The Small Business Monthly

September 2026

Dear Small Business Owner:

Welcome to our September newsletter!


As summer transitions into fall, September is a great time to focus on growing your business and preparing for the opportunities ahead. This month, we're offering practical topics designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen their online presence and reach new customers.


You'll also find information on upcoming events, business news, and valuable resources from across the Rio Grande Valley. From networking opportunities to educational programs and business support services, we're committed to providing the tools and information you need to move your business forward.


Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand, we're here to support your success every step of the way.


Warmest regards,

UTRGV Small Business Development Center

Celebrating over 35 years of service!

Proud Member of the Texas South-West SBDC Network

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News & Information

Around the Rio Grande Valley

➤ Frost Bank is once again hosting its Frost Business Foundations, a business development program designed to help entrepreneurs strengthen and grow their businesses through expert guidance, practical tools, and proven strategies. The four-session program begins September 1 in Weslaco and is open to eligible small business owners ready to take the next step. The UTRGV SBDC is proud to participate as a guest speaker in this year’s series, connecting entrepreneurs with additional resources and support to help their businesses succeed. Apply here.


➤ Small business employers looking to connect with job seekers and strengthen their workforce may benefit from attending the Alton Career Connect Job Fair on September 9 at the Alton Recreation Center. The event brings together employers, workforce partners, and community organizations, offering opportunities to expand recruiting efforts and learn about workforce resources available in the region. Learn more here.


➤ The UTRGV SBDC will take part in the upcoming eBridge Business Academy with two special sessions, including an English presentation on September 10 and a Spanish presentation on September 17. Attendees will learn how to use market research to better understand their industry, analyze competitors, identify competitive advantages, and make informed business decisions. The sessions will also introduce key elements of a business plan and highlight the no-cost advising, training, and resources available through the SBDC. Both sessions will be held at the eBridge Center for Business and Commercialization in Brownsville. For more information, contact the UTRGV ECC here.


➤ The UTRGV SBDC will participate in the inaugural Mission Small Business Expo on September 16 at the Mission Event Center. Designed for entrepreneurs at every stage, the event will feature expert speakers, educational sessions, business resources, networking opportunities, and exhibitors from across the Rio Grande Valley. SBDC advisors will be on hand to connect with attendees and share information on programs and services that support small business success. Learn more here.


➤The Texas Comptroller’s Office offers Taxpayer Seminars to help business owners better understand their state tax responsibilities. These educational sessions cover topics such as sales tax, tax permits, recordkeeping requirements, filing returns, and other key issues that can help businesses stay compliant and avoid costly mistakes. These seminars can be especially valuable for new business owners or anyone looking for a refresher on Texas tax requirements. Learn more about upcoming September sessions here.


➤ Texas has expanded its Texas Express program to offer expedited processing for all business filings through the Secretary of State's office. Business owners can now choose same-day, next-day, or standard expedited service to speed up business formations, registrations, and other filings. Learn more about filing options and fees here.


➤ The SBA's Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge Campaign invites entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, and manufacturers to celebrate America's 250th anniversary by committing to growth, job creation, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit. Participation is free, and approved businesses receive an official Freedom 250 Small Business Pledge Certificate. Learn more and take the pledge here.


➤ UTRGV SBDC advisors are now available every Tuesday and Thursday for confidential, one-to-one business advising at the Mission Center for Education and Economic Development (CEED), Pharr Global Business Hub, UTRGV Center for Innovation & Commercialization (CIC) in Weslaco, and the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization in Brownsville. Sessions are offered at no cost, and appointments are required. Call 956-665-7535 to schedule your appointment.


Small Business Success Story: Mr. Korn

Serving Up Success

Kenya Morin is the proud owner of Mr. Korn Gourmet Corn and More in Mission, Texas. More than a snack shop, it is a welcoming destination where customers can enjoy authentic Mexican flavors, connect with family and friends, and experience a modern twist on a beloved tradition.


After leaving her career as a bilingual special education teacher, Morin faced a period of uncertainty as she searched for a new purpose and direction...


Continue Reading



Business Training Calendar

Seminars & Webinars in the Rio Grande Valley

9/2 Build a YouTube Channel 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | No Fee

9/9 Stop Guessing: Use Analytics and AI to Make Better Business Decisions 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | No Fee

9/9 SBDC Smart Start 2:00 PM | Live Webinar | No Fee

9/16 SBDC Smart Start: Hands-On Edition 10:00 AM | In Person | No Fee

9/17 Get Found Online: Digital Marketing Basics for Small Business Success 2:00 PM | Live Webinar | No Fee

9/23 Get Found and Chosen on Google Search and Maps 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | No Fee

9/23 11 Estrategias Para Una Empresa Exitosa 2:00 PM | Live Webinar | No Fee

9/24 Turning Business Documents into Action Using Gemini Notebook 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | No Fee


Plus, coming up in October:

10/7 Put Gemini to Work on One Real Business Task 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | No Fee

10/14 SBDC Smart Start: Hands-On Edition 10:00 AM | In-Person | No Fee

10/21 Turn One Idea into a Week of On-Brand Marketing Assets with Google AI 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | No Fee

10/22 Automate the Repeatable Work While Human Judgment Stays in Charge 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | No Fee

10/28 Put AI to Work: Google Tools to Scale your Small Business 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | No Fee

10/29 Help Google and Customers Understand and Trust Your Business 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | No Fee

Webinars in our Texas South-West SBDC Network (and Beyond)

9/17 IA para Marketing Visuals: Fotos, Videos y Contenido para Negocios 9:30 AM | Live Webinar | TAMIU SBDC

9/21 Strategic Value Masters Part 9: Family Business Dynamics & Succession 9:30 AM | Live Webinar | TXST SBDC

9/23 Grow in New Markets: Reach Millions of Latin American Consumers 11:00 AM | Live Webinar | UTSA SBDC ITC

9/24 Designing a Campaign: Giving Your Consumer Something to Think About 2:00 PM | Live Webinar | DMC SBDC

9/30 IRS Tax Planning for Success 1:00 PM | Live Webinar | TAMUV SBDC

*Additional sessions found on eCenter.

Business Advising Services

Meet with a Business Advisor from the UTRGV SBDC

The UTRGV SBDC is here to provide personalized support, as you develop and execute operational and growth strategies for your business. Confidential business advising services are available to you, either in person or virtually, by appointment, and at absolutely no cost.


Reach out to your advisor today to arrange a follow-up appointment. If you are new to the UTRGV SBDC, please visit eCenter Direct to register and schedule your initial appointment. If you're unable to access eCenter Direct online, please call our office at (956) 665-7535 for further assistance.


Stay connected with us! Follow us on Facebook for the latest information and resources for your small business.



Market Research Services

Access to SBDCNet: A Nation-Wide Service

The Texas South-West SBDC Network is proud to host SBDCNet, the National Information Clearinghouse for America's Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs). This official program, backed by the U.S. SBA, provides vital support to small businesses and SBDCs across the nation, offering market research and valuable resources. It reaches over 1,000 centers in all 50 states, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.


Resources and information from SBDCNet includes the following:



Additionally, as a client of the UTRGV SBDC, you have access to customized market research for your business. Whether you are exploring an industry for business startup, determining your target market to plan for promotional and sales strategies, or assessing growth opportunities, connect with your business advisor at the UTRGV SBDC to get help in acquiring your personalized reports. Call (956) 665-7535, or email sbdc@utrgv.edu for an appointment today.

Additional Partner Services

Texas South-West SBDC Network

The Texas South-West SBDC Network has 10 field offices (including the UTRGV SBDC) that provide services to a 79-county region. Check out additional center training events at the TXSW SBDC Network.

U.S. Small Business Administration in the Lower Rio Grande Valley District

The UTRGV SBDC is partially funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). Locally, the SBA Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office serves 14 counties in southern Texas. The SBA office in Harlingen can be reached at (956) 427-8533. SBA offers a variety of online courses to help you start and run your business. Visit the SBA Learning Center for a list of courses to help you along your entrepreneurial journey. In addition, SBA has an online portal that can help businesses find potential lenders with competitive rates and fees. Visit SBA Lender Match for details.

UTRGV Office of Workforce & Economic Development

The UTRGV Office of Workforce & Economic Development (OWED) supports economic development in the Rio Grande Valley through services by the UTRGV SBDC and the following centers. For more information on these services, visit UTRGV OWED or any of the centers below.


UTRGV APEX Accelerator (APEX)

UTRGV Data and Information Systems Center (DISC) 

UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC)

UTRGV Professional Education & Workforce Development (PEWD)

UTRGV Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

UTRGV Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)

 
 

UTRGV SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER

BUILDING THE TEXAS ECONOMY ONE BUSINESS AT A TIME

Office Locations

UTRGV CESS Bldg. | 1407 E. Freddy Gonzalez Dr. | Suite 1.200 | Edinburg, Texas 78539

eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization | 1304 E. Adams St. | Brownsville, TX 78520

(956) 665-7535 | sbdc@utrgv.edu | www.utrgv.edu/sbdc

Funded in part through the State of Texas and a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The support given by the U.S. Small Business Administration through such funding does not constitute an expressed or implied endorsement of any of the cosponsors’ or participants’ opinions, findings, conclusions, recommendations, products, or services. SBDC services are provided to all U.S. citizens, legal residents, and foreign nationals that intend to invest in the United States, in accordance with Federal funding requirements. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities or limited English proficiency will be made if requested at least two weeks in advance. Contact the UTRGV SBDC at (956) 665-7535.


At The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, the UTRGV SBDC is a center of the Office of Workforce and Economic Development (OWED), under the UTRGV Division of Governmental & Community Relations. OWED aims to address issues that impact the long-term welfare of the community through private/public partnership efforts. For more information on these efforts, please call (956) 665-3361 or email vpgcr@utrgv.edu.