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TThe Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation announced it is accepting applications for a new cohort of BCIC’s Startup Texas Emerging Industry Accelerator Program.
Open to all Rio Grande Valley startups, the 12-week accelerator program was developed to give Valley startups the tools they need to grow. According to BCIC, the program focuses on “advanced solutions in a variety of sectors, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace and green energy.”
Initial funding will be available to businesses that complete the program and want to locate or relocate to Brownsville. Applications are due Aug. 10. The program will begin Aug. 26 and run through Dec. 12.
Program participants will receive specialized workshops and mentoring sessions, opportunities to practice their business presentations, and connections with local business leaders and founders. A public “Demo Day” is scheduled for January 23, where program participants will pitch to industry experts and potential investors.
Since its launch in 2019, Startup Texas has grown from a simple “pitch summit” to a comprehensive accelerator program enriching the Valley’s entrepreneurial community. According to BCIC, the initiative is a collaboration between BCIC, the Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC) at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.
BCIC President and CEO Cori Pena called StartUp Texas “a cornerstone of Brownsville’s economic future.”
“Each cohort brings fresh ideas and energy to our business ecosystem, creating jobs, attracting talent and positioning our city as a hub for innovation,” she said. “The Startup Texas Emerging Industries Accelerator Program is a great example of how BCIC is actively realizing this vision by cultivating entrepreneurial talent and driving economic growth in the region.”
Linda Ufland, ECC director of entrepreneurship, innovation and commercialization, said the partnership builds on the success of the previous Startup Texas program and that the partnership with BCIC “will continue to strengthen the Rio Grande Valley’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing critical resources and comprehensive mentorship for innovative startups.”
“With each cohort, we refine our methods to better meet the needs of entrepreneurs,” said Nathan Burkhart, BCIC’s vice president of entrepreneurship and innovation.
“This new group will benefit from the learnings and successes of previous groups,” he said. “I’m excited to see how these startups help shape the future of our community.”
Entrepreneurs interested in applying can Startup TexasQualified startups will be notified of their acceptance by August 16th.
