UTRGV Secures $ 5 Million to Strengthen Valley Manufacturing

EMPOWER RGV will help small manufacturers develop talent and adopt advanced technology as South Texas builds its industrial capacity

RIO GRANDE VALLEY, Texas — The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley has secured a $5 million federal grant through the U.S. Small Business Administration to launch EMPOWER-RGV, an initiative connecting workforce preparation with technical support for small manufacturers. The investment puts training and technology access at the center of the region’s manufacturing development.

The Edinburg Economic Development Corporation highlighted the award in a LinkedIn announcement, noting that its business development manager, Daniel Garza, attended the grant presentation. The EDC emphasized the initiative’s focus on workers, advanced technologies, and small manufacturing businesses.

Preparing workers for advanced production

UTRGV was among 11 organizations selected nationwide under the SBA’s Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow initiative. SBA Deputy Administrator William Briggs attended the October 1 presentation.

According to UTRGV, EMPOWER-RGV aims to serve at least 50 manufacturers, train 250 employees, and award 200 industry-recognized credentials. Its employment goals include helping create 50 manufacturing jobs and retain 250 others. These figures are program targets.

Led by the university’s Institute for Advanced Manufacturing, the initiative will offer training in robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, additive manufacturing, and digital production technologies.

Connecting technical expertise with business needs

UTRGV plans a Manufacturing Hub and Small Business Launchpad, combining training with commercialization and consulting support. Participating firms will receive assistance with product development, operational improvements, and pursuing contracts. Strategic partners include COSTEP, Workforce Solutions, TMAC, Siemens, and Rockwell Automation.

The Texas Manufacturing Assistance Center brings an existing model of direct business assistance to that collaboration. UTRGV’s TMAC office offers consulting and training tailored to company needs, including process improvements, workforce development, supply chain integration, and technology transfer. That combination can help manufacturers address the management and operational questions that accompany new equipment, so that technical training supports improvements on the production floor.

Strengthening the businesses behind industrial growth

The federal initiative is designed to expand regional training and technical assistance for small manufacturers in critical industries. The SBA identifies domestic supply chain development as a central purpose of the program, placing local manufacturing capabilities within a broader effort to increase U.S. industrial production.

For the Rio Grande Valley, the opportunity is to connect investment in skills with the needs of companies already operating in the region. If the program meets its goals, more workers will gain recognized qualifications, and more small manufacturers will have support to improve production. That would give South Texas a stronger local base from which to pursue industrial growth.