Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas — The Pharr Economic Development Corporation / Pharr Global Business Hub, in partnership with UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the APEX Accelerator, hosted a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) Program Seminar at the Pharr Global Business Hub, providing local entrepreneurs and business owners with valuable information on federal contracting opportunities and business development resources.
The seminar brought together current and aspiring business owners from across the Rio Grande Valley to learn about federal certification programs designed to help small businesses compete for government contracts. Attendees received guidance on eligibility requirements, certification processes, and the benefits of participating in the Women-Owned Small Business and HUBZone programs.
“At Pharr EDC, our mission is to create opportunities that help local businesses succeed,” said Victor Perez, President and CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation. “By partnering with organizations like the SBA and UTRGV APEX Accelerator, we are connecting entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and knowledge they need to compete for federal contracts, expand their businesses, and strengthen our regional economy.”
A representative from the SBA provided an overview of the federal contracting landscape and discussed how small businesses can leverage SBA programs to access new markets.
“The SBA is committed to helping small businesses compete and thrive,” said Marcus Villagran, U.S. Small Business Administration. “Programs like the Women-Owned Small Business and HUBZone initiatives create meaningful opportunities for eligible businesses to secure federal contracts. By providing education and outreach, we are helping entrepreneurs build stronger, more competitive businesses.”
The UTRGV APEX Accelerator shared the no-cost counseling, training, and technical assistance available to businesses pursuing local, state, and federal government contracting opportunities.
“Our mission is to equip businesses with the knowledge and resources needed to navigate government procurement,” said Marivel Mata, UTRGV APEX Accelerator. “Whether they are pursuing certification for the first time or looking to expand into government contracting, we are committed to helping businesses identify opportunities and grow with confidence.”
Pharr EDC also emphasized the importance of creating accessible educational opportunities that support entrepreneurs at every stage of business development.
“Hosting workshops like this at the Pharr Global Business Hub reflects our commitment to providing meaningful resources that empower our local business community,” said Leticia Adame, Economic & Workforce Development Director for the Pharr Economic Development Corporation. “Our goal is to connect entrepreneurs with trusted partners and practical tools that help them grow, become more competitive, and take advantage of opportunities that can have a lasting impact on their businesses.”
The seminar is part of Pharr EDC’s ongoing efforts to foster entrepreneurship, encourage small business growth, and strengthen the regional economy through strategic partnerships and workforce development initiatives.
For more information about upcoming workshops, business assistance programs, and economic development initiatives, please contact the Pharr Economic Development Corporation at (956) 402-4332 or visit www.pharredc.com.
