Category Archives: Business Advice

We Need Emotionally Intelligent Leaders

It was well established in the literature that leaders who had the ability to inspire, motivate and intellectually stimulate followers saw positive organizational outcomes such as increased job satisfaction, high employee morale, lower turnover rates and more employee motivation. However, there is emerging research that suggests transformational leadership is not always the best way to lead. In fact, there are a handful of studies that found that the use of…

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The Leaves Have Turned

leaves turned

The old days of competing amongst ourselves is a thing of the past. Working together for the good of the Valley is as bright as a Northeast fall leaf. If you don’t believe me, drive the Valley and see the incredible growth of rooftops and businesses, reaching far and wide. The comradery between county, city and town leadership combined with the very friendly business environment proves bitter leaves of yesteryear…

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San Antonio Startup Week Rewards Startup Pitches

San Antonio Startup Week

San Antonio Startup Week will offer entrepreneurs a free week of innovation on from Oct. 16-21 in downtown San Antonio. The event features 75 events, including keynote addresses, workshops and panel discussions. A highlight is five premier startup pitch competitions which will invest nearly $300,000 in startups during the week. The majority of SA Startup Week events will be held at Geekdom at 110 E. Houston Street. “San Antonio Startup…

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Pharr EDC, LiftFund Launch New Small Business Program

The Pharr Economic Development Corporation has partnered with LiftFund to launch of its new small business program providing local small businesses in Pharr with assistance and debt relief. LiftFund’s mission is to provide credit and services to small businesses and entrepreneurs who do not have access to loans from commercial sources and to provide leadership and innovation to the micro-lending industry. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $287…

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Tips On Buying A Business

buying

VBR is featuring a series of Q&A articles from SCORE, a nonprofit organization that fosters vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops. It features a large network of volunteer business mentors who help small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow their projects and ideas. In this Q&A, insights are offered on buying a business. Q: What do I need to know when buying a business? A: The most…

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U.S. Chamber Recognizes Top Small Businesses

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is recognizing the very best in American small business. Beginning this year, its newly reimagined America’s Top Small Business Awards (formerly Dream Big Awards) will honor the achievements of small businesses and highlight their contributions to America’s economic growth. The winner of America’s Top Small Business 2023 will receive national recognition and a $25,000 cash prize. Additional non-cash prizes, including prizes for finalists, are online. To…

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Tips On Financing Small Businesses

VBR is kicking off a series with SCORE, a nonprofit organization fostering vibrant small business communities through mentoring and educational workshops. The nation’s largest network of volunteer, expert business mentors helps small businesses plan, launch, manage and grow.   In this SCORE Q&A, we hear from Pete Carvell, a SCORE mentor, leader and past district director. Q: What are some options in financing a small business? A: There are several ways to…

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Pharr EDC Announces New Small Business Grant

Pharr

The Pharr Economic Development Corporation has launched its new Pharr EDC II Small Business Grant. The program offers small and emerging for-profit businesses grant assistance to establish or expand into the City of Pharr to support long-term success. The Pharr EDC will host workshops in English and Spanish on March 29 at Pharr One (1121 E. Nolana Loop) to inform local businesses about the grant opportunities. The English workshop will…

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Geekdom, eBridge Center Launch Local Startup Bootcamp

eBridge

The eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization will host a Startup Bootcamp in partnership with Geekdom March 31 to April 2. The free, three-day program will help new early-stage entrepreneurs obtain the proper foundation they need for launching their new businesses. The program provides an opportunity to build a minimum viable product and receive mentoring from local industry experts. Participants will also receive opportunities to network with other founders. At…

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Place Eggs In Carton Carefully

Entrepreneurs are hustlers, multitaskers and at least slightly hyper — go, go, go and sleep deprived. The number of projects in full motion simultaneously would cause a non-entrepreneur to have stress attacks. For many, no two projects are in the same stages. A drawing illustrating active phases would replicate a spaghetti hurricane model five days before landfall. A seasoned and successful entrepreneur is in control of a limited number of…

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