Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation

09/03/2026

Southeast Texas, thank you.

In the aftermath of this surprise storm, we want to recognize the many people who have been working around the clock to help our communities recover.

Thank you to the Entergy employees, city and county employees, first responders, utility crews, emergency personnel, contractors, volunteers, and everyone else who has been out in the heat, rain, and challenging conditions helping restore power, clear roads, address damage, and get our communities moving forward..

We are grateful for the dedication, long hours, and commitment to serving Southeast Texas when our communities need it most. Thank you for showing up and helping our region recover.

09/01/2026

Southeast Texas, stay safe in the rain today!

As Tropical Storm Edouard brings wet weather to our area, please use extra caution while traveling. Slow down, allow plenty of space between vehicles, and never drive through flooded roadways.

And, this is a great reminder to have a plan ready for your business in the event of a storm or other natural disaster. Check out resources at: https://www.ready.gov/business

Businesses and their employees face a variety of hazards:

09/01/2026

The Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation (SETEDF) is at the forefront of fostering growth, innovation, and economic prosperity in our community.

Visit our website at www.setedf.org to explore how SETEDF is driving sustainable development, attracting investments, and creating opportunities for businesses.

Together, we're building a brighter future for Southeast Texas!

08/25/2026

Collaboration for Success! SETEDF and the Regional Economic Development Initiative emphasizes the power of working together for economic development. Check out www.setedf.org to see how partnerships and initiatives are shaping a brighter future for Southeast Texas.

Let's build a stronger community side by side!

08/21/2026

REDI members came together for our monthly meeting, hosted this month by the Port of Beaumont.

Meeting throughout our region and learning from the organizations driving economic growth firsthand is an important part of REDI’s mission. The Port of Beaumont plays a vital role in Southeast Texas, from transportation and logistics to trade, infrastructure, and the continued growth of our regional economy.

Thank you to the Port of Beaumont for hosting us and for being an important partner in our shared efforts to strengthen and promote Southeast Texas.

08/10/2026

Lamar State College-Port Arthur SBDC is one of our Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI) members and has an upcoming event!

Check it out: Port Arthur Small Business Development Center to Host Workshop on Measuring Digital Marketing Performance

Small business owners and solopreneurs who want to better understand whether their digital marketing efforts are delivering results are invited to attend “Measuring What Matters: How To Evaluate Your Digital Marketing Performance,” a workshop hosted by the Lamar State College Port Arthur Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and sponsored by Motiva.

The workshop will be held Wednesday, August 19, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Port Arthur Public Library, 4615 9th Avenue, Port Arthur, Texas 77642. Lunch will be provided.

Register online at: https://sbdc.uhbauer.org/workshop.aspx?ekey=95460024

For more information, contact Dana Espinal at [email protected] or (409) 984-6531.

The LSCPA SBDC coverage area includes the municipalities of Port Arthur, Groves, Nederland, Port Neches, Bridge City, Orange and Vidor. All Southeast Texas small businesses are welcome to contact the center for assistance.

The Lamar State College Port Arthur SBDC is a business advising and training center of the University of Houston Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network, serving 32 counties in Southeast Texas. The SBDC program is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. The Texas Gulf Coast SBDC Network is financed with $3.25 million (46%) in federal funding and $3.8 million (54%) in nonfederal funding.

08/06/2026

One of the things that really sets the Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation apart is our focus on collaboration. We work closely with local businesses, government agencies, and community organizations to identify and address economic development needs and opportunities in a strategic and effective way.

Learn more at: www.setedf.org

07/30/2026

Did you know that we are a Certified Development Company that promotes economic development within the community through the Small Business Administration SBA 504 Loan Program?

The Southeast Texas Economic Development Foundation is a nonprofit, regulated by the federal government, and work with participating lenders (typically banks & credit unions) to provide capital in the form of long term loans to small businesses.

Learn more at www.setedf.org

07/29/2026

Last week, we gathered with The University of Texas at Austin to celebrate the interns who participated in the Home to Texas program and wrap up another successful summer of connecting talented students with opportunities in Southeast Texas.

This year, the Port of Port Arthur and Nederland, Texas Economic Development Corporation hosted interns, providing valuable hands-on experiences and opportunities to learn more about the people, businesses, and industries that make our region such a dynamic place to live and work.

Both organizations are proud members of the Regional Economic Development Initiative (REDI), and their participation highlights the power of regional collaboration in building our workforce and creating connections between Southeast Texas and the next generation of talent.

Thank you to our partners at the University of Texas at Austin, the Port of Port Arthur, Nederland EDC, and everyone who helped make this program a success. We look forward to seeing where these talented interns go next!

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day, we honor and remember the brave service members who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and dedication will never be forgotten.