Alton helps budding businesses bloom
With small businesses accounting for around 40% of the nation’s GDP according to the Office of Advocacy, regions like the Rio Grande Valley concentrate on initiatives to support local startups and ensure their continued success.
The City of Alton Development Corporation works to foster economic growth through its programs for local businesses.
“When local businesses succeed, they can create employment opportunities, attract investment, and contribute to the continued development of our city,” Abril Gonzalez, Alton Economic Development Specialist, said.
1 Million Cups (1MC) Alton en Español is one of more than 100 chapters across the nation seeking to provide business owners the opportunity to share ideas and connect with other leaders in the community. Founded in January, this initiative encourages discussion among Spanish-speaking innovators to help polish elevator pitches and business ideas.
Through the 1MC program, Alton invites community supporters and aspiring small business owners to coffee on the last Wednesday of each month. Two local entrepreneurs are featured and encouraged to pitch their business through a presentation to receive feedback. Attendees share challenges, goals and wins during the event.
The Alton EGE program, powered by Kauffman FastTrac, provides entrepreneurs with the training, education and tools needed to jumpstart or expand their business. The six-session cohort guides participants through marketing, financial planning, research and overall development. Graduates of the hybrid program receive a Certification of Completion and lifetime access to the FastTrac online toolkit.
SATOP (Space Alliance Technology Outreach Program) is a free, state-funded program that gives participants 40 hours of technical assistance from a Texas A&M engineer to develop a project or idea.
Alton aims to continue raising visibility and participation through community outreach and social media posts. By implementing programs like 1MC Alton en Español, EDGE and SATOP, Gonzalez and the EDC hope to remind all small business owners “they do not have to build their dream alone.”
“Starting a business requires courage, but growing one requires education, consistency, and community,” Gonzalez said. “Be willing to ask questions, learn from every challenge, and surround yourself with people who believe in your vision. Your idea has the potential to create opportunities not only for you, but also for your family, your employees, and your community.”
The Alton EDC and the Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce call on actively hiring businesses, sponsors and job seekers to attend the city’s First-Ever Career Connect Job Fair on Sept. 9 at the Alton Recreation Center from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The networking event aims to help connect employers with the community to expand access to employment opportunities.
The next 1 Million Cups Alton en Español event will take place on Aug. 26 at the Arturo Galvan Sr. Development Center at 416 S. Alton Blvd, Alton, TX 78573.
