Mission EDC relaunches pitch competition with $50K in startup funding

MISSION — The Mission Economic Development Corporation relaunched its Ruby Red Ventures-The Competition, a small business program that has already awarded over $1.1 million to Mission entrepreneurs and now offers participants the chance to win up to $25,000 in seed funding.

With a total prize pool of $50,000, Mission EDC is investing directly in aspiring entrepreneurs and early stage businesses to foster economic growth and innovation in the City of Mission. Prizes include:

• $25,000 for 1st place

• $15,000 for 2nd place

• $10,000 for 3rd place

How It Works

To compete for funding, participants must complete the Kauffman FastTrac program, offered in partnership with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

The six-week entrepreneurial course is designed to equip participants with the knowledge and tools needed to develop a solid business plan.

The Kauffman FastTrac program will run from May 6 to June 10, with classes held every Tuesday from 4-7 p.m. at the CEED Building, located at 801 N. Bryan Road, Mission, TX 78572.

Applications for the UTRGV Kauffman Fast-Trac program opened Tuesday, March 25, and will close Friday, April 25. Those selected to participate will be notified by May 1.

“We’re excited to bring back Ruby Red Ventures and help Mission’s entrepreneurs take their ideas to the next level,” Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia said. “With this competition, we’re investing in small business owners who are driving innovation and economic growth in our community.”

Eligibility

To qualify for the competition, businesses must meet the following criteria:

• Must be a new or existing business operating for less than two years.

• Existing businesses must be located in Mission, Texas; startups must commit to establishing their business in Mission if they win funding.

Information Sessions

Mission EDC will host two public info sessions to answer questions and provide guidance on the application process:

• Tuesday, April 8

• Thursday, April 10 Both sessions will be held at 6 p.m. at the CEED.

“This isn’t just a pitch competition — it’s an opportunity for entrepreneurs to gain skills, connect with mentors, and build the confidence they need to launch or grow their business,” said Naxiely Lopez-Puente, Director of Programs and Strategic Partnerships at Mission EDC. “We encourage anyone with a great idea or early-stage business to apply.”

For more information or to apply, visit https:// tinyurl.com/mw9827sn or contact Naxiely Lopez-Puente at (956) 877-6460.

Story Courtesy
Mission EDC