The latest in economic development news, opportunities, and more | |
| As we reflect on our history, one of the most meaningful ways to honor Black‑owned businesses is by supporting them in the community. Every purchase, social media shout‑out, and word‑of‑mouth recommendation is an investment in economic equity, community vitality, and cultural richness. Together we can help close the racial wealth gap. | | |
Abeni Merriweather: From UTEP’s Youngest Published Composer to Multimedia Entrepreneur
We're thrilled to introduce Abeni Merriweather, whose extraordinary musical achievements have now blossomed into business leadership. At just 20, this UTEP junior caught the attention of Carl Fischer Music Company when her a cappella arrangement, Hold On Just a Little While Longer, was performed by the UTEP Concert Chorale in October 2020—making her the youngest composer ever published by the company.
Now, Abeni has taken a bold next step: launching Abeni Janae Music where she combines her talents as a musician, composer, and visionary entrepreneur. As both the creative force behind her compositions and the founder of Abeni Janae Music she exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit we aim to uplift this Juneteenth.
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DeMarco Wren: Powering El Paso with Purpose and Job Creation
Meet DeMarco Wren—Army veteran, CEO of JDC Energy Resource, and a passionate advocate for the El Paso community. As a seasoned entrepreneur, DeMarco leads a distribution company that specializes in generator installations, EV charging stations, HVAC systems, renewable energy solutions, and electrical services for both residential and commercial clients.
With current contracts that include Blue Origin and the Tiguas Tribe, DeMarco continues to grow his business while creating quality jobs in the region. He takes pride in being “an employer who cares” and remains deeply committed to supporting his community.
DeMarco credits the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (EPHCC) for their guidance and support at the start of his entrepreneurial journey.
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A friendly reminder that SizeUp offers training sessions for our ESO partners and small businesses to learn how to use SizeUp the market research tool at no cost.
Office Hours - Third Thursday of Each Month
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SizeUp's Office Hours is dedicated to host Office Hours for our ESO partners the Third Thursday of each month, which will be June 19 at 1pm ET / 12pm CT / 11am MT / 10am PT.
- SizeUp Office Hours is a great opportunity to introduce SizeUp to new team members/partners, get a refresher on how to use SizeUp, or bring unique questions/challenges to the SizeUp team.
- This is also your chance to gain deeper knowledge on the tools, explore unique marketing ideas, and meet with your peers to trade best practices.
Open House - Every Wednesday
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SizeUp's Open House is ready to help small businesses every Wednesday at 2pm ET / 1pm CT / 12pm MT / 11am PT.
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The City of El Paso is planning next year’s budget — and your input is essential.
The annual Chime In survey is now open to all residents. This survey is a vital part of the City's budget development process, aiming to engage the public and gather input on which municipal services are most valued by our community.
Your participation is essential in helping City leaders understand community priorities and align the annual operating budget accordingly. The survey results will provide a framework to ensure that taxpayer funds are allocated to services that matter most to you.
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The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has programs to support the workforce needs of Texas businesses
If you're a Texas business owner with fewer than 100 employees, the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Skills for Small Business program offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your team's skills at minimal cost.
The Skills for Small Business grant provides funding to support training for both new and existing full-time employees. Through partnerships with local community or technical colleges, or the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service (TEEX), businesses can select courses that align with their operational needs.
Benefits for Business Owners:
- Fully customizable: Training plans are tailored to job roles, schedules, and company-specific needs; equipment investments may be included for multi-business programs.
- Zero upfront costs: TWC handles payments directly to your chosen provider; no need to back-load expenses.
- Priority for small businesses: Projects with 1–99 employees or consortiums are weighted favorably during evaluation.
For guidance on the application process or to learn more about the program, contact Sabrina Campbell with El Paso Community College at (915) 831-7773.
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The Texas Workforce Commission's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Business Relations: No‑Cost Employer Support for Inclusive Hiring and Retention
The Texas Workforce Commission's Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Business Relations team collaborates with employers to address hiring needs and foster inclusive workplaces. Their no-cost services assist businesses in recruiting, hiring, retaining, and accommodating employees with disabilities.
Services Offered:
- Awareness Training – Educates teams on disability workplace issues.
- Barrier Assessments – Evaluates facilities, job descriptions, and hiring processes to remove obstacles.
- Talent Support – Helps recruit and retain qualified candidates with disabilities.
- Accommodation Planning – Advises on practical workplace adjustments.
- Compliance & Incentives – Guides on federal regulations (e.g., ADA) and available tax credits.
By partnering with the VR Business Relations team, employers can build a more diverse and inclusive workforce, benefiting from the skills and talents of individuals with disabilities. For more information or to request services, please visit the Vocational Rehabilitation Business Relations page.
| | | A New Loan Program for Downtown Businesses! | | | |
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Need Capital for your business or community project? We can help!
Apply for a loan!
- Apply today and get up to $500,000 to fulfill your business needs.
- If you are a small business willing to grow, we can structure way to support you.
- If you are a nonprofit, let us help make your community development vision a reality.
At Borderplex Community Capital, we look at the entire picture, not just your credit score, but your capacity, capital, and collateral.
To begin the application process, apply online or call us: borderplexcapital.org ⋅ (915) 534-8450
We're here to support you every step of the way.
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Expanding Horizons:
The Economic Impact of Project Vida
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El Paso Small Businesses on the Rise
with Help from Project Vida
Project Vida recently released a powerful short video highlighting the success of local entrepreneurs supported through its Economic Development Program. In just 3 minutes, the video showcases how technical assistance, small business loans, and grant support are fueling growth and opportunity in neighborhoods across El Paso — from Socorro to San Elizario to the West Side.
The video includes direct testimonials from local business owners and insight from Project Vida’s Economic Development team. It’s a testament to what happens when our community invests in its own.
| | Events, training sessions, and workshops | | |
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Paso del Norte Economic Indicator Review
This newsletter includes a snapshot of the Paso del Norte region’s key economic indicators — to include statistics on employment, border crossings, total exports and imports through international ports of entry, and more.
Newsletter Archive
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