By Letty Fernandez

WESLACO, TEXAS – The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on businesses, with many struggling and, at best, hoping to survive.

But help is available through the UTRGV Center for Innovation and Commercialization (CIC), thanks to a $300,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration (EDA).

Laurie Simmons, director of the CIC, said conducting business today has added challenges.

“Through EDA grant funding, we are offering three programs to help entrepreneurs and small businesses, she said. “And we are hoping that this support can make a difference during this challenging time.”

The UTRGV CIC will be offering and coordinating a student internship program to help businesses that have been affected by COVID-19 and, as a result, have had to reduce their staff.  

The internships will be in person, virtual or hybrid, based on the company's need.  

Students in the UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship will be encouraged to apply. Each intern will be expected to complete 100 hours during the internship and will be awarded a one-time stipend of $1,000.  

Applications will be accepted through Jan. 31, 2021 at https://www.utrgv.edu/cic/covid-19-business-support/index.htm.

The CIC also will offer pro-bono marketing and social media professional services, to help businesses transition their services to online, where appropriate, and shift their marketing to post-pandemic market requirements.

The UTRGV CIC will make co-working space and team rooms available for up to 20 companies who have lost their workspace or are not in a position to afford to pay office rent and utilities. Selected businesses can use the facility for up to 20 hours per week through August 2022. They will have access to Wi-Fi, printer, copier, and meeting rooms upon request for up to four times per month.

Simmons said they expect to launch the program and begin accepting applications in the next few weeks.

For more information, or to apply, visit https://www.utrgv.edu/cic/covid-19-business-support/index.htm.

 

ABOUT THE UTRGV CIC

Centrally located in the City of Weslaco, the Center for Innovation and Commercialization (CIC) is transforming the Rio Grande Valley by serving as the regional entrepreneurial hub for both the Lower and Upper Valley. By providing necessary resources and support systems to the community, the CIC is committed to helping regional entrepreneurs create successful “scalable enterprises” that have the potential to reach national and international markets.

For more information, visit https://www.utrgv.edu/cic.