Texas Border Business
HARLINGEN, TX — The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office is celebratingthe Small Business Person of the Year and six additional honorees as it prepares for National Small Business Week, May 4-10, 2025. Along with awards ceremonies, the week will feature a national small business roadshow with SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler, a two-day virtual summit, community events, educational sessions on manufacturing, digital marketing, cybersecurity, and cryptocurrency, as well as online business resources and appearances by renowned speakers.
The SBA is recognizing Abygail T. Elizondo, owner of Elizondo Insurance Services in Harlingen, Texas, as the district’s Small Business Person of the Year for her significant impact and economic contributions to the SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District.
“I am truly honored to be recognized as the SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District Small Business Person of the Year. This award is a testament to the dedication and resilience of small businesses in the RGV, especially those committed to serving and uplifting our communities,” Elizondo said. “I look forward to continuing to make a positive impact.”
“Congratulations to this year’s small business winners, whose innovation and dedication have set a remarkable standard in our region,” said Regional Administrator Justin Crossie. “I am looking forward to National Small Business Week celebrations to honor their achievements and the positive impact they continue to make in our communities as they pursue their American dream.
Two events will be held to recognize all district winners who have driven entrepreneurial success, created jobs, and fostered economic growth over the past year.
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Rio Grande Valley Partnership invites small businesses and local winners to a recognition ceremony from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Rancho Viejo Resort and Country Club, Conference Center, located at 1 Bolivar Ave., Rancho Viejo, Texas. For more information, contact Lily Cantú at (956) 968-3141 or via email at lily@rgvpartnership.com.
And, on Thursday, May 8, 2025, the Del Mar College Small Business Development Center will host an evening event from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Del Mar College Oso Creek Campus located at 7002 Yorktown Blvd., Corpus Christi, Texas. For more information, contact Ashton Everett at (361) 698-2422 or via email at aeverett29@delmar.edu.
2025 National Award Categories
Small Business Person of the Year
Abygail T. Elizondo, Elizondo Insurance Services, Harlingen, Texas, nominated by Allan Leonard, Chapter Chair, SCORE
Small Business Exporter of the Year
Hansheng Lei, America Instrument Inc. dba America Ship, Brownsville, Texas, nominated by Daniela Sosa, Executive Director, Business Development Fund of Texas
2025 District Director Awards
Home-Based Business of the Year
Francisco Javier Garcia, Bruskees Spices, LLC, Harlingen, Texas, nominated by Orlando Campos, Chief Executive Officer, Harlingen Economic Development Corporation
Rural Owned Small Business of the Year
Daniel Perez Rodriguez, Malfunction Junction Automotive, LLC, Sandia, Texas, nominated by Celia Garza, Rural Program Manager, Del Mar College Small Business Development Center
Veteran Owned Small Business of the Year
Martin Rubio Flores, Marty McPies, LLC, Corpus Christi, Texas, nominated by Theresa Moffitt, Certified Business Advisor IV, Del Mar College Small Business Development Center
Women Owned Small Business of the Year
Karina M. Saldivar, Sweet & Fit, LLC dba Amor Y Pan, Brownsville, Texas, nominated by Linda Ufland, Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Commercialization, UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Daisy Nayeli Alcazar, La Pale Frozen Fruit Bar, LLC, Brownsville, Texas, nominated by Marlene R. Rodriguez, Market Director, LiftFund
Details on National Small Business Week, including the virtual summit, registration, and speakers, are available at www.sba.gov/NSBW and will be updated as additional information and activities are confirmed. Local events will be featured on www.sba.gov/events and can be identified by searching with the hashtag #SmallBusinessWeek.
