Author Archives: Angela Burton

Just like any meaningful relationship, managing a small business requires effort, care and the right resources. In the spirit of appreciation, we’re sharing the small business resources we love just in time for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting your journey, these resources will help you blossom. SBA Resource Partners The U.S. Small Business Administration has built an extensive support network of resource partners that provide a…

January is National Mentoring Month

January 16, 2025

Angela Burton

Business Advice e-Brief Features News Comments

The word mentor has a rich history that dates back to the ancient world, yet its meaning is timeless. The term originated in Greek mythology from the character Mentor in Homer’s epic, The Odyssey. Mentor was a close friend of the hero Odysseus, who entrusted him with the care and guidance of his son, Telemachus, during his long absence. Mentor’s role was one of wisdom, support and nurturing leadership, guiding Telemachus through challenges and…

Five Ways to Thank Your Local Small Business

November 25, 2022

Angela Burton

Community Featured News Comments

The small businesses in SBA’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District are the backbone of our economy and the heartbeat of our communities. The impact of the pandemic has been tough on many of our small businesses. And still, small business owners continue to demonstrate their resilience and commitment to meet the moment before them. As the world changed, almost overnight, small business owners pivoted just as quickly to offer new…

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month

September 10, 2021

Angela Burton

Business Advice Featured News Comments

September is National Disaster Preparedness Month. With the recent devastation caused by Hurricane Ida, I felt compelled to share information and encourage small business preparedness. First and foremost, every business has unique vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Knowing which disasters are most likely to affect your business can thus help you return to operations faster. In addition, a back-to-business self-assessment can help you gauge your risks for common hazards. This includes hurricanes,…

Tips for Small Businesses For the Holidays & Beyond

December 17, 2020

Angela Burton

Business Advice Featured News Comments

For small businesses across the Lower Rio Grande Valley District, 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in history. Despite the coronavirus pandemic, small business owners have been resilient, pivoting and adapting their business models to navigate continually changing conditions. With the new year on the horizon, there are potential new opportunities to take advantage of and ways to adapt to challenges you may face. The holiday season…

Shop Small on Small Business Saturday

November 27, 2020

Angela Burton

Community Events Featured News Comments

Small Business Saturday 2020 is on Nov. 28, marking the 11th annual Small Business Saturday. Last year, shoppers came together in full force to support their local communities. Small Business Saturday hit a record high with an estimated $19.6 billion in reported spending. This year surviving COVID-19 has become the sole mission of many small businesses. Despite the challenges, I have learned that local small businesses are resourceful and resilient.…

Lender Match Makes Connections

February 1, 2018

Angela Burton

Business Advice News Comments

It costs money to run or start a business. Funding a business is one of the first and most important financial choices most business owners make. The U.S. Small Business Administration has launched Lender Match, an online referral tool connecting small business borrowers with participating SBA lenders. Lender Match is an upgrade to Leveraging Information and Networks to Access Capital, introduced as a pilot in 2015. Lender Match brings together…

Mentors Increase Small Business Success

January 9, 2018

Angela Burton

Business Advice Featured News Comments

January is National Mentor Month, a perfect time to connect with a counselor/mentor at the U.S. Small Business Administration. Lower Rio Grande Valley District partners provided counseling and training to 9,094 small businesses in 2017, and helped create or retain about 481 jobs. These partners also helped start 111 new businesses. Mentors can be invaluable to small businesses. After all, it can be overwhelming to juggle dozens of responsibilities and…

SBA Loans Pump Cash into Economy

December 22, 2017

Angela Burton

Business Advice News Comments

The Small Business Administration’s Lower Rio Grande Valley District saw an increase in the amount of money loaned to businesses in fiscal year 2017, even though there was a slight decrease in the number of loans approved. The LRGV district guaranteed 191 loans in the 7(a) and 504 loan programs. These programs combined provided more than $71 million to small businesses that created 633 jobs and retained 984. The loans…

Veterans Make Big Economic Impact

November 5, 2017

Angela Burton

News Comments

As a veteran, the celebration of Veteran’s Day is near and dear to my heart. Veteran’s Day also reminds me of the many veterans using their military and leadership skills to serve their communities through entrepreneurship and job creation. We just celebrated National Veterans Small Business Week, a reminder that veteran entrepreneurs are a driving force in our economy. Nearly one in every 10 American businesses today is owned by…