Happy St. Patrick's Day! 

In the spirit of this holiday, the UTRGV SBDC invites you to take some time to assess areas of good fortune when thinking about your business. While there are challenges to running a company, especially during times of crisis, being the owner allows you to define the goals and objectives, and ultimately, the direction of the company.  

This month also features #SBDCDay! March 15th marks the opportunity to showcase the work of SBDCs across the nation as well as the successes of the countless entrepreneurs who contribute to the prosperity of America. Help us celebrate by following us on social media, as we share updates about this special day. As added jubilee, the UTRGV SBDC is also celebrating the hard work of a team member who has earned top recognition! See the news below.

Remember, the UTRGV SBDC is here for you! The center can provide assistance, as you plan and implement operational and growth strategies in your business. Confidential, one-to-one business advisement is available in-person or virtually, by appointment, and at no cost. Call your advisor today for a follow-on appointment. If you are new to the SBDC, visit eCenter Direct to register and set up your first appointment. 

Webinars and on-demand modules on a variety of business topics are also available at little or no cost. See the available options below! To register for a training, visit eCenter Direct. If you cannot get online, please call our office at 956.665.7535 for further assistance. 

Stay connected and follow us on Facebook and Twitter for up-to-date information and resources for your small business!

Warmest regards,

UTRGV Small Business Development Center

"Celebrating over 35 years of service!"

The Texas South-West SBDC Network has announced its State Star for 2023! Arturo Gonzalez, Senior Business & Trade Advisor at the UTRGV SBDC, earned the State Star award. Click on the blue button to read how his dedication and hard work have earned him this top recognition among his peers.

March 15th is SBDC Day! America’s SBDCs are the leaders in job creation and attributed measurable economic impact. Follow us on Facebook to learn how SBDCs are making a difference across the nation. Click on the red button for more information and special offers in honor of this special day.

H-E-B has announced the call for entries for the 10th Annual H-E-B Quest for Texas Best. Submissions are now being accepted through April 6. Qualified participants will compete for a combined $70,000 in cash prizes and the opportunity to feature their product on H-E-B shelves across the state. Click on the grey button for more information.

A new application category is now open for the Texas Travel Industry Recovery Grant (TTIR). The TTIR Program provides one-time grants of up to $20,000 for the recovery of Texas businesses in the tourism, travel, and hospitality industry that were negatively impacted during the pandemic. Click on the blue button for more information or to apply.

The 2022 Texas South-West Small Business Development Center Network Annual Report features CCC Services from the Rio Grande Valley! Click on the red button to read her story on page 10.



Webinars & Seminars

03.01.23 A Simple Recipe for Social Media Success 10:00 am-11:00 am | Live Webinar | No Fee

03.03.23 Boots to Business Reboot 8:00 am-4:30 pm | In-Person | No Fee (Veterans/Spouses)

03.03.23 Gig Economy Tax Implications for Small Business 1:00 pm-2 pm | Live Webinar | No Fee

03.09.23 SBDC Smart Start 2:00 pm-3:00 pm | Live Webinar | No Fee

03.10.23 Art of Marketing 8:30 am-10:30 am | In-Person | No Fee

03.15.23 Social Media for Small Businesses: Tips & Trends for 2023 2:00 pm-4:00 pm | In-Person | No Fee

03.16.23 Language of Business 2:00 pm-3:00 pm | Live Webinar | No Fee

03.21.23 Turn Your Customers Into Your Sales Force 10:00 am-11:00 am | Live Webinar | No Fee

03.21.23 Show Me the Money! Small Business Financing Options 10:00 am-12:00 pm | In-Person | No Fee

03.22.23 Regions Bank Presents: How Businesses Obtain Credit 10:00 am-11:00 am | Live Webinar | No Fee

03.23.23 Let's Talk Business: SBDC Welcomes SBA 2:00 pm-3:00 pm | Live Webinar | No Fee

03.30.23 Workforce Solutions Entrepreneurship Bootcamp 8:30 am-3:30 pm | In-Person | No Fee

For those in business, or even new to business, the UTRGV SBDC offers additional, online training modules that can be accessed from anywhere and at any time, 24/7/365. All sessions are at no cost and self-paced!

The following are some of the topics included in the portal:

• Buying a Business
• Finding and Attracting Investors
• How to Write a Business Plan
• Introduction to Pricing 
• Legal Requirements for Small Business
• Marketing 101: A Guide to Winning Customers
• Sales: A Guide for the Small Business Owner
• Selling Your Business
• Small Business Employee Recruitment and Retention
• Social Media Marketing
• Understanding Your Customer

*Registration required. Access the TXSW SBDC Network Training Portal for online training today!

Texas South-West Border SBDC Network

The Texas South-West Border SBDC Network has 10 field offices (including the UTRGV SBDC) that service a 79-county region.

Check out additional training events by our Network sister centers:

TXSW Border SBDC Network Training Registration & Information



The UTRGV SBDC is hosted by The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley; is a center of the Texas South-West Small Business Development Center Network; is funded in part through the State of Texas and a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration; and is an accredited member of America's SBDC. 

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency will be made, if requested at least two weeks in advance, by calling the UTRGV SBDC at (956) 665-7535. Assistance for the hearing impaired can be attained by calling the TDD line at 1-866-410-5787 or 1-866-327-8877.

At The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the UTRGV SBDC is a center of the Office of Workforce and Economic Development (OWED), under the UTRGV Division of Governmental & Community Relations. OWED aims to address issues that impact the long-term welfare of the community through private/public partnership efforts.

In addition to assistance in business development and growth offered by the UTRGV Small Business Development Center, UTRGV Veterans Business Outreach Center, and the UTRGV Procurement Technical Assistance Center, OWED also offers assistance in training and technical assistance to non-profits; data, research, impact analysis, and maps for private/public entities; and business incubation. For more information on any of these services, please call 956.665.3361 or email vpgcr@utrgv.edu.