University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

This EDA investment aims to empower historically underserved entrepreneurs in South Texas by creating a thriving technology-based entrepreneurship ecosystem that fosters economic growth and generates high-skill, high-wage jobs while promoting inclusivity and diversity.

The project focus is to enhance the capacity and capabilities of investors and startup founders through education and support programs. Investors will receive training on investments fundamentals, tactics, and strategies while founders will receive training on entrepreneurship skills, accessing markets, and fundraising. Key project goals include increasing the knowledge and capacity of investors to make better informed decisions; equipping startups and small businesses with the necessary skills, knowledge, and resources to establish and expand their businesses; and, to create equitable and inclusive access to capital, with a particular focus on the underserved populations and communities in the Rio Grande Valley.