innovative point-of-sale solutions, and the iconic television show, Shark Tank, are joining forces to launch the inaugural Clover x Shark Tank Summit in Las Vegas from September 28-30, 2025. This three-day event is poised to provide invaluable resources for small business owners who are grappling with the challenges of entrepreneurship.

The summit's mission is clear: to counter the staggering statistic that approximately 50% of small businesses don't survive beyond five years, as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. It addresses common pain points such as inadequate business planning, cash flow management, and ineffective marketing strategies, providing attendees with a comprehensive toolkit for success. 'This small business summit is designed to help them with all of the major categories that drive to small business failure and help turn their stories around,' explains Shannon Watkins, CMO at Fiserv, which owns Clover.

Empowering Small Businesses Through Community and Resources

The Clover x Shark Tank Summit is not just an event; it’s a commitment to uplifting small business owners by fostering community and collaboration. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to pitch their business ideas directly to the Sharks, including prominent investors like Mark Cuban and Tabitha Brown, both of whom are dedicated advocates for entrepreneurship. Cuban remarks, 'Some of the greatest opportunities often occur with the people who have been disrespected the most, and when you find those people, they’re willing to work the hardest.'

This sentiment encapsulates the ethos of the summit, which aims to create an inclusive environment where entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds can gain essential insights into industry trends and effective business practices.

What to Expect at the Summit

Participants can look forward to a dynamic agenda filled with presentations from industry experts, tailored workshops, and networking sessions designed to connect small business owners with established leaders in finance, technology, and marketing. The event will also incorporate the Access Pass grant program that offers financial assistance to entrepreneurs needing support to attend the summit. 'When we empower small businesses, we uplift communities and have the power to change the world,' Watkins notes, highlighting the profound impact of accessible entrepreneurial resources.

Real-World Impact: A Look at Small Business Data

The small business sector is a vital component of the U.S. economy, comprising over 33.2 million enterprises and employing roughly 46% of the nation’s workforce. However, as we delve deeper into the statistics, it becomes evident that the path to success is fraught with challenges. The most troubling fact is that nearly half of these businesses struggle to reach their fifth anniversary due to factors that are often preventable with the right guidance and tools.

This summit is thus timely, aligning with national efforts to bolster the small business landscape through collaboration and innovation. Key topics will include future-proofing businesses, employee management, and navigating economic downturns — crucial aspects that every entrepreneur must master.

Get Involved: Registration and Participation Details

Registration for the Clover x Shark Tank Summit opens today on Clover's website. Entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply through the Access Pass program, which runs until August 11, 2025. This initiative aims to include diverse voices in the conversation surrounding small business success by offering both financial support and mentorship opportunities. Those interested should prepare their entries to demonstrate their passion and originality—qualities that Brown and Cuban will be looking for during the evaluation process.

A Vision for the Future of Small Business

The Clover x Shark Tank Summit represents a forward-thinking approach to reducing small business failure rates while promoting growth and sustainability in local economies. With contributions from prominent figures in the business world, attendees will walk away with not just knowledge but actionable insights that can be directly applied to their ventures. As the landscape of small business continues to evolve, such initiatives will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

In a world where small businesses are the backbone of innovation and creativity, events like these pave the way for a robust economic future. As we approach the summit date, the anticipation builds for what promises to be a remarkable gathering of minds, ideas, and futures.

Innovation

15 Views

0 Comments

Write A Comment

*
*
Related Posts All Posts
08.06.2025

Figma IPO Shows Path For Tech Innovation Beyond Bad Acquisitions

Update Understanding the Figma IPO: A Case Study in Innovation The recent IPO of Figma has sparked significant discussion about the viability and implications of acquisitions in the tech industry. Figma, a popular collaboration tool for product and UX designers, successfully went public with an astounding market capitalization of $47 billion, far surpassing the $20 billion valuation proposed by Adobe before their acquisition deal fell apart. This monumental success highlights a critical point in the tech landscape: while acquisitions can lead to positive outcomes, independence can also foster tremendous innovation and growth. The Acquisition Debate: More Than Black and White In light of Figma's IPO, the dialogue about acquisitions has intensified. Lina Khan, chair of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission, took to social media to suggest that allowing startups to flourish independently, instead of being absorbed by larger corporations, creates considerable value for employees, investors, and consumers alike. However, it’s essential to delve deeper into this assertion. The relationship between innovation and independence is complex. While it holds true for companies like Figma, there are numerous cases where acquisitions have led to enhanced capabilities and market growth. When Acquisitions Fuel Growth: Successful Case Studies History is replete with instances where acquisitions have proven beneficial for both parties. Take Facebook’s acquisition of Instagram, for example. At the time of the acquisition, Instagram was a burgeoning platform specializing in photo sharing. Facebook, struggling to maintain its position in a rapidly changing digital landscape, leveraged Instagram's innovative features and youthful user base. The end result? A merged entity that amplified user engagement, while contributing substantially to Facebook's revenue streams. Such successful acquisitions usually arise when the acquirer has extensive access to customers but lacks innovation. The ideal outcome is a synergistic relationship, where both the acquiring company and the startup make significant progress together, enhancing their offerings. Countering the Antitrust Narrative Lina Khan's antitrust stance advocates for the preservation of independent innovators to enhance market competitiveness. This perspective, while valid, overlooks the fact that strategic acquisitions can drive technological advancements. The fear of monopolization must be balanced with an understanding of how mergers can accelerate innovation and improve consumer experiences. It is vital to evaluate the outcomes on a case-by-case basis, rather than casting all acquisitions in a negative light. The Role of Regulation in Tech Acquisitions The European regulators' role in the Adobe-Figma deal termination raises questions about how regulatory oversight can impact innovation. Innovative startups sometimes struggle to navigate the complex regulatory environment that governs the tech industry. As such, the regulations designed to enhance competition must also allow room for collaboration between innovative companies and established corporations. Future Trends: Will Independence or Acquisition Reign? As we look to the future, it's imperative to consider how trends in technology and business models will influence the acquisition landscape. With the advent of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and biotechnology, we may see an increase in horizontal and vertical mergers as companies scramble to integrate new technology. The success of Figma signifies a potential shift toward valuing independence but doesn't erase the potential benefits of strategic mergers. Companies will need to navigate these decisions carefully, weighing the benefits of collaboration against the advantages of remaining autonomous. Concluding Thoughts: The Balancing Act The Figma IPO serves as a significant reminder that in a fast-evolving tech world, the dynamics of acquisition and independence will continue to shape the industry. By fostering a culture that encourages both innovation and considered mergers, the tech ecosystem can achieve sustainable growth. Understanding the nuances of how these relationships impact the tech industry's landscape will ultimately empower stakeholders to make informed decisions about future endeavors. Ultimately, both paths hold potential. Striking the right balance—between sustaining innovation and pursuing collaborations—will define the next chapter of technological advancements.

08.06.2025

OpenAI's Game-Changing Free Models: Empowering Developers Everywhere

Update OpenAI's Free Models: Revolutionizing AI Development for Startups IntroductionIn an unprecedented move, OpenAI has announced the release of two new open-weight models that are free for everyone to use. This marks the first time in six years that developers can utilize AI without paying for API access. This seismic shift has the potential to transform how startups and developers create applications with artificial intelligence. Understanding the Shift to Open Models To grasp the significance of this announcement, it’s crucial to understand the difference between open and closed models. Closed models, like OpenAI’s GPT-3 and many of Anthropic’s offerings, restrict access to their internal frameworks, meaning developers can only interact with them via API without insights into their underlying weight configurations. On the contrary, open models allow complete access to both the software and its architecture, promoting a collaborative development environment. Why Now? The Case for Openness OpenAI’s decision to release free models comes in response to the changing landscape of AI development. CEO Sam Altman's earlier reluctance to share open models has shifted, likely influenced by the competitive release of DeepSeek’s revolutionary open-weight R1 model in 2024. The extensive use of closed models has raised concerns about centralized control and the monopoly on AI technologies, making the open model approach a refreshing avenue for innovation. What the New Models Offer Developers The two new models—gpt-oss-120b and gpt-oss-20b—are designed to accommodate a variety of devices. The gpt-oss-120b, comparable to OpenAI’s previous models, is optimized for single-GPU use, while the smaller gpt-oss-20b is specifically engineered for lightweight applications that can be run on mobile devices. Importantly, both models feature 'tool calling' capabilities, allowing them to execute complex tasks like web searches and code execution, enhancing their utility to developers. Implications for Startups and Developers This significant change empowers startups by alleviating the financial burden associated with building applications that rely on proprietary AI technologies. Instead of incurring ongoing API fees, developers can now focus on creating innovative products without worrying about licensing costs. This raises the potential for a new wave of applications, especially in fields like mobile technology, gaming, and cloud computing. Challenges and Limitations Ahead Despite these advancements, it’s important to note that the new models are not without their limitations. Both models primarily work with text and do not support multimodal tasks, which may restrict their usefulness in developing applications that require visual or auditory inputs. Additionally, developers will need to navigate the challenges of ensuring responsible usage and combating potential misuse of these powerful tools. Future Predictions: An Era of Democratic AI Access As we look ahead, the move toward open models is likely to catalyze a broader trend in AI that emphasizes accessibility and transparency. Companies that formerly relied on expensive proprietary models will begin adopting open-source solutions, fostering community-led innovation. This democratization of AI could lead to breakthroughs across sectors as diverse as healthcare, education, and creative industries. Conclusion: Embracing the Revolution The release of OpenAI's open-weight models heralds a new era for developers and startups. With reduced barriers to entry, the potential for innovation is vast, allowing anyone with the right skills to harness powerful AI without significant financial constraints. As artificial intelligence becomes more accessible, we should remain vigilant about the ethical implications and risks it presents. However, the possibilities for positive change are equally profound.

08.05.2025

Why Business Leaders Should Care About Data After Trump's Firing of BLS Head

Update Lessons in Data-Driven Leadership from Recent PoliticsThe firing of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) head Erika McEntarfer by former President Donald Trump has sparked a significant discussion around the critical importance of data in business leadership. The data released indicated that only 73,000 jobs were created in July 2025, far below expectations. This prompted Trump to accuse McEntarfer of manipulating the statistics without any evidence, resulting in her dismissal. While this situation cries out for political analysis, business leaders could gain valuable leadership lessons from such an incident.Understanding the Importance of Hard DataIn any business, the importance of data cannot be overstated. Hard data, such as revenue figures or production costs, acts as a guiding star for strategic decisions. It illuminates the path forward, enabling businesses to gauge performance accurately and make informed choices. However, leadership entails more than just relying on quantitative metrics; it also requires a balanced approach that considers qualitative data.The Quality of Data MattersIn the case of the BLS statistics, the job figures are subject to revision as the agency collects more comprehensive information over time. This mirrors how businesses often must adapt their strategies based on both solid metrics and evolving market insights. Dismissing data prematurely, as Trump did by firing McEntarfer, can undermine trust in the data itself, causing a ripple effect that may impact future decisions.How Bias Affects Data InterpretationTrumps's actions raise essential questions about bias in data interpretation. The belief that one can selectively trust data only when it confirms their narrative can lead to disastrous outcomes. Business leaders must remember that data should be utilized as a tool for clarity, not as a weapon against perceived failures. A fully engaged and open-minded analysis allows organizations to pivot effectively based on new insights, addressing any shortcomings or challenges head-on.Potential Consequences of Ignoring DataIgnoring critical feedback, particularly from quantitative assessments, can create a false sense of security. In business, this can lead to miscalculations that may have financial repercussions, or worse, loss of customer trust. Transparency in communication around data interpretation fosters a culture of accountability.Actionable Insights for LeadersBusiness leaders must cultivate a culture where data is respected and analyzed with rigor rather than being dismissed. By prioritizing data integrity and engaging with it procedurally, leaders can empower their organizations to respond adeptly to market fluctuations and internal challenges.Will Leadership Strategies Transform?In light of these lessons, leaders might reconsider their strategies toward data utilization. The importance of providing not only a supportive environment for data analysis but also ensuring a dialogue about challenges presented by data is essential. The larger takeaway is that one should never dismiss data, as doing so can hinder progress and compromise leadership effectiveness.Conclusion: Data is Your Business's FriendIn an era defined by rapid technological advancement and change, recognizing the value of both quantitative and qualitative data can create unique opportunities for success. As technology continues to evolve impacting every industry, understanding how to leverage data appropriately will remain a vital leadership skill. Businesses must harness the information available to guide decision-making and innovation.

Terms of Service

Privacy Policy

Core Modal Title

Sorry, no results found

You Might Find These Articles Interesting

T
Please Check Your Email
We Will Be Following Up Shortly
*
*
*