Rural Business Program

Success Stories

The Center, working in conjunction with the College of Architecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio, assisted the Poth Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) in developing an economic growth strategy and a comprehensive plan for the City of Poth.  This effort allowed the PEDC to gain a better understanding of the dynamics underlying economic development and community growth, and contributed to the redevelopment of Poth’s downtown business district.

 

Community of Zapata – Zapata County

The Center and the College of Architecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio, working in partnership with the Zapata Economic Development Corporation (ZEDC), developed a Vision Plan/Strategic Plan to guide the long-term development of Zapata County.  This effort resulted in a comprehensive plan for the county, and set in motion a strategy to bring in new investment to foster economic growth in Zapata County.

 

 

Neighborhood Housing Services of Dimmit County, Inc – Dimmit County

The Center assisted the Neighborhood Housing Services of Dimmit County, Inc. (NHSDC, Inc.) a 501 (c)(3) community development corporation headquartered in Carrizo Springs in building up its Intermediary Relending Program (IRP).  Funding for the IRP is provided through the U.S. Department of Agriculture.  These funds are passed through the NHSDC, Inc., and re-loaned to businesses, startups, nonprofits, entrepreneurs and others to foster economic and business development in the Middle Rio Grande region.  The NHSDC, Inc’s/IRP has been recognized by the USDA as being one of the best in Texas.

 

City of Alamo – Hidalgo County

The Center assisted the Alamo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) in Alamo, Texas in putting together a strategic plan designed to promote economic growth, secure new investments, facilitate small business development and improve the community’s capacity to support long-term growth.  This plan included several goals and strategies designed to enhance Alamo’s downtown business district.  Today, the AEDC is working closely with the College of Architecture at the University of Texas at San Antonio to develop a Vision Plan for its downtown business district.

 

Regional Development – South Texas

The Center/Rural Business Program in conjunction with Future of the Region, Inc., developed a far ranging strategy paper to promote long-term growth in South Texas titled:  Building a Regional Economic Growth Strategy for South Texas – Putting the Pieces Together in 2008.  The intent was to suggest a possible blueprint for transforming South Texas into a major player in the global economy of the 21^st century.