BCIC’s Business Development and Entrepreneurship Officer, Astrid Rosales, brings a bright, community-minded approach to her work. She’s focused on helping Brownsville’s entrepreneurs and small businesses grow in a way that lifts everyone: owners, employees, and families alike. Marketing Specialist Rudy Hinojosa sat down with her to learn how she’s approaching the job and what she’s most excited to take on:
You worked at the Chamber. What’s the biggest difference between Chamber work and what you’ll do here?
At the Chamber, I learned how important relationships and collaboration are to helping businesses grow. That experience really shaped how I see economic development. Here at BCIC, the focus is similar but a little closer to the ground. It’s about listening to what local businesses need, connecting them to resources, and being part of their day-to-day growth in the community.
When you think about entrepreneurship in Brownsville, what gets you excited? And what keeps you up at night?
What gets me excited is the growth and all the resources coming in. From my experience, a lot of people who start a business feel alone. I don’t know if it’s because they come from other places, but that’s their experience.
Here in Brownsville, though, we’re in such a unique position. There’s so much support. Once you start reaching out, you realize there’s a whole network ready to help you. Especially here at eBridge, you see it every day.
Like the conversation we had with Mr. Solis, it literally changed the trajectory of his life, not just his business, because of the people he met here. That’s what’s exciting.
What keeps me up at night? Honestly, access to funding. I had a nightmare about it yesterday. [laughs] There are so many good ideas here, but a lot of people need financial support to start. There’s still fear about applying for loans or sharing information. I think it’s cultural.
That’s why having local investors, like the Alamo Angels chapter, was a big deal. Growing that is always on my mind.
Rudy: Yeah, I’m a big zealot about Brownsville owning its own economic sovereignty and taking charge of its growth. When a city this size starts to grow fast, new players and outside partners naturally come in to be part of it, which can be a good thing. But it also means we have to be intentional about making sure that growth keeps primarily benefiting the people who already live and work here.
Astrid: Exactly. People see the growth and think, “Well, what about us?” It’s across everything: entrepreneurship, housing, education. So yes, support our own people. Growth is good, but we have to make sure it benefits our community.
A little birdie told me you crochet. Are we talking blankets or little animals?
[laughs] Definitely not blankets; they take forever! I’ve made little animals and flowers, though. Flowers are fun. I haven’t done it in a while, but it’s really relaxing. I usually listen to audiobooks while I do it.
What’s a book you’ve recommended more than once, not because it’s trendy, but because it’s genuinely good?
The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas. It’s fantasy, nine books long, and the last three are massive, but it’s worth it. It’s emotional and exciting, definitely one of my favorites.
BCIC’s worked on everything from downtown buildings to entrepreneurship programs and park improvements. Where do you see this role fitting in?
It’s definitely more on the entrepreneurship side, but with the Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program, it also connects to quality of life.
We’re learning from businesses what their needs are: funding, employee retention, things like that. Businesses carry lives with them. Their employees, their families, their kids, it all ties back to quality of life.
If we can help improve conditions for employees and their families, businesses stay longer. It’s a cycle. My role bridges that gap and helps both sides grow together.
Rudy: Yeah, we always say economic development and quality of life go hand in hand.
Astrid: Exactly. Even if I’m not working directly on parks or infrastructure, those conversations overlap. If a business says, “My employees are leaving because there’s nothing for families here,” that affects our work. It’s all connected.
What’s one thing Brownsville’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is missing right now?
Honestly, more communication between entities. There’s still some overlap, and people don’t always know where to go. Partnering more is a part of our new Strategic Plan so that will only improve in the future.
Working more closely with groups like the Chamber and other nonprofits would help. eBridge has already made a difference; it’s a centralized spot where people can go and find resources. That’s been huge. It feels like it’s for the community.
What kind of entrepreneurs or businesses get you most excited?
When I’m confused, in a good way. If I’m like, “Wait, what? How does that work?” then I’m excited. That means they’re doing something new.
The space projects are really cool, but it could be anything. If I have a lot of questions, that’s how I know it’s interesting.
What’s something you learned at the Chamber that you’ll bring here?
Relationships, for sure. The network I built there is something I’ll always value.
Also, structure and organization. The Chamber has everything planned to the smallest detail. That’s stuck with me. It helps keep things clear and easy to understand, no confusion.
Event planning, documentation, being ready for anything, that’s part of it too. And then people skills. Learning to pivot depending on who you’re talking to, reading people, knowing when to say what. It’s a skill you only get through experience.
What’s something new about this role that you’re excited to figure out?
The grant side. It’s completely new to me, but really interesting.
I’m used to being strict about guidelines and structure, but grants have more flexibility. It’s a different kind of challenge, and I’m excited to learn how it all works.
Last question: what does a perfect Saturday look like?
Sleeping in. Then golf in the morning, lunch at Chili’s, coffee after. Later, I’ll dim the lights, read a bit, then just relax. That’s perfect.