Startup Week 2025:
Upcoming Events
Tacos & Tech-ila
At Tacos & Tech-ila, attendees can savor tasty tacos and sip on refreshing tequila while mingling with like-minded professionals from the tech industry and listening to startup pitches.
The audience plays a key role in voting and deciding who takes home the win.
Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect, learn, and support the future of innovation!
Miners Pitch Competition
The Miners' Pitch Competition brings together talented students to share their creative business ideas and compete for cash prizes.
Fiesta Live: Game Night
Join Progress321 and the El Paso Innovation Hub for an unforgettable evening featuring Fiesta Live, a party game created by Binmatter, a development studio from Juárez.
Bring your friends, grab your phones, and enjoy a night of laughter, creativity, and friendly competition. The game can be played in English or Spanish, and you can participate either in person or virtually.
Food and beverages are on us. Don’t miss the chance to experience this unique cross-border game night.
ELEVATE 2025 Health Tech Challenge: Demo Day
Join us for the Elevate Health Tech Challenge Demo Day - the culminating event spotlighting Health Tech Startups in our region!
After an intensive 7-week program refining their ventures’ Investment and Technology Readiness levels, participants will showcase their innovative health technologies and business plans. Teams will deliver pitches to our judges while competing for a chance at $20,000 in total prizes.
Don’t miss seeing the next big innovations launching in El Paso! Stay after the pitches conclude for a networking reception to meet with the teams and other local innovators!
The Medwork
Following its successful launch here at the Medical Center of the Americas, Medwork is hosting its first official gathering—a unique networking experience at UTEP’s College of Nursing. Attendees will tour the impressive Center for Simulation, connect with fellow healthcare professionals, and see firsthand how simulation technology is transforming medical education. The event will feature Elsa Isais, who will share valuable insights on choosing effective insurance agents.
Agents & Automation
The El Paso Chamber, in collaboration with Microsoft, presents AI Advantage: Smart Strategies for SMBs—a forward-thinking initiative designed to equip businesses with AI-driven tools to enhance education and promote the advantages of embracing AI.
This session will introduce participants into the role of intelligent agents, which are AI systems designed to perform tasks autonomously. Learn how these agents can automate various small business operations, such as customer service through chatbots, inventory management, and data analysis.
Solve the PAYROLL Puzzle with QUICKBOOKS Online
Mastering payroll in QuickBooks Online Payroll is essential for managing employee wages and taxes.
Whether you’re new to payroll or looking to enhance your skills, you’ll learn to piece together payroll perfection to ensure accuracy and keep your business complete.
Registration fee is $100 – includes QuickBooks Online Payroll workbooks; 1-hour consultation during and after the series
Pre-registration is required. Class is limited to 20 participants.
HR for Small Business – Clear Path to HR Compliance 3-Day Series
FREE
Human Resources for Small Business Series CLEAR PATH to HR COMPLIANCE
Wednesday, November 5 – LABOR LAW DECODED
Get clear, practical insights into key labor regulations to help ensure compliance and avoid costly mistakes
Thursday, November 6 – The EQUITY EQUATIONS
Gain essential knowledge to navigate equal employment regulations, prevent discrimination, and create a fair, inclusive workplace.
Friday, November 7 – SECURE HIRING 101
Understand federal hiring requirements, including Form I-9 and E-Verify to ensure lawful employment practices and avoid penalties
Who Should Attend: Small business owners, managers, HR professionals, and anyone involved in implementing workplace policies and procedures.
Instructor: Tommy Cano, Cano HR Group
Dia De Los Muertos Pitch Event
This high-energy competition brings together founders, investors, and community leaders to spotlight the region’s most promising startups.
Finalists will have the opportunity to showcase their ideas on stage, gain visibility with potential funders and partners, and compete for resources to help turn their vision into reality.
Hosted by STTE Foundation.
Miner Entrepreneurship Talks - Ricardo Mora - ELP Chamber
Join us for the final session of Entrepreneurship Talks — a fireside chat series where local entrepreneurs share their real-world experiences to inspire and empower students.
We’re honored to close our series with Ricardo Mora, a visionary leader and the current CEO of the El Paso Chamber. With a career spanning real estate, telecommunications, venture capital, and hospitality, Ricardo now dedicates his work to driving innovation, cross-border collaboration, and economic growth throughout the Borderplex region. His deep understanding of the unique dynamics between El Paso, Las Cruces, and Ciudad Juárez guides his efforts to build a more connected, competitive, and forward-thinking community.
Borderland AI Hackathon
The Borderland’s Biggest AI Hackathon is Back! Join the movement driving AI innovation in our region.
This free three-day sprint brings together developers, designers, students, and tech enthusiasts to build real-world AI solutions. From first-time coders to seasoned innovators, participants will dive into workshops, mentorship, rapid prototyping, and the chance to win cash prizes and startup perks.
Commercial Real Estate Blueprint for Small Business Series
FREE
Commercial Real Estate Leasing 101 – Thursday, October 23
Commercial real estate involves complex legal and business considerations. Whether you’re a tenant or landlord, understanding lease fundamentals and legal frameworks is key. This session covers the leasing process, key structures, letters of intent, and how building the right team can help you avoid costly mistakes and negotiate with confidence.
Negotiable Lease Terms in Today’s Market – Thursday, October 30
This session helps business owners navigate evolving lease trends that reduce risk and meet tenant needs. Topics include build-out allowances, exclusivity rights, rent escalation, and renewal options; plus best practices for negotiating tenant-friendly leases.
Protect your Business with Key Lease Clauses – Thursday, November 13
Learn about key protective lease clauses, like assignment rights, renewal options, maintenance duties, and personal guarantees; plus common pitfalls and sample language to strengthen future negotiations.
Owning and Investing in Real Estate – Thursday, November 20
Learn how to turn your lease into a path to ownership. Explore lease-to-own structures, key due diligence steps, and the financial benefits of owning vs. leasing. Also discover strategies to protect your assets and gain practical tools and sample clauses for real-world use.
Small Business Open House
Learn about the El Paso County wide ARPA Technical Assistance Grant Program- a great opportunity to get FREE business support, FREE business workshops, and technical assistance to help your business thrive.
Fuel Your Mindset: Stand Out with AI: Miguel Amaya
Wrap up this semester’s Fuel Your Mindset series with "Stand Out with AI", a forward-thinking workshop focused on using AI tools strategically to elevate your personal and professional journey.
TACOS & TECH-ILA
Tacos, Tequila, and networking! Join us for a pitch competition where you vote for the best idea.
QuickBooks Online for Small Business FALL 2025
This three-day LIVE webinar series will explore the intricacies of QuickBooks, a powerful accounting software. Expert guidance led by a QuickBooks Pro Certified Advisor will provide a thorough understanding of how QuickBooks Online functions and operates, allowing you to navigate its interface effortlessly. From navigating menus to utilizing features, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the platform, empowering you to streamline your financial management processes effectively.
Registration fee is $175 – includes QuickBooks Online workbooks; 1-hour 1 on 1 session during series; and 1) 1-hour consultation any time after the series
Pre-registration is required. Class is limited to 20 participants.