Texas Border Business
By Harlingen Economic Development Corporation
HARLINGEN, Texas – Applications are now open for the 2026 RISE Up Harlingen Business Pitch Competition, brought to you by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation (EDC) in partnership with UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC).
RISE Up Harlingen is powered by the AdvanceUp Accelerator course and is designed to provide a platform for entrepreneurs and early-stage startup companies to receive mentorship, resources, and network opportunities leading up to a live pitch event on October 1, 2026. Finalists will pitch their business concepts to a panel of judges for a chance at the following grant awards: $30,000 for first place, $20,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.
“RISE Up Harlingen continues to spark real momentum for local entrepreneurs, and we’re excited to bring it back for its third year,” said Orlando Campos, CEO of the Harlingen EDC. “Through this competition, we’re seeing ideas move from concept to company, while also building a stronger, more dynamic innovation ecosystem in Harlingen.”
The Harlingen EDC will select 10 applicants to participate. Eligible applicants must commit to establishing or maintaining business operations in the City of Harlingen, Texas. The program will begin on Monday, July 20, 2026, and will occur weekly on Mondays through September 28, 2026; completion of the course is required to pitch.
Those interested in the pitch are encouraged to submit their applications before Monday, July 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. To apply, visit www.harlingenedc.com/riseupharlingen.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies interested in supporting the RISE Up Harlingen initiative and investing in local entrepreneurship. All contributions go directly toward prize money awarded to participating entrepreneurs.
For more information about the application process, or to learn about potential sponsorships, contact the Harlingen EDC’s Small Business & Startup Manager, Maria Escobar, at 956-966-2692 or mescobar@harlingenedc.com.
Information source: Harlingen EDC
