Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
MISSION, Texas — Internationally recognized marketing speaker and bestselling author Andrew Davis is returning to Mission to serve as the keynote speaker at the inaugural Mission Small Business Expo, a free, daylong event that connects entrepreneurs with information, resources and opportunities to grow their businesses.
The Mission Economic Development Corporation will host the expo on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mission Event Center, 200 N. Shary Road. Admission and parking are free.
“Something big is coming to Mission, Texas,” Davis said in a promotional message for the event. “The very first Mission Small Business Expo.”
The expo will feature expert-led sessions, workshops, networking opportunities, business resources, exhibitors, and the Ruby Red Ventures Pitch Competition. Mission EDC said the event is intended for entrepreneurs and business owners at all stages of development.
Texas Border Business previously reported that organizers expect about 60 Mission small businesses to showcase their products and services, and that thousands of people will attend. Small-business support organizations, including the U.S. Small Business Administration, UTRGV, and workforce representatives, are also expected to participate.
Lone Star National Bank is serving as the inaugural title sponsor. Mission EDC said the bank’s participation supports the organization’s efforts to increase connections, visibility and market opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Davis will take the keynote stage with a presentation called “The Loyalty Loop,” focused on how businesses can create customer experiences that strengthen loyalty and generate additional business.
“We spend a lot of time telling our customers how different we are,” Davis said. He added that his presentation will instead encourage entrepreneurs to demonstrate what makes their businesses different through the customer experience.
Davis said he will identify six small actions businesses can take to turn existing customers into a steady source of valuable new business.
His appearance adds a marketing and customer-retention component to an event focused on practical assistance for small businesses. Mission EDC describes its work as focused on job creation, capital investment, workforce development and entrepreneurship. Texas Border Business reported in June that the organization provides resources, mentorship, funding programs and other support for companies and entrepreneurs.
The Ruby Red Ventures Pitch Competition will be another major element of the expo, giving entrepreneurs an opportunity to present their business ideas and connect with the region’s business community.
For Davis, the event’s message is straightforward: one day can create numerous opportunities for entrepreneurs willing to learn, connect, and reconsider how they build relationships with customers.
“One day, endless opportunities,” Davis said. “I’ll see you September 16th in Mission, Texas, because your mission starts here.”
Mission Small Business Expo information and registration
MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE EXPO:
The day will begin at 9:00 a.m. with nationally recognized keynote speaker Andrew Davis, who will present The Loyalty Loop, exploring how businesses can build stronger customer relationships and turn everyday interactions into lasting loyalty.
At 11:00 a.m., the Go Big, From Home: Commercialization, Manufacturing & Scaling Your Business panel will explore what it takes for businesses to move into their next stage of growth, from commercialization and manufacturing to expansion and reaching new markets. The discussion will feature Pilar Gonzalez, founder of Dip It by Pilar; Fermín Rodríguez Sosa, Managing Director of Genera Softlanding; and David Ortiz, South Texas Regional Director with the Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center at UTRGV. J. Edgar Ruiz II, Senior Vice President at Lone Star National Bank, will moderate the conversation.
Throughout the day, attendees can visit the Exhibitor & Resource Hall, connect with Mission businesses and organizations, learn about available business resources and participate in networking opportunities.
From 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., eight entrepreneurs will take the stage for the Ruby Red Ventures Pitch Competition. In a Shark Tank-style competition, participants will pitch their businesses before a panel of judges for the opportunity to receive $25,000, $15,000 or $10,000 to support their next stage of growth. Winners will be announced later that afternoon.
The Expo will also feature speed networking and opportunities for attendees to connect directly with entrepreneurs, resource providers and business leaders from across the Rio Grande Valley.
EVENT DETAILS
Mission Small Business Expo
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Mission Event Center
200 N. Shary Rd.
Mission, Texas
Admission is free and open to the public.
