This article was originally published by Rio Grande Guardian
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Brownsville Mayor John Cowen, Jr., gave opening remarks at the start of RGV StartUp Week, held at the eBridge Center for Business & Commercialization.
According to the organizers – Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation and UT-Rio Grande Valley – RGV Startup Week is the perfect opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners to ignite their passion and explore their potential. Running from May 3 through May 10, the event is free and open to the public. The aim is to showcase the innovation and business growth potential the regional community has to offer.
“A unique feature of RGV Startup Week 2024 is its focus on local talent. Interactive experiences and demonstrations by established and emerging businesses will showcase the region’s capabilities and foster community pride and cohesion. These activities are designed to bring founders and supporters closer, offering a genuinely immersive entrepreneurial networking experience,” the program states.
In his remarks, Mayor Cowen said he is “deeply honored to serve a community brimming with creativity, resilience, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.”
Here are his remarks in full:
“Good morning, everyone. It’s great to be here with you all. Ladies and gentlemen, distinguished guests, entrepreneurs and visionaries. It is my great pleasure to extend a warm welcome to each and every one of you to the inaugural Rio Grande Valley StartUp week here at the E-Bridge Center for Business and Commercialization.
“As mayor of the city of Brownsville I am deeply honored to stand before you in a community brimming with creativity, resilience, and an unwavering entrepreneurial spirit.
“This week, we come together not only to celebrate innovation, but also to recognize the profound impact that startups and small businesses have on the fabric of our local economy. Here in the Rio Grande Valley, small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, the backbone upon which our communities are built. They are the neighborhood cafes where friends gather the family owned shops that line our streets and the startups pushing the boundaries. of what’s possible. They create jobs, drive economic growth and embody the spirit of innovation that defines our region.
“The e-Bridge center symbolizes our commitment to fostering a supportive ecosystem for startups and businesses to thrive. It’s a place where ideas are nurtured, collaborations are formed and dreams are turned into reality.
“Throughout this week, as we engage in workshops, panel discussions and networking events, let us remember the importance of collaboration, inclusivity and community. Let us harness the collective power of our diverse talents and perspectives to drive positive change and create a brighter future for all those who call Rio Grande Valley home.
“So, on behalf of the City of Brownsville like state, I extend my deepest gratitude to each and every one of you for being here. today. Thank you for your passion, your dedication and your unwavering commitment to building a stronger, more vibrant community. Together let us seize the opportunities that lie ahead and embark on a vision of innovation, collaboration and shared success. Welcome to the inaugural Rio Grande Valley StartUp week may be filled with with inspiration, discovery and boundless possibility.
Thank you and God bless you all.”
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