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➤ Nominations for National Small Business Week 2027 are now open! Do you know an outstanding small business owner making a difference in the community? The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is now accepting nominations for its National Small Business Week 2027 Awards. The awards recognize entrepreneurs and small businesses for their achievements, innovation, and contributions to the economy. Nominations are open through December 7, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. CT. Learn more about award categories, eligibility, and the nomination process here.
➤ Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and military spouses interested in entrepreneurship are invited to attend Boots to Business Reboot on November 6, 2026, at the Greater Chamber of Harlingen. This one-day program provides an introduction to business ownership, business planning, opportunity recognition, and resources available to support veteran-owned businesses. The training is offered through the SBA and its partners and is designed to help participants explore entrepreneurship as a career path. Register here.
➤ Individuals interested in business ownership are encouraged to attend The Franchise Connection, hosted by the Edinburg Economic Development Corporation on November 13 at the Edinburg ACE Center. The event will connect attendees with franchisors and provide information on available franchise opportunities, helping prospective business owners explore franchise ownership as a path to entrepreneurship. UTRGV SBDC advisors will also be on hand to share information about business advising, training, and resources available to support entrepreneurs. Learn more here.
➤ Entrepreneurs and small business owners are invited to participate in Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) McAllen, hosted by the McAllen Chamber of Commerce and McAllen Economic Development Corporation from November 16-22. The week will feature events, networking opportunities, and resources designed to support and celebrate entrepreneurship across the region. The UTRGV SBDC will be participating in the GEW Resource Expo, where attendees can connect with advisors and learn about the business advising, training, and resources available to help start, grow, and strengthen their businesses. Register here.
➤ The Federal Reserve Small Business Credit Survey is closing soon, and Rio Grande Valley small business owners are encouraged to participate. This national survey helps policymakers, lenders, and business support organizations better understand the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses. By sharing their experiences, local business owners can help ensure the needs of the Rio Grande Valley are represented in discussions on access to capital, business growth, and economic development. The survey is open through November 13, 2026. Participate here.
➤ Small business owners interested in strengthening their AI skills can now enroll in the Google AI Professional Certificate through America's SBDC's AI Ready Challenge. The program includes seven online courses with hands-on instruction using tools such as Gemini and Google Workspace, helping participants learn practical ways to apply AI in their businesses. Participants who complete the program also receive three months of Google AI Pro and Google Workspace Business Standard at no cost. Learn more and enroll through the Google AI Professional Certificate program here. During registration, select America's Small Business Development Centers and enter UTRGV SBDC as your referring center.
➤ America's SBDC has announced a new partnership with OpenAI to expand access to practical AI training for small business owners across the country. Through the initiative, SBDC advisors will receive specialized training and deliver hands-on AI workshops designed to help entrepreneurs use AI tools to improve productivity, customer service, decision-making, and day-to-day business operations. The program reflects SBDC's continued commitment to helping small businesses adopt emerging technologies and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving marketplace. For more information about America's SBDC and its network of centers, visit 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. Advising sessions are offered at no cost and by appointment. Call 956-665-7535 to schedule your appointment.
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