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SBDC Smart Start
2022-01-20 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Chicago) | UTRGV Edinburg CESS Bldg, 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Drive, Edinburg, TX, 78542, United States
Do you have a business idea? Are you interested in starting your own business?
“SBDC Smart Start” Jan. 20 at the UTRGV CESS Building in Edinburg provides the information and steps necessary for a smart business start. UTRGV SBDC will get participants ready for a one-to-one, business advisement session for ongoing assistance.
This seminar is presented by the UTRGV SBDC with promotional support from area resource partners: Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce and Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation.
Register online.

“Healthy-Delicious-Better! Mediterranean Cuisine”
2022-01-20 18:00 - 19:00 | Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Chef Nancy Melhem
Quinta Mazatlán hosts Chef Nancy Melhem from Greens & Lemons on Jan. 20 for a night of healthy Mediterranean Recipes & Tapas Tasting Outdoors at Thursday Night Live.
Melhem will showcase some of her favorite recipes and discuss the benefits of Mediterranean dishes. Mediterranean food is based on the traditional cuisines of Greece, Italy, Egypt and other countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. Plant-based foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, legumes, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs and spices, are the foundation of Mediterranean cuisine.
Melhem is the founder and head chef of Greens & Lemons restaurant in Mission. She started her business from the grounds up sharing her love of cooking and healthy dishes through social media as a contract chef for private clients. As her clientele grew, Melhem decided to take a leap of faith and invest in her own establishment. Her passion for making delicious meals and providing quality products proved a success as Greens and Lemons is now one of the premiere healthy eateries in the Rio Grande Valley.
“Many people associate eating healthy to lose weight. However, following a balanced diet is good for everyone and its benefits are not only limited to weight control. Eating healthy is not a regimen, it is a lifestyle in which you provide your body with what it needs to keep you healthy, fit and happier than ever.” –Greens & Lemons
Pre-purchased tickets recommended at $5 each. Tickets available for purchase at quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.
For more information, contact Quinta Mazatlán.

SPI Market Days
2022-01-21 - 2022-01-23 | SPI Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
Visit the SPI Convention Center Jan 21-23 and Feb. 25-27 for SPI Market Days. Enjoy live music while exploring the different treasures from vendors from all over the world. Items include art, gourmet food, custom creations, fashion and beauty, home and garden decor, cosmetics, local activities, jewelry, tools, health products, pet merchandise and more.
Food truck will be serving breakfast and lunch,
Admission is $1, parking is free.

Chamber Connect +
2022-01-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce hosts Chamber Connect + on Jan. 24. This free event offers information on what the chamber can do for you while also providing a refresher on current member benefits.
Attendees will learn how to:

Take advantage of your membership benefits
Join a committee
Stay connected with your members-only online portal
Set up your membership profile

Register online.
For more information, contact the Brownsville Chamber.

SBDC: Business Branding Strategies
2022-01-25 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Do you have a brand strategy for your existing business?A brand strategy is a long-term plan on what you want your business to “say” about your products and services to new and existing customers.
This message, also known as branding, helps you engage and communicate with your customers more clearly. The more consistent and aligned your brand message is, the more likely you are to attract and maintain loyal customers.
This webinar shares practical branding strategies for increased sales and discusses the impact a brand has on the value of a business.
Topics include:

Protecting your brand
Brand messaging
Brand alignment

This webinar session is presented by Jaenie Longoria, Global Business Consultant with Biz Media Firm.
This webinar is hosted by the UTRGV SBDC with promotional support by the Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, San Benito Chamber of Commerce, and Starr County Industrial Foundation.
Register online. Deadline applies.

How to do Business With the Federal Government - 2022 New Year Goal
2022-01-26 13:00 | Webinar
Learn “How to do Business With the Federal Government” in this webinar Jan. 26, covering the basics to government contracting for small businesses.
Participants will receive instruction on how to get started in marketing and selling to federal agencies. Improve your probability of being “found” by federal contracting offices and large Federal Prime Contractors.
Topics include:

What is SAM.GOV
What are the NAICS codes
What is FED Biz Opps
How do government agencies buy products and services
What is the Dynamic Small Business Search
Which website is used by contracting entities to source contractors
Which NAICS codes and how many should you use
What is a good “Capability Statement”

In addition, learn about SBA resources and Resource Partner programs to help small businesses start, grow, expand and recover.
Register online.

SPI Chamber Open House, Ribbon Cutting & Mixer
2022-01-26 17:30 - 19:00 | South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce, 321 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, United States
Join the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Jan. 26 as it holds a ribbon cutting, open house and mixer at its new offices. Chamber members and area businesses may attend.

How Secure is Your Company's Network?
2022-01-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and ArkWare LLC present “How Secure is Your Company’s Network?” at the chamber Jan. 27.
In this workshop, participants will learn about:

Computers
The internet
Viruses
Data
Protection
The dark web

Dustin Salinas of ArkWare will present this installment of the Cybersecurity for Businesses Series.
This workshop is free and open to the community. Regisiter online.
For more information, contact the Brownsville Chamber.

Winter Migrating & Resident Birds with Thamara Hernandez
2022-01-27 18:00 - 19:00 | Quinta Mazatlan, 600 Sunset Drive, McAllen, TX, 78503, United States
Quinta Mazatlán hosts Thamara Hernandez, Urban Park Ranger at Santa Ana NWR, on Jan. 27 in an outdoor presentation on winter migrating and resident birds of the Rio Grande Valley.
In North America there are 338 bird species that are Nearctic-Neotropical migrants. Of those 338 species, 333 of them have been documented in Texas. The 615 species of birds on record in Texas are the highest record of any other state. About 54 percent of them are Nearctic-Neotropical migratory birds. The Rio Grande Valley is one of the most biologically diverse areas in North America.
Migratory birds provide numerous ecosystem services such as pest control, plant pollination, serve as food source for other wildlife, and attract millions of birders and nature enthusiasts from all over the world.
About Thamara Hernandez
Working for the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge right along the banks of the Rio Grande river, Hernandez has a responsibility to maintain the refuge for these magnificent migratory birds on their journeys. A Rio Grande Valley native Hernandez grew up in San Juan. Her passion for the environment and conservation was instilled early on by her family who worked in agriculture fields. She learned firsthand all the hard work that goes into maintaining a healthy environment. Through her role as Urban Park Ranger, Hernandez has played an active role in educating her community on the importance of protecting and conserving the natural habitat of the Rio Grande Valley.
Tickets are $5 per person. Pre-purchased tickets are recommended online at www.quintamazatlan.ticketleap.com.

Friday With The City: City Manager's Annual Update
2022-01-28 08:00 - 09:30 | Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, 1600 University Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Brownsville presents the annual City Manager’s Update during Friday with the City on Jan. 28.
Friday with the City is an initiative of the chamber in partnership with the City of Brownsville which provides an update to the community. Topics include growth, progress and the future of the city.
Community members may submit questions for the presenters in advance online. Registration is also available online.
For more information, contact the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce.

Credits, Deductions and Taxes for your Business
2022-01-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Webinar
Did you recently start a business or planning to start one? While starting a business is an exciting venture, it can be overwhelming and daunting to navigate without proper planning, understanding and execution.
Understanding your tax obligation is one key to business success. When you start a business, you need to know about income taxes, payroll taxes and much more. Knowing how to avoid the top tax mistakes that small businesses make and what you need to know about Schedule C and other small business taxes is imperative for your business.
This session presented by U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and will help participants understand credits, taxes and deductions for your business.
Discover and Learn:

Figuring out if your business is subject to the self-employment tax, income tax or both
The different forms of taxable and nontaxable income that come from money, property or services
What you can and can’t deduct as a business expense
Business tax credits for your business

The U.S. Small Business Administration recognizes that supporting entrepreneurship is a team effort. “Credits, Deductions and Texas for your Business” is the second workshop in a series of 10 specifically developed with the local entrepreneur in mind. The 10-part series addresses a variety of subjects and connects participants with experts from federal, state and local business resources.
Register online.

Tri-City Classic 2022
2022-01-29 08:00 - 12:00 | Primera Park, 22893 Stuart Place Road, Primera, TX, 78552, United States
The City of Primera partners up with the city of Combes and Palm Valley to present the first annual Tri-City Classic 2022 event on Jan. 29. The 5k/10k run will begin at 8 a.m.
For more information and sponsorship opportunities, contact Primera City Hall.

SPI Kite Fest
2022-02-03 - 2022-02-05 | SPI Convention Center, 7355 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
The SPI Kite Fest is back for 2022 at the SPI Convention Center Feb. 3-5 for indoor kite performances and the outdoor festival.
The weekend also includes On the Flats and a banquet at the Isla Grand Beach Resort.

Women Empowering Women: Dr. Linda Burke
2022-02-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
The Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce’s hit event Women Empowering Women returns this year on Feb. 3 with Dr. Linda Burke.
Women Empowering Women is a monthly series which invites an empowered woman from the Harlingen community as a keynote speaker. Speakers tell their stories of how they rose to prominence or overcame difficulties that prevented them from shining.
To RSVP or more information, contact Lauren Campbell.

Coffee With The President
2022-02-07 08:30 - 09:30 | Harlingen Area Chamber of Commerce, 311 E. Tyler Ave., Harlingen, TX, 78550, United States
Harlingen Chamber’s Javier De Leon has a personal face-to-face sit-down with members of the community on Feb. 7 at the chamber. De Leon will also talk about what the Harlingen Chamber offers, some of its initiatives and how to properly utilize chamber membership.
This event is open to the entire community and is free.

26th Annual Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo
2022-02-08 - 2022-02-12 | SPI Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary, 6801 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
The annual Winter Outdoor Wildlife Expo is back better than ever on South Padre Island Feb. 8-12. The five-day expo includes distinguished guest speakers, exhibits and tours.
Learn all about the fascinating natural treasures South Texas and the lower Laguna Madre have to offer. The array of topics include sea turtles, native plants, birds, fishing, butterflies and dragonflies, and more.
Visit spibirding.com/wowe for more details, presenter schedule, and to register for tours.

Sixth Annual Brownsville Senior & Community & Wellness Expo 2022
2022-02-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Brownsville Event Center, 1 Event Center, Brownsville, 78526, United States
RGV Promotions presents its sixth annual Brownsville Senior & Community Health & Wellness Expo 2022 on Feb. 9.
Attendees can learn about living a heart-healthy lifestyle and receive educational information. Free screenings include blood pressure, vision, hearing, glucose and BMI. Activities include Zumba, country line dancing and bingo. Door prizes, one-on-one with physical trainers and doctors, and guest speakers every hour are part of the event.
Free admission.
For more information on the Brownsville Senior & Community Health & Wellness Expo, contact Marie Martinez.

Weslaco B2B: Power Luncheon
2022-02-09 11:30 - 13:30 | Memory Blvd, Downtown Weslaco, 501 S. Texas Blvd, Weslaco, TX, United States
The Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its quarterly B2B: Power Lunch on Feb. 9 at Memory Blvd.
Attendees may purchase tickets via the Weslaco Chamber of Commerce or by registering online.

SPI Chamber of Commerce 2022 Member Showcase
2022-02-10 17:30 - 19:00 | South Padre Island Convention Centre, 7355 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
The South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce presents its 2022 Member Showcase Feb. 10 at the SPI Convention Center. Visit more than 50 chamber members. The event includes samples, giveaways and door prizes.
Free admission includes one drink coupon for wine, beer, soft drink or water.

The Importance of a Business Plan
2022-02-11 09:00 - 11:00 | Online, TX, United States
SBA presents “Business Planning: The Importance of a Business Plan” online Feb. 11. This is the third workshop in a series of 10 specifically developed with the local entrepreneur in mind. The 10-part series addresses a variety of subjects and connects participants with experts from federal, state and local business resources.
A good business plan guides you through each stage of starting and managing your business. You’ll use your business plan as a road map for how to structure, run, and grow your new business. It’s a way to think through the key elements of your business.
Business plans can help you get funding or bring on new business partners. Investors want to feel confident they’ll see a return on their investment.
This session presented by UTRGV Small Business Development Center and will provide information on the power of business planning and why it’s important to prepare a business plan.
A sound business plan will:

Define and focus on your business objective
Be an essential part of the loan application process
Be used to obtain advice from experts
Uncover omissions and/or weaknesses in the business idea & planning process
The key components of a business plan

Register online.
For more information, contact Veronica Z. Ortega.

HR Red Flags
2022-02-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Online, TX, United States
Deirdre Pattillo, project manager with the UTSA SBDC COVID Business Recovery Accelerator, provides guidance and answers employer questions on the “HR Red Flags” webinar Feb. 15.
This session explores issues of particular concern to employers, covering general information about key trends in HR and red flags for concerns in the area of employment. Employing effective HR management processes promotes improved and sustainable business practices and can lead to increased economic opportunity for all.
Topics may include:

Employee classification – Employee vs. Independent Contractor
Employee classification – Exempt vs. Nonexempt (Overtime rules)
Recordkeeping
Worker Eligibility – I-9s and best practices
Current Trends
Myths and Misnomers

The webinar is hosted by the UTRGV SBDC with promotional support from area resource partners: Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Greater Chamber of Commerce, RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce, and Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center.
Register online.

Creating a Brand Style Guide for Your Small Business
2022-02-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Online, TX, United States
Learn how to help your customers recognize your company at every point of contact with the “Creating a Brand Style Guide for Your Small Business” webinar Feb. 15.
You have a marketing plan and a brand identity for your small business. Now what? Jaenie Longoria of Global Business Consultant with Biz Media Firm presents a practical webinar to create your own style guide on your website, social platforms, signage, business card, uniform, etc.
It takes time and money to establish your brand identity. Make sure to protect your investment by setting and enforcing your brand guidelines.
A brand style guide is a manual for all your promotional materials, including fonts, logos, color schemes, and even your ‘voice’. This manual is an essential tool to ensure that your small business creates and maintains consistent materials inside and outside your company.
*Recommended for small businesses with a brand identity.
Webinar highlights:

Mission statement
Name and tagline
Voice and tone
Intended audience
Visual identity

Logo
Color palette
Typography
Photography and videography
Iconography

Creative partners
Future planning

This webinar is hosted by the UTRGV Small Business Development Center with promotional support by area resource partners: Brownsville Chamber of Commerce, Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, Greater Pharr Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Public Library, RGV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce.
Register online.

SPI Coffee and Conversation
2022-02-17 09:00 - 10:00 | Padre Island Brewing Company, 3400 Padre Blvd., South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
Join the South Padre Island Chamber of Commerce Feb. 17 for “Coffee and Conversation” at Padre Island Brewing Co.
Various representatives from the City of South Padre Island will discuss spring break 2022. What is expected? What is being planned? Who did the city market to? Learn over a cup of coffee what to expect.

Speed Networking at Dirty Al's Seafood Market & Cajun Kitchen
2022-02-17 15:00 - 17:00 | Dirty Al’s Seafood Market & Cajun Kitchen, 4495 N Expressway 83/77, Brownsville, TX, 78520, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce hosts its fast-paced in-person networking opportunity, Speed Networking, Feb. 17 at Al’s Seafood Market & Cajun Kitchen.
It’s a structured opportunity to meet accomplished professionals just like yourself, face to face, one business professional at a time. Whether you are an entrepreneur, small business owner, legal or medical professional, in the finance, real estate or entertainment industry this speed networking event will offer the perfect occasion to expand your business, social or enterprise contacts.
This is an opportunity for you to maximize, capitalize on and foster lasting connections for your business, creative endeavors and your network. Bring business cards and/or promotional material for up to 50 individuals.
How It Works:

Upon your arrival, you will receive a sheet of paper with your personalized seating sequence. This sequence is used in order to avoid participants meeting twice.
You will have the opportunity to meet at least 30+ business professionals in a short period of time.
You have one minute to make a commercial presentation about your company/organization. There will be up to seven individuals at each of the seven tables.
You will rotate to a different table every eight to 10 minutes and will follow the same procedure until the final round.

Admission is $20 for chamber members, $25 for non-members.
Register online.

2022 Rio Grande Valley Quilt Show "Wizard of Oz"
2022-02-18 - 2022-02-19 | South Padre Island Convention Centre, 7355 Padre Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
The Rio Grande Valley Quilt Guild presents the Rio Grande Valley Quilt Show Feb. 18-19 to further their mission to preserve and encourage the art of quilting.
Hundreds of quilts will be on display in 14 categories. The event also includes hourly demos, vendors, a silent auction, door prizes and more.
Show hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Admission is $10 a day or $15 both days for adults; $5 per day for teens ages 13-18; and children 12 years and under are free.

Food Park Unplugged
2022-02-18 20:00 - 22:00 | McAllen Food Park, 10 N. Broadway, McAllen, 78501, United States
Food Park Unplugged takes place Feb. 18 at McAllen Food Park. Every third Friday of the month, enjoy the sounds of local crooners while feasting on dishes by Food Truck chefs. Take a stroll and do some shopping from local craft and collectibles vendors. This event is family- and pet-friendly.
Free admission into the park.

South Padre Island Chili Expo (SPICE)
2022-02-19 12:00 - 15:00 | Louie’s Backyard, 2305 Laguna Boulevard, South Padre Island, TX, 78597, United States
Welcome back to the South Padre Island Chili Expo (SPICE) Feb. 19, benefiting South Padre Island Walk for Women. The event helps support women and families in the Valley who are fighting breast cancer with financial assistance.
To register to cook, you will need to complete both the registration form and the Health Department Application and return both to reeslangspi@gmail.com. You are also responsible for reading and following the Cooks Rules and the Health Department Rules.

Maximize Sales: Strategies & Tips
2022-02-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Online, TX, United States
Looking for ways to increase sales? Every business can greatly benefit from a strategic plan in sales and the implementation of a solid sales approach. Identify what drives your sales and maximizes customer growth.
“Maximize Sales: Strategies & Tips” on Feb. 22 shares best practices, along with tips and tools, to achieve your goals efficiently and effectively, as well as ways to stay engaged with clients.
Webinar highlights:

The 7 Ps of “marketing”
Sales strategy
Goal setting
Customer account management
Selling tips

Javier Martinez III with AUCTUS Business Advisory serves as presenter for this webinar.
This webinar is hosted by the UTRGV Small Business Development Center with promotional support from area resource partners: Greater Mission Chamber of Commerce, Palmview Chamber of Commerce, Rio Grande City Economic Development Corporation, Rio Grande City Public Library, San Benito Chamber of Commerce, and Starr County Industrial Foundation.
Register online.

Charro Days Mixer Presented by Texas Regional Bank
2022-02-22 17:30 - 19:30 | Texas Regional Bank – Brownsville, 3450 Pablo Kisel Blvd., Brownsville, TX, 78526, United States
The Brownsville Chamber of Commerce and Texas Regional Bank celebrate in the spirit of Charro Days with a mixer Feb. 22.
The mixer kicks off to the week-long festivities happening in Brownsville. Get your Charro’s costumes ready and be sure to warm up your voice for the annual grito contest. The event includes food, Mexican snacks, music and performances throughout the night.
Admission is $20 for chamber members, $25 for non-chamber members.
Register online.

The HR Process
2022-02-24 10:00 - 12:00 | Online, TX, United States
The HR Process webinar on Feb. 24 covers the appropriate steps to take when planning for human resources in a small business. This includes what each step entails and its importance.
The UTRGV SBDC presents this webinar with promotional support from Starr County Industrial Foundation and Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce.
Register online.
