Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC), in collaboration with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (UTRGV ECC), announced that RGV Startup Week 2026<\/b> will take place April 24 through May 1, 2026<\/b>, with events hosted in Brownsville and partner cities across the Rio Grande Valley<\/b>.<\/p>\n
In 2025, RGV Startup Week delivered 123 hours of activities<\/b> and reached 403,172 unique accounts<\/b> on social media. RGV Startup Week content generated 3.56 million views<\/b>, and attendees streamed 40,000 minutes<\/b> of video throughout the week.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis being our third RGV Startup Week, the momentum is undeniable,\u201d said Cori Pe\u00f1a, CEO and President of BCIC. \u201cLast year alone, we welcomed more than 1,800 registrants and reached hundreds of thousands of people online. That level of engagement tells us founders and small businesses across the Valley are looking for connection, visibility, and practical support. Our goal for 2026 is to build on that reach and deliver even more value through strong partners and sponsors who believe in this ecosystem.\u201d<\/p>\n
Speaker applications for RGV Startup Week 2026 are now open. Proposed sessions may include talks, workshops, panels, and interactive learning formats that support entrepreneurs at every stage. El<\/b> last day to apply to speak is Jan. 20, 2026<\/b>. Apply here: https:\/\/bit.ly\/speakrgvsw26<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThose numbers are only possible because of the speakers and people behind the programming,\u201d said Linda Ufland, Director of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Commercialization at UTRGV ECC. \u201cWith more than 160 speakers and 95 sessions in our last edition, RGV Startup Week has grown into a truly diverse learning experience. Opening the call for speakers in our region is how we ensure the content stays relevant, honest, and useful for entrepreneurs at every stage.\u201d<\/p>\n RGV Startup Week offers sponsorship opportunities across multiple levels, as well as single-session and in-kind sponsorship options. Sponsors support regional entrepreneurship programming while placing their brand in front of a fast-growing audience throughout the week. Volunteer opportunities and additional participation pathways will be announced soon.<\/p>\n About the Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC)<\/strong><\/p>\n The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation (BCIC) is a Type B economic development organization funded by a 1\/4 cent sales tax on every taxable dollar spent within Brownsville city limits. BCIC\u2019s mission is to enhance quality of life through innovative and equitable economic development initiatives, ensuring that every investment contributes to a more vibrant, inclusive, and prosperous Brownsville. To bring that vision to life, BCIC invests in revitalizing public spaces by enhancing parks, supporting health and wellness programming, and creating welcoming environments for residents and visitors. It leads downtown redevelopment through restoration projects and business recruitment that breathe new life into Brownsville\u2019s urban core. At the same time, BCIC supports entrepreneurship and small business growth through financial tools, mentorship, and targeted resources. These efforts are reinforced by cross-sector partnerships that drive workforce development, promote economic empowerment, and expand access to high-wage job opportunities. For more information, visit\u00a0www.brownsvillecic.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n