Spark Lab

08/31/2026

Ready to take your business to the next level?
The City of Del Rio, in partnership with SparkLab and PVAMU Cooperative Extension, is excited to promote the BID Academy: Government Contracts 101! 📋🤝

📚 Topics include:
• Business Planning
• Marketing & Pitch Writing
• Financial Readiness
• Access to Alternative Capital
• Meet with Suppliers & Procurement Officers
• Proposal/Bid Writing

📅 September 15 – October 1, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 SparkLab – 101 W. Ogden, Del Rio, TX
🍽️ Light meal provided
🎓 Graduation celebration included!
⚠️ Space is limited!

Apply today:
https://bit.ly/DelRioBIDAcademy

Help us spread the word and support local businesses as they prepare to compete for government opportunities!

08/28/2026

🚀 Ready to take your business to the next level?

The City of Del Rio, in partnership with SparkLab and PVAMU Cooperative Extension, is excited to promote the BID Academy: Government Contracts 101! 📋🤝

📚 Topics include:
• Business Planning
• Marketing & Pitch Writing
• Financial Readiness
• Access to Alternative Capital
• Meet with Suppliers & Procurement Officers
• Proposal/Bid Writing

📅 September 15 – October 1, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM
📍 SparkLab – 101 W. Ogden, Del Rio, TX
🍽️ Light meal provided
🎓 Graduation celebration included!

⚠️ Space is limited! Apply today:
https://bit.ly/DelRioBIDAcademy

Help us spread the word and support local businesses as they prepare to compete for government opportunities! 💼💜💛

08/18/2026

GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING 101
Ready to learn how to do business with the government?
Join us at the SparkLAB Business Incubator for for more information on government contracting

📅 Tuesday, August 25, 2026
⏰ 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Learn the basics of government contracting and discover opportunities to grow your business.

Ready to grow your business? 📈
Join us for Government Contracting 101 and learn the basics of doing business with local, state, and federal agencies. Whether you're just getting started or looking to expand your opportunities, this free session is a great place to begin.

📅 August 25, 2026
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Spark Lab, 101 W. Ogden, Del Rio

Register today by scanning the QR code or visiting the link below.
http://bit.ly/DelRioContracting101

We look forward to seeing you there!

06/23/2026

Get ready for this month's training session, we are excited to provide local entrepreneurs and business owners with practical information and resources that can help them grow and succeed!

To sign up, please visit: https://www.cityofdelrio.com/government/departments/economic-development/main-street-program/spark-lab-seminar?fbclid=IwY2xjawSnyMdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFWMjB0cGY1dE5sV3FuZGJsc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiRD_WzypLe41Kcl-jwK7dk-BawnR_tKoWRyW1IJ1g7SI3azfww7BbgBbkK__aem_w7oumwPi3ECRhl8Ov3T6hg

For more information, contact:
Jorge Garza at 830-309-7065

05/01/2026

Thank you to the Del Rio community for joining us at this month’s business seminar. This session, titled “How to Start a Small Business in Del Rio,” was led by Planning and Zoning Director Janice Pokrant and Neighborhood Services Director John Atnipp.

The seminar provided valuable insights into the steps and requirements for starting a business in Del Rio, whether launching an online venture, a food truck or opening a brick-and-mortar location.

We appreciate everyone who attended and look forward to seeing you at next month’s seminar. Be sure to follow our page to stay up to date on upcoming events and opportunities at the Spark Lab Business Incubator.

04/28/2026

Join us for this month's training session focused on guiding you through the process of starting a business in Del Rio.

Learn about:
Required Paperwork
City Regulations
Key Steps to Ensure Compliance
Whether you're just getting started or looking to grow, this session offers valuable insight to help you move forward with confidence.

Open to aspiring and current business owners, don't miss this opportunity to learn, connect, and grow!

To sign up, please visit: https://www.cityofdelrio.com/government/departments/economic-development/main-street-program/spark-lab-seminar

For more information, contact Jorge Garza at 830-309-7065.

03/30/2026

We appreciate everyone who joined us for last week’s Chamber Mixer at the Spark Lab! Your participation continues to strengthen Del Rio’s business community and drive meaningful connections.

Now, let’s build on that momentum.

If you’re ready to take the next step, join us March 31 from 5:30–7:00 PM at the Spark Lab for Startup Roadmap: From Idea to Revenue, featuring Frank Mendoza.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to grow, this session is designed to help you turn ideas into action.

03/27/2026

Big ideas start here! 💡

Join us March 31 for Startup Roadmap and take the next step from idea → revenue.

Hear from Frank Mendoza (Owner/Operator, McDonald’s) and gain real-world insights on entrepreneurship, storytelling, and building a successful business.

📍 SparkLab Incubator (101 W. Ogden St.)
🕠 5:30–7:00 PM

Open to entrepreneurs, startups, and anyone ready to get started 🚀

02/04/2026

The Spark Lab Small Business Workshop opened with a welcome from City of Del Rio Economic Development Director Orestes Hubbard, followed by an opportunity for attendees to share brief overviews of their businesses and connect with one another. Jorge Garza, Business Incubator Manager, provided an overview of Spark Lab’s mission, goals, and available resources for local entrepreneurs.

Kiley Justis, Regional Business Liaison with the Texas Workforce Commission, presented on workforce grants and employer support programs, followed by presentations from Kristel Sanchez, Director of Workforce Training & Development, and Marisa E. Hinojosa, Coordinator of Workforce Training & Development, both with Southwest Texas College, who shared additional training and funding opportunities available to small businesses.

The City of Del Rio and Spark Lab extend a thank you to all participating local businesses, representing a range of industries including retail, food and beverage, construction, personal services, transportation, and professional services, for taking the time to engage, ask questions, and invest in strengthening Del Rio’s local workforce.

01/26/2026

🚀 Calling all small business owners & employers in Del Rio!

Ready to spark growth in your business? Join us at the Spark Lab for a Small Business Workshop focused on Workforce Grants & Employer Resources. Designed for businesses of all sizes.

💼 Learn how to:
✨ Support and train your employees
✨ Offset staffing and workforce costs
✨ Access grants that help fund day-to-day training
✨ Strengthen and grow your business

📅 February 3, 2026
⏰ 5:30–7:00 PM
📍 Spark Lab | 101 W. Ogden St.

Presented by the Texas Workforce Commission. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and invest in your business’s future! 💡 To sign up, please visit: https://www.cityofdelrio.com/government/departments/economic-development/main-street-program/spark-lab-for-a-small-business-workshop-focused-on-workforce-grants-employer-resources