Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas — The Pharr Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC), the APEX Accelerator, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosted the first session of its 3-part Government Contracting Series at the Pharr Global Business Hub.
The workshop focused on helping veterans and entrepreneurs better understand federal contracting opportunities, certification programs, and government procurement pathways available to small businesses.
Participants heard presentations from Marivel Mata, Director, of the UTRGV APEX Accelerator and Marcus Villagran, Business Advisor, with the SBA, who provided guidance on the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program, Veteran Certification, federal procurement readiness, and strategies to successfully compete for government contracts. Attendees also learned about available technical assistance resources, certification requirements, and the long-term opportunities available through federal contracting.
The Veteran Business Series is part of the expanding programming initiative at the Pharr Global Business Hub, aimed at equipping entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses with access to educational workshops, strategic partnerships, and economic opportunities that support business growth throughout the region.
“Supporting our veterans and entrepreneurs with access to education, federal contracting resources, and strategic partnerships is exactly the type of impactful programming we envisioned for the Pharr Global Business Hub,” said Victor Perez. “We are committed to creating opportunities that help businesses grow, compete, and succeed.”
“This partnership allows us to connect veterans and small businesses with critical tools and knowledge that can open doors to new markets and contracting opportunities,” said Armando Villarreal, Economic Development Training Specialist at the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, “Through collaboration and education, we are helping entrepreneurs build stronger and more competitive businesses.”
“Our goal is to create meaningful programming that empowers entrepreneurs that can make a real economic impact,” said Leticia Adame. “This series is about supporting our veterans through every step of the process and helping them navigate opportunities in government contracting with confidence.”
The Business Series will continue with additional sessions focused on certification support, procurement readiness, and business development strategies for veterans and small business owners interested in federal contracting opportunities.
