BEDC Business Brief



Bastrop Economic Development Corporation Newsletter


September 2026

Featured Business

Bastrop Massage Clinic


A New Path to Holistic Wellness Begins at the Bastrop Massage Clinic


Bastrop Massage Clinic is proud to introduce its expanded Holistic Wellness Services, designed to support the whole human, mind, body, and spirit, through personalized therapeutic care. Building on the clinic owner’s long-standing reputation in Bastrop for skilled massage therapy and nutritional expertise, these new session offerings provide clients with a more comprehensive approach to wellbeing, whether they are seeking stress relief, pain management or nutritional health optimization.  


In addition to clinical massage therapies, Bastrop Massage Clinic now offers integrative and structural bodywork sessions, as well as functional medicine services, nutrition and health coaching consultations and programs tailored to each client’s unique needs. Together, these modalities help address the root causes of pain, tension, toxicities, deficiencies and imbalances promoting deeper healing and long term ‘root cause’ solutions. With practitioners and therapists who are highly trained and committed to compassionate, customized care, the clinic ensures that every session is both restorative and empowering. 


Bodywork, functional medicine and nutrition/health coaching are available by appointment, and the clinic encourages new and returning clients to explore the full range of services offered. Whether you are at the beginning of your wellness journey or looking to enhance and optimize your existing self-care routine, Bastrop Massage Clinic provides a welcoming environment focused on restorative healing and whole person health. 


Bastrop Massage Clinic is offering ‘New Client’ specials for all Bastrop County residents now through the end of the year. For details on services, scheduling, and the BMC team, please visit bastropmassageclinic.com



LOCATION: 150 Settlement Dr., Ste C

Bastrop, TX 78602

(512) 540-4151


Business Hours 

8 am - 10 pm, 7 days a week

BREAKING NEWS

Bluebonnet Scrubs Opens in Downtown Bastrop


Bluebonnet Scrubs officially opened its doors August 3 at 1112 Main Street, bringing a new locally owned uniform boutique to Downtown Bastrop. Founded by Bastrop resident and longtime nurse Mary Lou Porter, the shop offers scrubs from brands including Cherokee, Healing Hands, Koi, ScrubZone and Vicky’s for Men, along with medical accessories and custom embroidery. Bluebonnet Scrubs serves healthcare professionals as well as veterinary, childcare, hospitality and other workers looking for comfortable, professional workwear.


Location: 1112 Main Street, Bastrop

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Phone: (512) 412-6070

Email: BluebonnetScrubs@yahoo.com

Events & Networking Opportunities

Bastrop Live!



Date: September 2026

Time: Performances throughout the month

Cost: Varies by venue/event


Bastrop Live! turns September into a citywide celebration of live music, with performances happening every weekend at cafés, local bars, outdoor stages, and other venues throughout Bastrop. From country and blues to rock and more, the month-long series is a great opportunity to experience local and regional artists while exploring Bastrop’s businesses and entertainment venues.


Click HERE for more information!

Lunch & Learn with Mayor Ishmael Harris


Date: September 2, 2026

Time: Noon–1 p.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Bastrop County Museum & Visitor Center, 904 Main St.


Join Bastrop Mayor Ishmael Harris for a special Lunch & Learn exploring his family’s deep-rooted connection to the tradition of Juneteenth Rodeos. Harris will share a personal perspective on their history, community, and cultural significance, complementing the museum’s Soul Circuit: Juneteenth Rodeos in Texas exhibit. Admission to the presentation and exhibit is free, and attendees will also receive a complimentary lunch.


Click HERE for more information!

F.A.M.E. Days: Colores & Cultura


Date: September 4, 2026

Time: 6–9 p.m.

Cost: Free

Location: Pine Street in Downtown Bastrop


Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at F.A.M.E. Days: Colores & Cultura, presented by the Bastrop Cultural Arts Committee. Enjoy an evening of live music, local artists, handcrafted goods, and creative works celebrating Hispanic culture and the spirit of Bastrop. This free monthly event brings together art, culture, entertainment, and community in the heart of Downtown Bastrop.


Click HERE for more information!

Bastrop County Growth Summit


Date: September 9, 2026

Time: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.

Cost: $105 for a single ticket

Location: Bastrop Convention & Exhibit Center, 1408 Chestnut St. B


Join the Austin Business Journal for the 2026 Bastrop County Growth Summit, in partnership with Bastrop EDC. Network with business and community leaders while gaining insight into Bastrop County’s rapid growth, major developments, and the opportunities and challenges ahead. The program includes an economic update from ABJ Editor Colin Pope followed by a panel discussion featuring regional and industry leaders.


Click HERE for more information!

¡Viva Bastrop!


Date: September 18, 2026

Time: 6–10 p.m.

Cost: Free

Location: North Main Street & Spring Street, Downtown Bastrop


Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month at the inaugural ¡Viva Bastrop! Hispanic Heritage Festival, hosted by Discover Bastrop and First National Bank. The evening will feature live mariachi and Ballet Folklórico performances, a Selena tribute band, a heritage march, street dancing, family activities, and the Mercado Hispano with local food and artisan vendors. Come experience the music, flavors, traditions, and cultures of the Hispanic community in the heart of Downtown Bastrop.


Click HERE for more information!

Hooked On Careers Bass Tournament - Presented by Career Tracks


Date: October 3, 2026

Time: Check-in 6–6:45 a.m. | Tournament 7 a.m.–Noon

Cost: $100 per boat/team

Location: Lake Fayette – Oak Thicket Park Pavilion, 4819 TX-159, Fayetteville


Cast a line for local careers at the Hooked on Careers Bass Tournament, a fundraising event benefiting Career Tracks Workforce Training. Fifty percent of entry fees and tournament earnings will support workforce programs including scholarships, mentoring, resume and interview workshops, and connections to employers in high-demand fields. Career Tracks provides hands-on training and job skills throughout Bastrop, Caldwell, Fayette, Lee, and surrounding counties.


Click HERE to register!

Click HERE for sponsorship opportunities!

Entrepreneur Corner

Free Bookkeeping & QuickBooks Training


Date: September 14–December 21, 2026

Time: Mondays & Wednesdays, 5:30–8 p.m.

Cost: Free for eligible participants


Community Action, Inc. of Central Texas is offering Bookkeeping and QuickBooks training for eligible adults in Elgin. Tuition, materials, testing, and certification fees are covered for eligible participants, with an opportunity to earn the Certified Bookkeeper credential. Space is limited to 20 students, so early registration is encouraged.


Click HERE for more information!

Creating a Quick Business Plan


Date: September 10, 2026

Time: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT

Cost: $10


Turn your business idea into an actionable plan with this live online SCORE workshop. Learn how to develop your value proposition, use the Lean Canvas, and create a one-page business plan. Registrants will also receive access to the webinar recording.


Click HERE for more information!

Setting Up a New Business Entity


Date: September 11, 2026

Time: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT

Cost: $10


Learn the critical steps to legally establish your business with this live online SCORE workshop. The session will cover choosing a legal structure, licenses, insurance, and other considerations for getting your new venture off to a solid start.


Click HERE to learn more!

Entrepreneur Academy — Free Spanish-Language Workshops


Date: September 14–18, 2026

Time: 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m. & 11 a.m. CT, depending on workshop

Cost: Free


The Entrepreneur Academy is offering a week of fully online workshops presented in Spanish. Sessions will cover starting a business, building an online presence, team building, artificial intelligence, and financial planning.


Click HERE to learn more!


Academia del Emprendedor — Talleres Gratuitos en Español


Fecha: 14–18 de septiembre de 2026

Horario: 9:30 a.m., 10 a.m. y 11 a.m., hora central, dependiendo del taller

Costo: Gratis


La Academia del Emprendedor ofrece una semana de talleres gratuitos, completamente en línea y presentados en español. Las sesiones abordarán temas como cómo iniciar un negocio, desarrollar una presencia en línea, formar equipos, inteligencia artificial y planificación financiera.


¡Haz clic en AQUÍ para registrarte!

Creative Marketing Tactics That Work [for Small Budgets]


Date: September 17, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. CT

Cost: Free


Make every marketing dollar count with this virtual workshop from the A&M-Victoria SBDC. Stephanie Scheller of GrowDisrupt will explore budget-friendly marketing strategies, the “3Ms of Marketing,” and common marketing practices small businesses should avoid. Participants will leave with an actionable plan for getting more from their marketing dollars.


Click HERE for more information!

Developing Financial Projections for Your New Small Business 


Date: September 24, 2026

Time: 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. CT

Cost: Free


Learn how to put realistic numbers behind your business with this live online SCORE workshop. The session will cover calculating startup costs, developing sales projections, and creating projected profit-and-loss and cash-flow statements to help entrepreneurs make better-informed financial decisions.


Click HERE for more information!

10 Common Small Business Mistakes to Avoid


Date: September 24, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. CT

Cost: Free


Learn how to avoid common missteps that can hold your business back during this virtual A&M-Victoria SBDC workshop. Rita McDaniel and Amy Scott of Plemons CPA will share key mistakes small business owners make and actionable strategies for avoiding them.


Click HERE for more information!

IRS Tax Planning for Success 


Date: September 30, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. CT

Cost: Free


Get prepared for tax season with this virtual workshop featuring IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison Shani Southers. Learn about recordkeeping, required business tax forms, payroll and freelancer tax considerations, filing status, audit-related mistakes, and how long different tax records should be retained.


Click HERE for more information!

FUN FACTS


Happy Independence Day, Mexico!


Did you know?


Mexico officially marks its Independence Day on September 16, celebrating the exact day in 1810 when a revolutionary call to arms sparked an 11-year war to end three centuries of Spanish colonial rule.


And the celebration of Hispanic heritage continues right here in Bastrop! Join us for ¡Viva Bastrop! on September 18 from 6–10 p.m. in Downtown Bastrop. This free Hispanic Heritage Festival will feature live mariachi and Ballet Folklórico performances, a Selena tribute band, a heritage march, street dancing, family activities, and the Mercado Hispano. Come celebrate the music, traditions, flavors, and cultures that make our community vibrant!


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