COSTEP Strengthens Regional Collaboration at Texas Small Business Summit in Pharr

COSTEP participated in the Governor’s Small Business Summit in Pharr, joining regional partners to support entrepreneurship and economic development in South Texas.

Regional Leaders Unite to Support Small Business Growth

The Council for South Texas Economic Progress, COSTEP, took part in the Governor’s Small Business Summit held in Pharr, Texas, an event designed to empower entrepreneurs and small business owners through direct access to critical resources, expert insights, and strategic connections.

Hosted in partnership with the Pharr Economic Development Corporation and the Texas Workforce Commission, the summit brought together state, local, and federal partners to explore solutions for business creation, scalability, and regional competitiveness.

COSTEP Advances Economic Development Agenda

Representing COSTEP, Director of Economic Development Rick Carrera engaged with key stakeholders from organizations such as the Texas Economic Development Corporation (TxEDC), UTRGV, SBA, LiftFund, Workforce Solutions, and various private-sector partners. These interactions reflect COSTEP’s ongoing commitment to building stronger cross-sector relationships that support inclusive economic development across the Rio South Texas Region.

Summit Highlights Regional Momentum

The event featured a robust lineup of expert-led panels on topics such as business growth strategies, collaboration between public and private sectors, and real-world insights from entrepreneurs. A keynote address was delivered by Sasha Levine, Executive Vice President of Levcor, and featured speaker Alberto Treviño, Labor Commissioner at the Texas Workforce Commission, underscored the importance of workforce development in the region’s economic future.

Driving Regional Competitiveness Through Partnership

Participation in forums like the Small Business Summit aligns with COSTEP’s mission to elevate South Texas through coordinated economic development initiatives. By fostering relationships with local allies and statewide institutions, COSTEP continues to expand its impact on job creation, entrepreneurship, and long-term investment in the region.