Imagine being on Shark Tank! You stand before a panel of business professionals and hope they’ll buy your product. That’s what nine Valley high school teams did at the 2022 Young Entrepreneurs of the RGV Challenge at the UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization in Weslaco. After months of preparing a well-thought-out business plan, which included budgeting, students explained the “who, what, why, when, and how” they would promote their products.

2022 Young Entrepreneurs of the RGV Challenge 1st Place Winnders

Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat, RGV LEAD Board President and, Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations – Titan Fuel, had this to say about the event.

Students had a chance to pitch their business idea to a panel of judges for the opportunity to win seed money for their business. They also had a chance to hear, learn, and be inspired by our keynote presenter, Rene Capistran from Noble Texas Builders, who shared his journey, along with words of wisdom and encouragement! It’s such a fun and valuable experience for everyone, especially students, as they learn from each other, their mentors, and the judges who share feedback and support for their business! Huge thanks to all the teachers that inspire these students day after day, the mentors who offered invaluable support, the Rio Grande Valley Partnership and sponsors who make this possible, the UTRGV – The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley for hosting, and the board and staff at RGV LEAD who passionately work to put this together!

Barbara Garza: President & CEO for Weslaco Area Chamber of Commerce
Robert Rosell: Chase Bank Vice President/Community Manager
Luis Rodriguez: RGV LEAD Executive Director
Mari Laurie Simmons: Director of Entrepreneurship, In-novation, and Commercialization at UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization – CIC
Rodolfo Guerrero, Jr.: Entrepreneur in Residence UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization (CIC)
Sabrina Walker Hernandez: Certified Consultant, Coach, Facilitator & Best Selling Author
Lizzy de la Garza Putegnat: RGV LEAD Board President and Executive Director of Marketing & Public Relations – Titan Fuel
Janie Johnston Lopez: RGV LEAD Contractor Tachi Hinojosa: Western Division Manager at Magic Valley Electric Cooperative
Tachi Hinojosa: Western Division Manager at Magic Valley Electric Cooperative