Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS) Empowers El Paso Entrepreneurs at Borderland Connect 2025

Left to right: Destiny Caldera (Pioneers 21), Mayor Pro Tem Alejandra Chavez, Dio Trevino and Iberty Trevino, Economic Development Liaisons.

BUSINESS ONE-STOP SHOP

AT THE LEAGUE OF BUSINESS

The BOSS team delivered a presentation to members of The League of Business at the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation, highlighting City of El Paso resources available to entrepreneurs.

Business Service Coordinators Klarissa Mijares and Briana Silvas guided attendees through the BOSS program, demonstrating how entrepreneurs can access no-cost services for starting and growing their businesses. BOSS provides comprehensive assistance, including business development and training, access to capital and funding, workforce development, skills training, and personalized support.

By connecting directly with business leaders, this presentation reinforced the City’s commitment to strengthening El Paso’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and ensuring that local businesses have the tools and knowledge to succeed.

Discover how BOSS can support your business journey.

This August, during National Black Business Month, we honor the remarkable contributions of Black entrepreneurs who have been pivotal in shaping our national economy since 2004. In El Paso, these trailblazers are not only fostering economic growth and job creation but also inspiring future generations through their unwavering determination and innovation.

Despite facing systemic challenges, Black-owned businesses have demonstrated extraordinary resilience. Nationally, they've generated over $211 billion in revenue and supported 1.6 million jobs as of 2023. 

Today, Black-owned businesses continue to invigorate our local economy, driving growth and fostering community. Let's celebrate their contributions and ensure their stories inspire future generations.

Discover more about El Paso's Black business heritage and find ways to support local Black-owned enterprises.

New Points System Launching

It’s a summer of newness with Open Rewards announcing that the current dollar-based system it uses will transition to a point-based system instead come September 2025.

The new upgrade won’t affect how Open Rewards functions and the rewards balance will still be displayed in dollars as well. Even better, the new points system will reflect the same numeric value as the rewards balance. For example, if a customer has a $50 balance, it will show up as 50 points with the same dollar amount below it.

Stay tuned for more updates on this new feature and other news via the Buy El Paso newsletter!

Since the launch of the Buy El Paso Rewards program, shopping local has generated over $1,054,281.32 in economic impact that continues to grow every day! More importantly, local businesses are seeing an increase in customers who are utilizing the app.

Support local businesses like these and earn 5% back! Download the Open Rewards app now to get started. Available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. 

The City of El Paso is thrilled to announce the return of WinterFest on Saturday, November 22.

Celebrating 10 years, the region’s largest holiday celebration kicks off the weekend before Thanksgiving and continues through January 4, 2026.

OPENING DAY FOOD TRUCKS & ARTISAN VENDORS



Showcase your eats or handmade goods at the festive season launch.



• Food Trucks: Apply here
• Artisan Vendors: Apply here

Deadline: September 12

HOLIDAY FOOD TRUCK VILLAGE SPONSORS

Be part of the full WinterFest season in the heart of Downtown on Mills Street. Limited spaces available. Contact: epwinterfest@elpasotexas.gov  

In 2024, WinterFest drew more than 551,000 visitors, including 68,000 on opening day alone. WinterFest features more than 1 million lights, the City’s only light parade, an ice-skating rink, a holiday market, live shows, seasonal treats, and more.

WinterFest is presented by the Parks and Recreation Department, in collaboration with Destination El Paso, the Downtown Management District, and more than 20 City departments.

Visit EPWinterFest.com for applications, updates, and a full event countdown.

Follow @EPWinterFest on Facebook and Instagram for the latest.

The Countdown to El Paso Startup Week is ON! 

From September 21–27, our region becomes a powerhouse of innovation, connection, and growth. This is your chance to join entrepreneurs, innovators, business leaders, and creative thinkers for a week-long lineup designed to empower startups and small businesses right here in our region.

Expect a powerful blend of hands-on workshops designed to sharpen your skills, dynamic panel discussions featuring industry leaders, and high-energy networking sessions that ignite real opportunities.

With local startups in the spotlight and practical tools from trusted Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs), we’re showing how community knowledge + collaboration = lasting success.

This movement is powered by ESOs, partners, and local government partners who believe in one goal: helping local businesses thrive for the long haul. Whether you’re just starting out or already scaling, there’s something here for every innovator ready to grow. Visit our website for the full schedule and mark your calendars.

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