UTRGV lands $5M federal grant to boost Valley manufacturing workforce
UTRGV and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives unveil a ceremonial $5 million grant check during a presentation Thursday. The funding will support EMPOWER-RGV, a UTRGV-led initiative focused on workforce training, technology adoption and assistance for small manufacturers across the Rio Grande Valley. Courtesy of | UTRGV

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley secured a $5 million federal grant to help small manufacturers across South Texas train workers, adopt advanced technologies and expand their operations.

UTRGV is one of 11 organizations nationwide selected for funding through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Manufacturing in America Empower to Grow Grant Initiative. The award was formally presented Thursday.

The money will fund EMPOWER-RGV, a UTRGV-led manufacturing initiative expected to serve at least 50 manufacturers, train 250 employees and award 200 industry-recognized credentials.

The university also expects the program to help create 50 manufacturing jobs and retain another 250.

5,000+ business leaders across the Valley start their day with us.

Join them free!

RGV Business Journal is the only newsroom dedicated exclusively to the business and economic forces driving South Texas and the border economy.

Our subscribers get:

In-depth reporting on real estate, healthcare, energy, manufacturing, and trade
Data and economic trend analysis unavailable anywhere else in the region
The Morning Newsletter: daily, before the workday starts

Try it free for 30 days.

Start My Free Trial

$9.95/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Add Rio Grande Valley Business Journal as a preferred source on Google

Daily Business Update

Get the latest business news delivered to your inbox every morning for free.

    Try 30 Days Free!

    Get full access to award-winning journalism covering business, real estate, health care, economic trends, and the people shaping the Rio Grande Valley.

    30 Days Free!

    $9.95/month

    Limited time offer

    Subscription renews after your 30 day free trial at $9.95/mo.

    Included Benefits


    • Unlimited access to all articles
    • Daily business news and analysis
    • Subscriber-only content and features
    Get Full Access

    June storms brought floods — but little relief for Rio Grande Valley water supplies

    June 29, 2026 • 2 min read

    Despite flooding across the Valley, June’s rainfall produced only a modest increase in storage, leaving the region’s long-term water supply... Read more »

    STC brings construction management program to Mid-Valley as demand grows

    August 10, 2026 • 2 min read

    The program has been in place for ten years, but it will be offered at STC’s Mid-Valley Campus for the... Read more »