Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
Business leaders, entrepreneurs, lenders, and community partners gathered in Weslaco during National Small Business Week to recognize small businesses and financial institutions driving economic growth across the Rio Grande Valley.
The event, hosted by the Rio Grande Valley Partnership in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, was held at Knapp Medical Center.
Weslaco Mayor Adrian Gonzalez welcomed attendees and thanked the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and Knapp Medical Center for hosting the event.
“Small businesses are the heart of our communities,” Gonzalez said. “They create jobs, support families, strengthen neighborhoods, and help our cities grow.”
Gonzalez, who identified himself as a small business owner, said he understands the “hard work, sacrifice, and dedication it takes to build a business from the ground up.” He also encouraged residents to support local businesses ahead of Mother’s Day and presented a proclamation declaring May 3 through May 9 as National Small Business Week in Weslaco.
Paco Sanchez, president and CEO of the Rio Grande Valley Partnership, said the event honored businesses and individuals who “drive our economy, support our families, and strengthen communities across the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.”
Sanchez noted that Texas has 3.5 million small businesses employing 5.1 million people, nearly half the state’s workforce.
“Everything is bigger in Texas, especially the impact of our small businesses and the awardees we are here to honor today,” Sanchez said.
Angela R. Burton, district director for the SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office, thanked SBA staff and resource partners including the UTRGV Small Business Development Center, SCORE South Texas, and the Veterans Business Outreach Center.
“Small businesses are not just part of our community — they are the community,” Burton said. “They represent the early mornings, the late nights, the risk-takers, and the problem-solvers.”
Keynote speaker Justin J. Crossie said small businesses remain central to the national economy.
“Small businesses are the backbone of America,” Crossie said.
Crossie noted that more than 36 million small businesses operate in the United States, representing 99.9% of all businesses nationwide.
Four financial institutions received awards for SBA lending activity during fiscal year 2025. Lone Star National Bank earned the 7(a) Lender of the Year Award for highest loan volume, while PlainsCapital Bank received the 7(a) Lender of the Year Award for highest dollar value. LiftFund was named Community Development Corporation Lender of the Year for 504 loans, and First Community Bank received the 504 Third-Party Lender of the Year award.
Nine businesses across the SBA district also received honors, including Heavenly Angels Christian Day Care, TXQ Rubs, Fresh Coat Painters of McAllen, Dance Time, 956 Coffee Co., Soil Tech Advance Inc., Nueces Medical Properties LTD dba Robstown Tots & Teens Pediatrics, Indigo Laine & Co., and Amor Eterno Provider Service.
