The UTSA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Rural Business Program and the Governor’s Small Business Forum, will host the 7th annual Texas Rural Challenge June 9-10 at the Waco Convention Center and Hilton Waco. This year’s theme is “Small town BIG IDEAS”.
Keynote Speakers include:
• Sid Miller – Commissioner, Texas Department of Agriculture
• Carlos Cascos – Texas Secretary of State
• Libby Lane, Libby Lane Leather Goods
• Carrie Kelleher – Small Business Owner
The Governor’s office will present Governor’s Small Business Awards to 2-3 exemplary small businesses. Additional breakout sessions feature expert panelists in water, entrepreneurship, community development, tourism, and rural housing.
“The Texas Rural Challenge is different from other conferences because it offers an opportunity for rural Texans to engage with one another, openly discuss best practices, and then implement those ideas in their communities,” saidGilbert Gonzalez, UTSA SBDC rural business program director. “If you haven’t experienced the TRC the past 7 years, I challenge you to attend, you will never stop attending”.
In addition to conference sessions, the Texas Rural Challenge features unique opportunities for students and small businesses. The Texas Strong competition, with a first place cash prize of $10,000, features Small Business Development Center (SBDC) client finalists selected from across the state to participate in a fast-pitch competition. The businesses will be judged on their innovation, environmental impact, rural community impact, previous successes, and community involvement.
The Texas Student Challenge, with a first place cash prize of $3,000, is a business plan competition held to encourage entrepreneurship and technological innovation among college students in the State of Texas.
Early Bird Registration ends April 30th.
For more information on the Texas Rural Challenge, Click Here.
