Mission EDC awards $225K to small businesses

Mission EDC awards $225,000 to help 15 small businesses upgrade and expand

Zen, Angel, and Ashley Rivera of Kayala Coffee Company received a $15,000 Ruby Red Ventures grant to invest in new equipment, storefront improvements, and visibility upgrades. Photo Credit | Alma Santos

The Mission EDC held its Ruby Red Ventures grant ceremony on Thursday, awarding $225,000 to 15 local small businesses.

This is the third time Mission EDC has put improvement funds directly into the hands of business owners to better their operations with new roofs or facades, new equipment or parking lots. Mission EDC Program Director Brianna Casares said the move supports job creation.

“After today, we will have funded over half a million dollars to the business owners in Mission,” Casares said. “The money can be used to strengthen operations, and that helps power our city’s entrepreneurial landscape.”

Two owners of The Oak Nutrition stand together after receiving a Ruby Red Ventures grant for repairs and upgrades. — Lynette Saenz and Edgar Reynoso of The Oak Nutrition.
Photo Credit | Alma Santos

Mission businesses that received a $15,000 check include: Armadillo Plaza, BFF Hair Studio, Bluebonnet Kreations, Corazon Consulting Inc., El Patio Mexican Restaurant, JM Curtain Designer and Blinds, Kayala Coffee Company, MarVic Enterprises, Mr. Corn Gourmet Corn and More, Palms Lounge II, RGV Decals & Iron-Ons, Saenz Insurance Brokers, Salon 1518, Savy Designs, and The Oak Nutrition.