APRIL 24 to MAY 1, 2026
Join US FOR A WEEK LONG CELEBRATION of entrepreneurs building the future.
Join the Waitlist to attend RGVSW 2026.
Be the first one to know when registration starts for RGV Startup Week 2026.
If you want to be a speaker, you can apply here.
CALL FOR SPEAKERS
Speaker applications open from Dec. 19, 2025 to Jan. 20, 2026
About RGV Startup Week
RGV Startup Week is the Rio Grande Valley's annual entrepreneurial celebration, offering a whole week of educational workshops, networking opportunities, and hands-on resources. It's a dynamic showcase of the Valley's unique culture and entrepreneurial spirit, providing a platform for aspiring and established business owners to learn, connect, and grow.
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RGV Startup Week is anchored in the belief that the Rio Grande Valley is a fertile ground for innovation and entrepreneurship. The event unites the entrepreneurial spirits of the region, showcasing local talent and fostering a sense of regional unity and pride. Located in the heart of Brownsville, it leverages the city's unique position, vibrant education community, and revitalized downtown area to support and elevate local businesses.
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Our mission is to ignite and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of the Rio Grande Valley louder than ever. RGV Startup Week empowers local entrepreneurs by providing resources and mentorship, showcasing regional success stories, fostering unity, and building inclusive platforms for community engagement. This approach crafts a new narrative of innovation and collective pride in the Valley, positioning it as a hub of dynamic business growth and opportunity.
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RGV Startup Week is guided by values emphasizing community empowerment, collaboration, transparency, and resilience. The event's focus is on making entrepreneurship accessible and enjoyable, ensuring clarity in its offerings, and embracing the transformative legacy of the Valley.
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The event is driven by tenets of engaging interaction, clear communication, inclusive innovation, and a dynamic, adaptable approach. These principles ensure that the event remains relevant, effective, and aligned with the mission.
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Success for RGV Startup Week is measured by the engagement of entrepreneurs and startups, the impact of educational sessions, community engagement, outcomes of pitch competitions, and the long-term growth of businesses post-event.
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We aim for this annual celebration to draw attention and acclaim from across the world, showcasing the unique entrepreneurial culture of the Rio Grande Valley. The vision for RGV Startup Week is to elevate the Rio Grande Valley as a renowned center of entrepreneurial excellence and to establish the event as a globally recognized symbol of the region's commitment to quality, innovation, and hard work.
Signature Events
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Premiere Business Keynote
The main stage moment of RGV Startup Week. A nationally recognized entrepreneur or leader shares real-world lessons on growth, leadership, and resilience, setting the tone for the entire week.
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Startup Texas Pitch Fest
Startups completing the Accelerator program take the stage to pitch in front of investors, mentors, and ecosystem leaders. This is where ideas meet capital, feedback, and opportunity.
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Failure Institute Talks
Honest conversations about what didn’t work, and why that matters. Founders and leaders share their setbacks, mistakes, and hard lessons, reframing failure as a necessary step toward building something meaningful.
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Startup Bootcamp
A weekend-long intensive, hands-on program designed to sharpen startup fundamentals. Participants work through validation, business models, and go-to-market strategy, leaving with clearer direction and next steps.
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2 for $2,000 Open Pitch Competition
Entrepreneurs have 2 minutes to pitch their idea to a live audience, which votes to award $2,000 in funding, demonstrating that community support can propel ideas forward.
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1 Million Cups
A live edition of the national 1 Million Cups program, connecting local entrepreneurs with peers, mentors, and the broader community. Two startups present, followed by open dialogue and constructive feedback.
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Frontera Leadership Demo Day
The culmination of the Frontera Leadership Institute. Emerging leaders present projects and ventures shaped over months of work, highlighting the next generation of entrepreneurial leadership in the region.
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Youth Panel
A candid conversation with young leaders and students about education, career paths, and entrepreneurship: this panel centers on the voices of youth. what is and isn’t working for them.
