June 19, 2025 – Brownsville, Texas – The Brownsville Community Corporation (BCIC) is proud to announce the launch of a new Space Accelerator Program in collaboration with the Space Foundation. This initiative is made possible through key partnerships with Cameron County, the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC) and Space Foundation. Set to begin in August, the 8-week accelerator aims to support local startups and businesses with ties to the growing space economy. The program will equip a cohort of 8-10 companies with the tools, mentorship, and resources needed to scale their ventures. Participants will also learn how to apply for federal funding, like SBIR/STTR grants, and build long-term success in the space industry.
“Brownsville is uniquely positioned to become a leader in space innovation,” said Nathan Burkhart, Vice President of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at BCIC. “We’ve always believed in the incredible talent within our community, and with the momentum building in Brownsville—alongside the strong partnerships and resources at the Centro eBridge—we’re excited to expand into this field. Programs like Startup Texas have already demonstrated our region’s ability to cultivate high-impact ventures, with local founders securing hundreds of thousands in early-stage funding. We’re especially grateful to Cameron County for their continued support in helping us invest in the future of our region.”
Developed in collaboration with Space Foundation, a leading nonprofit supporting global space innovation and education, the Space Accelerator will deliver tailored instruction from top industry experts via virtual workshops, 1:1 mentorship, and strategic guidance. Each week, participants will explore topics like market segmentation, commercialization strategies, government contracting, and creating a space economy roadmap.
“Bringing space opportunities to regions isn’t just about rockets–it’s about unlocking economic potential. When companies see how their capabilities connect to the growing space industry, they realize they’re not on the outside looking in–they’re already part of the future,” said Kelli Kedis Ogborn, Vice President of Space Commerce and Entrepreneurship at the Space Foundation.
This partnership further highlights Brownsville’s growing reputation as an emerging tech hub and dynamic city. Recently ranked as the #1 metro area in the U.S. for economic growth, #2 among America's emerging tech hubs, Brownsville increasingly attracts innovators and entrepreneurs eager to participate in its thriving economy.
“Brownsville has the potential to be a key player in a global space economy projected to surpass $1 trillion by 2040,” said Cori, President and Chief Executive Officer at BCIC. “Through the Space Accelerator, we’re turning that potential into action. We’re supporting local entrepreneurs by connecting them to new markets, unlocking access to larger funding sources, and creating jobs that keep people and talent rooted in our community.”
In bringing this vision to life, BCIC is proud to collaborate closely with regional partners such as the Cameron County and the Greater Brownsville Incentives Corporation (GBIC), ensuring that our collective strengths drive lasting economic impact.
“In Cameron County, we understand that small businesses drive our economy. That is why the Cameron County Commissioners’ Court is proud to partner with BCIC to offer the Space Accelerator program in Cameron County,” stated Judge Eddie Treviño, Jr. “The Space Foundation is the premier organization in the country that provides excellence in education, collaboration, and information to advance the global space economy. This program offers empowerment to our local small businesses, entrepreneurs, and startups looking to expand into the space ecosystem."
Applications for the Space Accelerator program opened June 20, 2025, and close July 25, with selected participants notified by August 1. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend online and in-person informational sessions during July to determine if this program aligns with their business goals. For more information or to apply, visit https://spaceaccelerator.org.
About the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation
The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a Type B economic development corporation. It is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development, enhancing quality of life, fostering innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, supporting strategic projects, and cultivating partnerships that support Brownsville’s thriving and vibrant community. BCIC operates under four core pillars. The first is Community Development, achieved through initiatives like the BIG Grants, which support the revitalization and preservation of Historical Downtown Brownsville, and the Quality of Life Grants, designed to enhance the community’s well-being. The second pillar is Finance Programs, which support local small businesses by providing financial resources to help them start or expand. The third pillar is Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where BCIC supports the entrepreneurial journey with incubation, acceleration, and continuous assistance. Lastly, BCIC’s Marketing and Communications efforts drive public engagement by amplifying the impact of programs, fostering community pride, and promoting Brownsville as an attractive hub for living, working, and investing.
For more information, visit www.brownsvillecic.com. For media inquiries, please contact Nelson Amaro, Director of Marketing & Communications, at namaro@brownsvillecic.com
Spanish 
English