By Shala Watson
Multimedia Writer
Rural communities are the heartbeat of Texas and agriculture. More than 170 of the 254 counties in Texas are considered rural and have a population of 50,000 or less.
With a focus on economic development in rural Texas, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Rural Business Program has partnered with the City of Waco and numerous agencies across Texas to launch its eighth annual Texas Rural Challenge Conference in Waco June 29-30.
“Rural communities account for more than half the state of Texas,” Gil Gonzalez, director of the SBDC Rural Business Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio Institute for Economic Development, said.
The Texas Rural Challenge Conference provides the opportunity for small business owners and rural communities from across the state to join together.
“With the immense growth that the Texas Rural Challenge has experienced over the past seven years, we invite interested partners, entrepreneurs, students and the general public to get involved in the only statewide conference that caters specifically to Texas rural communities,” Gonzalez said.
This year’s conference, “Empowering Rural Texas,” will focus on small business growth, community and economic development and leadership.
“It’s about growing rural Texas, strengthening rural Texas, empowering rural Texas through rural businesses,” Gonzalez said.
The two-day conference will feature keynote speakers, workshop and business competitions. It will also promote best practices and offer collaborative opportunities to help Texas’ rural businesses and communities thrive.
“The Texas Rural Challenge conference is an outstanding event and a real showcase for the economic vitality and strength of rural communities,” America’s SBDC President Tee Rowe said. “The innovation and resilience we see in rural small businesses in Texas is a real beacon for SBDC efforts nationwide.”
Speakers include Chet Garner, host of the PBS program Day Tripper, and Aaron Alejandro, Texas FFA Foundation executive director, among many others.
Kathleen Jackson from the Texas Water Development Board and Bob Rose with the Lower Colorado River Authority will be in attendance to discuss water issues during breakout sessions.
Lee McCleary with the City of Red Oak and Mike Barnes with Mike Barnes Group will also discuss economic and community development. Other breakout sessions include leadership and small business.
“If you really want to make a difference, it’s like a barn raising. We need everybody’s help regardless of what position you hold in your small town,” Gonzalez said. “I think that’s the main reason for coming. It’s empowering.”
One of the conference’s featured competitions, Texas Strong, will test how effectively entrepreneurs are able to fast-pitch their businesses.
The conference will also include the Texas Student Challenge, a fast-pitch and business plan competition encouraging entrepreneurship and technological innovation among college students.
For more information or register, visit texasruralchallenge.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/TexasRuralChallenge.