Brianna Casares discusses the Ruby Red Ventures Build Mission Fund

Rio Grande Guardian's Podcast

MISSION, Texas - Mission Economic Development Corporation believes its Ruby Red Ventures Build Mission Fund helps attract small businesses to the city.

Under the program, small businesses that have been going for two years, are in good standing, and based in Mission, can apply for up to $15,000 in grants. The grants can be used to help with operation sustainability, facility improvements, expansion, working capital, and job retainment and creation.

Brianna Casares, manager of marketing and programs at Mission EDC, granted an interview to the Rio Grande Guardian. She said of Ruby Red Ventures: “It’s something that the entrepreneurs and business owners kind of wait for and are constantly asking, when is it coming back? How can I apply? How can I get ready for this? So, it's definitely popular and it kind of entices people to move here so that they can apply for it or move their business to Mission for the chance that funding.”

Asked what the program is all about, Casares said:

“Ruby Red Ventures is a grant program that we have here at Mission EDC. Previously, it was a competition, a pitch style Shark Tank type competition. But we really wanted to go back and honor our existing businesses. So prior, it was just for startups, but now, any businesses that have been in operation for the last two years are eligible to apply.

“And they can apply for whatever it is that they may need, whether it's equipment, operations, sustainability, if they need to hire anybody, if they have any marketing initiatives, anything that's unique to their business, they can apply for that. So, there's not really any strict parameters as to what you are ineligible for, and you also don't have to compete. So it's just a simple application. You apply online, and kind of just tell us about your business. You give us a detailed project plan, and then we go from there.”

Casares continued: “This grant provides financial support to businesses that might otherwise face barriers to growth. It’s just one more way Mission EDC is creating more jobs and opportunities for investment in our community.”
Editor's Note: Go to the Rio Grande Guardian website to read the full story.

Go to www.riograndeguardian.com to read the latest border news stories and watch the latest news videos.