THRIVE Business Summit & Matchmaker

THRIVE Business Summit & Matchmaker

Economic uncertainty is redefining how businesses plan, grow, and compete. THRIVE 2026 Business Summit & Matchmaker: Beyond the Pivot — Business Unleashed delivers real strategies, meaningful connections, and industry access to help business leaders adapt, scale, and stay ahead. This one-day summit brings together entrepreneurs, corporate partners, and resource organizations focused on strategy, stability, and opportunity—so your business is ready for what’s next.

Event Details

• Date: Thursday, January 29th, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Ballroom at Tanglewood, 5430 Westheimer Way, Houston, TX 77056
  

Event Overview

The THRIVE Small Business Summit is a key initiative of the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce, designed to empower, educate, and inspire small business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders. This dynamic day brings together a diverse audience for unparalleled opportunities to connect, learn, and share strategies for success in today’s competitive marketplace—all while celebrating the inclusive spirit of the region’s business community.

THRIVE provides the tools, resources, and inspiration to help entrepreneurs grow their businesses and connect with Chamber Impact Partners and members through B2C, B2B, and B2E Matchmaker opportunities.

Matchmaker

The Matchmaker is one of the most anticipated features of the Summit! This program facilitates one-on-one, pre-scheduled meetings between small business owners and “buyers,” including LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and supplier diversity partners. It’s a unique opportunity to create meaningful connections and explore new business opportunities. More details will be available soon!

• Impact Partner Registration: Connect certified suppliers with local Chamber Impact Partners for procurement opportunities.
• Supplier-to-Supplier Registration: Bring together certified suppliers to explore potential partnerships and collaborations.
• Small Business Registration: Connect small businesses with Chamber Impact Partner ERGs to showcase products/services that support ERG Pride Month activities and beyond.
• ERG/BRG Registration: Open to certified and non-certified businesses, this format connects suppliers with ERGs for collaboration opportunities.

Who Should Attend?

Small businesses interested in hearing from experts and panelists who will share knowledge to help grow your business.

All certification-eligible or certified businesses, including LGBTBE® Certified, LGBTQ+-owned, minority-owned, women-owned, disabled-owned, and veteran-owned businesses, are invited to participate in the Matchmaker event.

Program Highlights

• Beyond the Hire: Retaining, Scaling, and Future-Proofing Your Workforce in 2026
• Three Hard-Won Principals That Can Change Your Leadership
• Is Your Brand Findable in an AI-Driven Search World?
• Start 2026 Strong: Transforming Relationships & Opportunities into WINS!

Keynote Speaker

We are thrilled to welcome Steve Kean as our Keynote Speaker for the Summit.

Steve Kean (he/him), President & CEO, Greater Houston Partnership

Panelists, Speakers, & Moderators

We have an exciting lineup of panelists, speakers, and moderators who will be sharing their insights.

Susanna Baker (she/her), Content Director, Wide Angle Creative

Rachel Bickham, CDT (she/her), CEO, Bickham Services Unlimited, LLC

Dr. April Day, PHD, MBA (she/her), President, Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance

Alicia Gates (she/her), Design Director, Wide Angle Creative

Julie Irvin Hartman, MBA (she/her), Co-Founder, B2G Victory

Cylenthia Hoyrd (she/her), Director, Office of Business Opportunity, City of Houston

Tim Kollatschny, ACC (he/him), Founder & Executive Coach, Coach to Elevate

Miriam Lopez (she/her), Principal/Consultant, seEQmore Consulting Group

Marla Martinous (she/her), Owner/Partner, The Doggie Express

Heather McKinley (she/her), Founder/Creative Director, Wide Angle Creative

Tiko Reynolds-Hausman (she/her), Executive Director, Harris County Department of Economic Equity and Opportunity

Matchmaker

Resource Expo
Plus, we’ll have a host of resource partners tabling to connect with and learn more about how they can support your business.

• B2B / Supplier Connections – Meet buyers and procurement partners.
• Supplier-to-Supplier Collaborations – Explore teaming and tiered contract partnerships.
• B2E / ERG Connections – Connect with LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Groups to showcase your business as they consider their Pride Month and year-round supplier needs.

 Click here for Matchmaker information.

 

About the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce

The mission of the Chamber is to accelerate economic opportunity for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer + community through a strong network of business allies, innovative programs, strategic partnerships, and advanced policies that foster economic inclusion and equality.

Areas of Focus

• Business Development & Growth
• Education & Networking
• Collaboration & Partnerships
• Leadership Development
• Legislative Advocacy

Overall, the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce’s work focuses on inclusion and economic empowerment for the LGBTQ+ community. The Chamber also works to achieve equality and equity through business. It is a powerful force for advocacy and a valuable resource for our members and the LGBTQ+ community.

Learn more about the Greater Houston LGBTQ+ Chamber of Commerce.

More Events, Education, & Networking!

Lastly, look out for more LGBT Chamber events on B2G Victory’s Events Page.