The Brownsville Community Improvement Corporation, along with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, announced that RGV Startup Week 2026 will take place from April 24 through May 1. Events will be hosted in Brownsville and partner cities across the Rio Grande Valley.
Registration is now open, and organizers encourage entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members to sign up early to take part in the weeklong event.
Organizers say the growing response to the event reflects strong interest from founders and small business owners seeking connection, visibility, and practical tools to grow their businesses. They note that 2026 will build on that momentum and bring even more value to the region.
“This is the largest, oldest, and loudest celebration of entrepreneurship in the Rio Grande Valley,” said Nelson Amaro, director of marketing and communications for BCIC. “It’s a full week of activities geared toward entrepreneurs or those considering entrepreneurship as a career path.”
This year’s event will feature more than 120 hours of programming. Many sessions will be live-streamed for those unable to attend in person. Last year, RGV Startup Week attracted more than 1,300 registrations from across Texas.
“The beauty of it is that you have the opportunity to network with like-minded individuals who want to grow their business, but also with people from different industries,” said Astrid Rosales, business retention and entrepreneurship officer.
Organizers say RGV Startup Week offers opportunities for anyone interested in entrepreneurship, whether they are just exploring an idea or already running a business—to connect, learn, and share experiences with the regional entrepreneurial community.
