Category Archives: Business Advice

Annually, the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation sponsors two Kauffman FastTrac courses. The next session begins Feb. 2 via Zoom for this accelerated business course, led by the UTRGV Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center. The Harlingen EDC’s sponsorship gives up to 10 Harlingen-based entrepreneurs the opportunity to take this exclusive course at no cost. The course is at a value of more than $700 per participant. Course offerings are typically in the spring…

Top Business Trends for 2021

December 30, 2020

VBR

Business Advice News Comments

Courtesy of SBA: For small businesses across America, 2020 has been one of the most challenging years in history. Small business owners have been resilient, pivoting, and adapting their business models to navigate continually changing conditions. There are potential new opportunities to take advantage of and ways to adapt to challenges you may face. Here are business trends that are likely to dominate in 2021, along with tips to position…

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…

There’s No Place Like Home

December 1, 2020

Todd Breland, VBR general manager

Business Advice News Comments

Our most precious resource is the group of people who surround us on a nightly basis. As the calendar year closes, reflecting on what we have, where we are and where we want to be is an annual tradition but in many ways, none so meaningful as this year. Our families are truly blessed even with all the challenges we are experiencing. As we say goodbye to 2020 soon, our…

National Veterans Small Business Week Nov. 2-6

October 30, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Events Featured News Comments

The Small Business Administration celebrates veteran-owned businesses across the country Nov. 2-6 with National Veterans Small Business Week. This is the seventh year the SBA offers entrepreneurial trainings and resources right in local communities to service members, veterans, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses. This year’s theme is #VetBiz Resources in Your Local Community, highlighting the breadth of free to low-cost entrepreneurial resource offerings right in veterans’ own…

Let Your Voice Be Heard

October 1, 2020

Todd Breland, VBR general manager

Business Advice e-Brief Features News Comments

How’s business? Is it any of my business? It absolutely is. As you know, for these 11-plus years, VBR has been and will continue to be a Rio Grande Valley pro-business advocate. All Texas businesses should be open! It is way past time for state and local restrictions keeping businesses closed and otherwise restricted from doing business at full capacity. Employers have bills to pay. Employees need paychecks for their…

Hispanic Business Summit Next Week

September 24, 2020

VBR

Business Advice e-Brief Features Events Featured News Comments

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.…

Register for the National Small Business Week Virtual Conference

September 16, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Featured News Comments

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…

HELP FOR Small Business Deadline Sept. 30

September 14, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Community Featured News Comments

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.…

SBA Opens Virtual Recovery Centers For Hurricane Hanna

September 3, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Community e-Brief Features Featured Comments

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,…

Business Advice Archive