HARLINGEN, Texas - The 2024 Rise Up Harlingen Pitch Competition was such a big success that the City of Harlingen and Harlingen Economic Development are likely going to expand the next one.
That is the view of Orlando Campos, executive director of Harlingen EDC. He said he was super impressed with the diversity of the nine entrepreneurs in this year’s completion and the level of support shown by the community.
The event, supported by Lone Star National Bank and UT-Rio Grande Valley Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center, was held at Harlingen Convention Center. The winner of the competition was Frank Garcia and his company, Buskees Spices. They won $30,000. Second place went to Davie Carter and his company, Sgt. Salsa. They won $20,000. Third place went to Herbert Castilho and his company i9 Xtion Automation. They won $15,000.
Powered by Advance Up Accelerator, the program targeted early-stage startups and scaling businesses, offering a platform to showcase ideas and receive critical support. Participants had to have committed to opening a business in Harlingen or have an existing Harlingen business.
“It was a very diverse group (of entrepreneurs). All (nine) of them had great ideas,” Campos told the Rio Grande Guardian in an exclusive video interview at the event. “This will definitely not be the last (Rise Up Harlingen Pitch Competition).”
Asked why such competitions are important, Campos said: “It is very important and part of our holistic approach in focusing in on economic development. It is not just about attracting businesses and helping local businesses grow. It is also important that we focus on creating our new business links within the community that could flourish into the next large business in the community.”
Asked what he thought of the large and enthusiastic audience, Campos said: “The community has strong interest in supporting local entrepreneurs. It gives use good gauge for the potential in the future in the community. We are definitely going to be looking at expanding our program in the future.”
Campos explained how HEDC could expand its efforts to foster entrepreneurship. “(We could develop) a business incubator with a focus on supporting food product startups. Looking at incubators that will have commercial kitchens and provide the support that they (the startups) need.”
Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda first publicly announced the 2024 Rise Up Harlingen Pitch Competition during her State of the City address earlier this year. In closing remarks at the event, she explained how it came about. She said she explained first her idea to Julian Alvarez, senior vice president and director of business development at Lone Star National Bank, over lunch at Las Vegas Cafe.
“He gave me genuine support. He said, ‘not only should you do this, I can help you’,” Sepulveda said. She said she then took the idea to HEDC’s Campos, also at Las Vegas Cafe.
“That is where it all started. I share this with you because relationships are the most important and most valuable asset that anyone can have. Any business will grow if you can develop relationships. That’s where it all starts,” Sepulveda said.
The mayor expressed her strong support for the small business community.
"For me, one of my biggest passions is small business. I’ve been there when there has been no money in the bank. I’ve been there when you are looking at the phone and waiting for it to ring, back when there were land lines, and that didn’t happen. It is so important for me that we grow small businesses in our community.”
Sepulveda added that is heartwarming to know the Rise Up Harlingen Pitch Competition is making a difference in her community.
“Knowing that we made a difference in everybody’s lives that participated and how these winners are going to represent Harlingen just warms my heart,” she said.
LSNB’s Alvarez, a Harlingen native, was one of the four judges for the competition. He said it was really difficult to select the top three. “You are all winners,” he told the nine all entrepreneurs in the final. He said he hoped in the future to see all finalists leave with a financial prize.
“I was telling the mayor and other folks earlier, how amazing (the level of) talent and the innovation and ingenuity of the folks of Harlingen,” Alvarez said. You (the entrepreneurs) made us all proud. You are all winners. Don’t give up. This is first class. You certainly have elevated Harlingen to the next level.”
The other six finalists were Ruben Romero and SkyPrecisions, Lita Garcia and Boca ChewLita, Erika Shaw and Café 406, Joanne McDermott and Journey to Abundant Wellness, Robert Esparza and Reconnection Myofascial Release & Wellness, LLC, and Samantha Ponce and Sab’s Candy Shop.
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of the Guardian's interview with Harlingen EDC Executive Director Orlando Campos:
