In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, the U.S. Small Business Administration is hosting a virtual Hispanic Business Summit on Sept. 30 at 2 p.m. The SBA’s purpose with the summit is to both guide and inspire Hispanic entrepreneurs by presenting them with success stories and informative discussions in Spanish. Hosting the event this year is SBA’s Region VI, consisting of District Offices in Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Arkansas.…
As part of National Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration and cosponsors will host all virtual events Sept. 22-24. This year’s activities will include educational panels providing retooling and innovative practices for entrepreneurs. The event will recognize the national award winners, including the naming of the National Small Business Person of the Year. The event schedule includes three days recognizing America’s outstanding entrepreneurs. The events shine a spotlight…
The HELP for Small Business initiative continues to take applications until Sept. 30. The program began in late spring with the City of Harlingen and the Harlingen EDC recognizing the need for help as the COVID-19 pandemic took a toll on the business community. That prompted the Harlingen EDC board of directors to set aside $1,000,000 to fund HELP for Small Business. The program had successfully assisted many small businesses.…
Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to Texas businesses and residents affected by Hurricane Hanna July 25-28. The U.S. Small Business Administration declared a disaster and is making assistance available in Brooks, Cameron, Hidalgo, Kenedy, Starr and Willacy counties. This is in response to a request SBA received from Gov. Greg Abbott on Aug. 28. “Low-interest federal disaster loans are available to businesses of all sizes, most private nonprofit organizations,…
Small businesses are a critical part of the economy in Alamo, and the Alamo EDC works closely with those businesses to ensure their success. The EDC helps to cultivate an economically-healthy environment while also encouraging businesses to succeed while supporting the creation of jobs. The Alamo EDC assists and supports businesses through two main programs, the Revolving Loan Program and the Micro-Loan Program. The Revolving Loan Program offers small businesses with a low-interest…
In a July 21 release, the City of McAllen encourages business owners to review and abide by Texas Governor Greg Abbott’s orders regarding businesses in Texas. “Those orders do not require businesses to close nor are businesses or their customers required to adhere to particular hours, other than those contained in Governor Abbott’s orders,” reads the statement. The statement comes following Order 20-011 effective today, from Hidalgo County Judge Richard Cortez.…
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) includes provisions to help small businesses. Fraudsters have already begun targeting small business owners during these economically difficult times. Be on the lookout for grant fraud, loan fraud and phishing. Scams and Fraud Schemes Grants SBA does not initiate contact on either 7a or Disaster loans or grants. If you are proactively contacted by someone claiming to be from the…
The City of McAllen and the McAllen Chamber of Commerce are currently on the second round of funding in its $1.5 million COVID-19 Small Business Grant program. McAllen small businesses have until July 31 to submit their applications. Small businesses with revenues less than $2 million may receive grants for up to $5,000 each. The program helps fund businesses or programs that creatively address a need to create, enhance, restore…
Winning the fight isn’t easy. Our current opponent is tough, but Team Rio Grande Valley is tougher. The hours run long, the sweat pours, punches hit us and we become weary. The enemy is sneaky, but local businesses and organizations, led by determined, resilient and competitive people, will not be defeated. We stand our ground together and then, as a unified people, we will win this war. Here at VBR,…
The Texas Workforce Commission recently took action to provide guidance on eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits due to refusal to suitable work. Evaluations of each UI benefits case is currently on an individual basis. However, because of COVID-19, the following are reasons benefits would continue if an individual refuses work. Reason for refusal: People 65 years or older and/or people with medical issues. These include heart disease, diabetes, cancer or a…