UTSA supports rural Texans with a state-wide conference
(Apr. 6, 2016) -- The UTSA Small Business Development Center Rural Business Program, the Governor's Small Business Forum, Texas Workforce Commission and the Heart of Texas Council of Governments (HOTCOG) 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,” said Gilbert 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.
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Learn more about The Texas Rural Challenge.
Register for The Texas Rural Challenge.
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Events
This event will acknowledge graduating seniors from the McNair Scholars program at UTSA before inducting the new cohort of scholars into the program.
North Paseo Building (NPB 5.140), Main CampusAt this memorable celebration, UTSA graduates will be introduced one-by-one to cross the stage and accept their doctoral degrees.
Arts Building Recital Hall, Main CampusRoadrunner Walk is an event for graduating students to have a memorable walk on campus to celebrate an important milestone and their achievements. Graduates will walk along the Paseo while being celebrated by the UTSA community, friends, and family members.
Student Union Paseo, Main CampusCelebrate the accomplishments of College of Education and Human Development, College for Health, Community and Policy, College of Sciences and University College.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.Celebrate the accomplishments of Alvarez College of Business, College of Liberal and Fine Arts and Klesse College of Engineering and Integrated Design.
Alamodome, 100 Montana St.
