UTRGV Small Business Development Center

10/16/2026

Happy Boss's Day to UTRGV SBDC Director Marivel Mata 📣 🎂 💐
We appreciate your dedication and support.

10/02/2026

🏆 National Small Business Week Awards Nominations Are Now Open!

Do you know a small business making a big impact? Or is your business deserving of special recognition? The U.S. Small Business Administration is now accepting nominations for the 2027 National Small Business Week Awards.

Award categories include Small Business Person of the Year, Exporter of the Year, Veteran Small Business of the Year, Rural Small Business of the Year, Manufacturer of the Year, and more.

📅 Nomination Deadline: December 7, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. ET

Learn more about eligibility requirements and submit your nomination: 🔗 https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/organization/observances/national-small-business-week/national-small-business-week-awards/

For questions on local awards, please contact Veronica Ortega at 956-427-8535.

10/01/2026

🎉📢 The October Small Business Newsletter Has Arrived!

Join us as we celebrate 40 years of serving the Rio Grande Valley and explore this month's business resources, events, and training opportunities.

🔗 Read it here: https://conta.cc/4z2rg52

Email from UTRGV Small Business Development Center Small Business News & Training Opportunities for October     The Small Business Monthly October 2026 Dear Small Business Owner: Welcome to our Octobe

09/30/2026

Learning, networking, and growing! 👩🏽‍🏫

Our team is proud to participate in America’s SBDC 2026 Annual Training Event as we continue strengthening the services and support we provide to local small businesses.

Pictured are Director Marivel Mata and Business Advisor Fernando Andrade-Larios.


Texas South-West SBDC Network
UTRGV Workforce & Economic Development

09/17/2026

Building stronger businesses and stronger communities together! 💼

The UTRGV SBDC was pleased to return as a guest presenter for the Frost Business Foundations program, where Business Advisors Martha Castorena and Fernando Andrade-Larios shared practical AI tools and strategies designed to help established small businesses work smarter, enhance their operations, and expand their impact in the communities they serve.

Thank you to Frost and program co-host Harlingen Economic Development Corporation for their continued partnership and commitment to supporting the success of small businesses in the Rio Grande Valley.

09/16/2026

We're at the Mission Small Business Expo today! 🎉

Stop by and meet the UTRGV SBDC team to learn about no-cost business advising, training, and resources to help your business start, grow, and succeed.

We look forward to seeing you! 🚀


Mission EDC Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce

09/15/2026

🎉 Client Success Spotlight

Congratulations to Jesus Alvarado and Melissa Blanco, owners of First stop bagels, on the expansion of their growing specialty food business! What started as a food truck has grown into a loyal following, wholesale partnerships, and now a new brick-and-mortar location in Edinburg.

We are grateful they chose to share their entrepreneurial journey and wish them continued success. 🥳

09/15/2026

Are you ready to strengthen your AI skills?

The Google AI Professional Certificate offers small business owners practical training on AI tools, including Gemini and Google Workspace, through a series of self-paced online courses.

Participants may also receive 3 months of Google AI Pro and Google Workspace Business Standard at no cost upon completion.

Learn more and apply: 🔗 https://grow.google/smb

⭐ During registration, select America's Small Business Development Centers and enter UTRGV SBDC as your referring center.

09/10/2026

🐾 Small Business Owners: Do you know the rules regarding service animals at your business?

The Texas Governor's Committee on People With Disabilities is hosting a free webinar, "A Guide to Service Animals in Texas: Rights, Rules, and Access," on September 24, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM CT.

Learn what businesses can legally ask, understand service animal access requirements, and gain insight into ADA and Texas laws that impact employers and customer-facing businesses.

Registration is required. Learn more and register through the event host: https://txgov-us.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_aeHjbpejSwqMfyk2MQ9x7Q #/registration