Great collaborative work was done by the RGV Partnership, UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization -CIC, Texas Gas Service, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, and RGV LEAD – Rio Grande Valley Linking Economic and Academic Development at the Business Development Workshop for the Young Entrepreneur of the RGV Challenge.

The four finalists teams, which stem from schools across the Rio Grande Valley, were given tips on developing and presenting their business ideas by Stephanie L. Mendez and Maria Julie Villalon from the Center for Innovation and Commercialization at UTRGV. Anastacio “Tachi” Hinojosa, Magic Valley Electric Cooperative Western Division Manager, and Sergio Contreras, RGV Partnership CEO, also gave students and team coaches tips on executing the teams’ business plans. In addition, Dr. Norma Salaiz, RGV LEAD Board, gave the competitors tips on preparing for the competition day which will be held on April 29, 2021. She mentioned that there will be a two-part rating: The Final Business Plan and The Oral Presentation. Judges will be given a rubric to rate criteria related to the competition. Fortunately, before heading into the final competition, teams will have an opportunity to be mentored by successful business partners such as James Enriquez; Ameriprise Financial Advisor, Anabell Cardona; President/CEO of Valley Grande Institute, and Josh Mejia; Executive Director of the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation.

Winning teams will receive the following cash prizes: 1st place $1,500, 2nd place $1,000, 3rd $750, and 4th place $500. Finalists’ teams are as follows:

• Brownsville Veterans Memorial Early College High School, Renata Perez, and Julieta Silva;
• Lyford High School, Heather May and Zoey Martinez;
• Weslaco East High School, Tristan Quinter; and
• Weslaco East High School, Teresa Velez.

RGV LEAD wishes the Young Entrepreneurs of the RGV Challenge the best as they head towards the finish line!

ENTREPRENEURSHIP LEADERSHIP TEAM