Category Archives: Business Advice

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,…

Alamo Program Works for Small Business Owners

August 28, 2020

VBR

Business Advice Featured News Comments

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…

City of McAllen Urges Businesses to Stay Open

July 22, 2020

VBR

Business Advice e-Brief Features Featured News Comments

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.…

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