BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – June 14, 2024 — The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is accepting applications for a new cohort for the StartUp Texas Emerging Industries Accelerator Program. This 12-week intensive program will start in August 2024 and is designed to equip innovative startups throughout the Rio Grande Valley with the necessary tools for growth. The program focuses on fostering forward-thinking solutions in various sectors such as technology, manufacturing, healthcare, aerospace, and green energy.

Since its inception in 2019, StartUp Texas has grown from a pitch summit to a comprehensive accelerator that enriches the Rio Grande Valley’s entrepreneurial community. This initiative is a collaborative effort involving BCIC, the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, and the U.S. Economic Development Administration.

Cori Peña, BCIC President & CEO, emphasized the broader impact: "StartUp Texas is a cornerstone of our vision for Brownsville's economic future. Each cohort brings fresh ideas and energy to our business ecosystem, creating jobs, attracting talent, and positioning our city as a hub for innovation. The StartUp Texas Emerging Industries Accelerator Program is a prime example of how BCIC is actively realizing this vision by nurturing entrepreneurial talent and propelling economic growth in the region. "

Linda Ufland, Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Commercialization at UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, stated: "We're building on the success of our StartUp Texas previous programs. UTRGV ECC's partnership with BCIC continues to strengthen the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Rio Grande Valley, providing vital resources and comprehensive mentorship to innovative startups."

The StartUp Texas Emerging Industries Accelerator Program provides participants with:

• Specialized workshops and mentoring sessions.
• Opportunities for pitch practice.
• Connections with local business leaders and fellow founders.
• A public Demo Day event to present to industry experts and potential investors.

Nathan Burkhart, BCIC VP of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, remarked on the program's evolution: "With each cohort, we refine our methods to better address the needs of our entrepreneurs. This new group will benefit from the insights gained and the successes of our previous cohorts. We are excited to witness how these startups will help shape the future of our community."

Key dates for the program:

• Applications Open: June 24, 2024
• Application Deadline: August 10, 2024
• Qualified Startups Notified: August 16, 2024
• Program Duration: August 26 - December 12, 2024
• Demo Day: Thursday, January 23, 2025

The program is open to all startups in the Rio Grande Valley, with seed funding available for businesses that complete the program and are located or willing to relocate to Brownsville. Entrepreneurs eager to transform their ideas into reality are encouraged to apply and can find more details about the StartUp Texas Emerging Industries Accelerator Program and the application process at https://startuptexas.com

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About StartUp Texas
Startup Texas is an accelerator program established in 2019 and based in Brownsville. It provides entrepreneurs with capital, mentorship, and resources to scale their operations. The program aims to develop an open and inclusive entrepreneurship ecosystem in the Rio Grande Valley. It is a collaborative initiative by the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) and the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, with a partnership including the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station for the SBIR/STTR programs. The 12-week program concludes with a Demo Day where startups present to a broad audience, including potential investors, to encourage regional growth and innovation. Up to July 2024 the program has accelerated 29 businesses and provided more than $450,000 in seed funding.

About BCIC
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is driven by a mission to enhance the quality of life through innovative and equitable economic development initiatives. With a vision for Brownsville to emerge as a national leader in fostering business development and improving quality of life, BCIC is committed to creating impactful programs and partnerships. For more information about available programs, visit www.brownsvillecic.com. For media inquiries, please contact Nelson Amaro, Director of Marketing & Communications, at namaro@bcic.us.