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

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.” 

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. 

Mission EDC CEO Teclo Garcia said his staff divided a map of Mission and drove around for days in an attempt to count all of Mission’s small businesses, which he said numbered over 2,000.

“We know we’re short,” Garcia said. “Sometimes there’s a business inside a business or a home-based business. But we do know our retail sales tax increased from $15 million to almost $30 million this past year.”

Garcia gave credit to the business owners who assembled to receive their checks and celebrate the win, and said the Ruby Red Ventures grant was one of his favorite parts of the job.

“You risked finances, relationships, and family to do what you wanted to do,” Garcia said. “For that, you should be proud, and we’re proud to be a small part of your effort. You’re part of a special group who had a dream or an idea and decided to act on it.”