UTRGV Small Business Development Center

05/28/2026

Strong businesses start with a solid plan! 📊

We recently hosted a session in the City of Los Fresnos, focused on the importance of a business plan—why every entrepreneur needs one and how to build a roadmap for success. Thank you to those who joined us and contributed to a great discussion!

This seminar was co-hosted by the Los Fresnos Community Development Corporation and the SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office, bringing valuable resources and expertise to the local small business community.

📸 Pictured: Sr. Business & Trade Advisor Arturo Gonzalez, Los Fresnos CDC Economic Development Coordinator Jeffrey Rosas, and SBA District Director Angela Burton

05/28/2026

✨ We had a great time visiting the Vogue College of Cosmetology in McAllen for Career Day!

It was inspiring to connect with talented students eager to turn their passion for beauty into a career. We shared resources and insights on what it really takes to start and run a successful beauty business—because creativity is just one piece of the puzzle. Strong management skills can make or break a business.

We also encouraged students to reflect on their path—whether they’re best suited for business ownership or for thriving within an established company. Both are valid and rewarding choices, and understanding the right fit early can save time and resources.

Students were invited to explore our webinars and seminars designed to guide them through this journey—and to reach out for advising services when they’re ready to take the next step.

Pictured is Business Advisor Fernando Andrade-Larios at the information booth.

💼💄

Texas South-West SBDC Network
UTRGV Workforce & Economic Development

05/28/2026

Preparedness is not a binder that sits on a shelf. 📒

It’s a strategy that protects people, revenue, and operations.

Our Emergency Preparedness webinar will help small businesses plan ahead—before hurricane season begins.

📅 June 16 | 2–3 PM CST
👉 Register: https://utrgv.zoom.us/webinar/register/2517750570688/WN_LVkp6EwMSPaJDUxcpWheVA

05/15/2026

🎉Please join us in wishing a very Happy Birthday to Business Advisor Fernando Andrade‑Larios!🎉

Your positivity, humor, and dedication make a lasting impact on everyone you work with. We appreciate all that you do and the energy you bring to our team each day.

Wishing you a fantastic birthday filled with laughter, joy, and continued success in the year ahead! 🎂🥳



Texas South-West SBDC Network
UTRGV Workforce & Economic Development

05/14/2026

We’re excited to be participating in the Texas Governor’s Small Business Summit in Mission today!

This statewide event connects entrepreneurs with valuable resources, expert insights, and networking opportunities to help start and grow their businesses.

Stop by our SBDC booth to connect with our team and learn how we support local businesses. Great to see so many entrepreneurs in attendance!


Texas South-West SBDC Network
UTRGV Workforce & Economic Development

05/14/2026

📣 New Opportunity for Small Businesses!

SBA has launched the Patriot Pitch Competition—a nationwide contest celebrating entrepreneurship with a $1 million cash prize pool!

Eligible small businesses that have used SBA funding are encouraged to apply and showcase their innovation, impact, and growth.

🗓️ Deadline to apply: June 10
🔗 Learn more: https://preview.sba.gov/freedom-250/



Texas South-West SBDC Network
UTRGV Workforce & Economic Development

Celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary For 250 years, small businesses have powered innovation, created opportunity, and strengthened local communities. Main Street Builds America – and through Freedom 250, SBA is honoring that legacy while investing in the next generation of builders, makers, ...

05/12/2026

A great day at the Business Resource Showcase in Mission! 🤩

Attendees connected with partners, learning about available programs and discovering resources to help their businesses grow.

05/11/2026

A strong business starts - and thrives - with a strong plan. 💼🔎

The UTRGV SBDC is proud to be a guest speaker in this upcoming session hosted by the Los Fresnos Community Development Corporation in collaboration with the SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office.

This workshop highlights the importance of developing a solid business plan—whether you’re launching a new venture or strengthening an existing one. From day-to-day operations to financing and long-term growth strategies, planning is a critical step toward success.

We look forward to connecting with entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Los Fresnos area and sharing practical guidance to support their journey.

✅Register at: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=vrQ8-2Lf70OtOAJbj8MStN42vMw090NBhqmPCucfwR9UODBGUENZMlpGUFpRT1E4RFRGRFVJRk05UC4u&origin=QRCode

05/11/2026

📁 Business Preparedness Check

Do you have these stored off-site?
✔️ Photos of your building and equipment
✔️ Equipment inventory
✔️ Insurance policies
✔️ Vendor and contractor contact lists

After an emergency, documentation speeds up insurance claims and the reopening process.

Get prepared! Join us for our Small Business Emergency Preparedness webinar in June.

📅 June 16 | 2–3 PM CST
👉 Register: https://utrgv.zoom.us/webinar/register/2517750570688/WN_LVkp6EwMSPaJDUxcpWheVA

05/08/2026

Collaboration in action at the Border Business & Export Summit! 🤝😉

Today, the UTRGV SBDC was proud to partner with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, and the Pharr International Bridge, along with the UTSA SBDC International Trade Center - San Antonio, to bring together a dynamic discussion on navigating complexity in global trade and building a strong export roadmap for international success.

From strategies to strengthen export-ready businesses to sharing practical tools, it was great to see an engaged audience connecting with resources and partners committed to regional growth.

We were also glad to connect with the community at our SBDC booth—and to share a special moment featuring SBDC Director Maria D. Juarez‑Serna alongside former SBDC Assistant Director Javier Martinez III, now the Assistant Bridge Director for the Pharr International Bridge. Past colleagues, forever friends. 🥰🤜



Texas South-West SBDC Network
UTRGV Workforce & Economic Development

05/08/2026

Please join us in congratulating our SBDC Director, Maria D. Juarez‑Serna, on her recognition for 30 years of service at UTRGV! 👏🥳

Throughout her career at the university, Maria has played an integral role in advancing business development efforts in the Rio Grande Valley. Her leadership and dedication have helped shape and strengthen the UTRGV SBDC, expanding its impact in supporting and empowering small businesses across our region.

We are proud to celebrate this milestone and grateful for her continued commitment to our community. 🫶

Pictured: Maria D. Juarez‑Serna being recognized by UTRGV, alongside Senior Vice President of Government and Community Relations Veronica Gonzales.



Texas South-West SBDC Network
UTRGV Workforce & Economic Development