Startup Week 2025:
Upcoming Events
Entrepreneurship Talks Start Smart EP Panel
The final session of Miner Entrepreneurship Talks! A resource-focused panel designed to connect students and aspiring entrepreneurs with the support systems available in the El Paso region. Hear directly from Laura Butler, Executive Director and CEO of Pioneers21; Mirella Tamayo, Assistant Director at the City of El Paso Economic and International Development; and business owner of One Stop Shop; and Dante Acosta, District Director of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Together, they will break down the tools, programs, and guidance available for starting, growing, and sustaining a business locally.
Women's DreamBuilder Program
This comprehensive training program for El Paso Women Entrepreneurs is designed to help you bring your El Paso business dream to life! This 1 day program will provide you with the knowledge and resources you need to build and grow a successful business in 2026.
Entrepreneurship Talks Start Smart EP Panel
In March, the League of Business welcomes Adrian Cotasaenz, a seasoned entrepreneur whose career spans energy, manufacturing, consulting, real estate development, global expansion… and most recently, tequila. While his entrepreneurial journey is vast and global, this session will place special focus on one of his most personal and exciting ventures to date: Don Vicente Tequila.
How Digital Automation Optimizes Your Business With RPA & AI
Join TCC Client NU4 Automation founder Gabriel Díaz Garza Martínez for an in-depth look at how Robotic Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence are transforming business operations. This session explores how organizations can automate repetitive processes, reduce manual workload, and convert AI-driven insights into measurable action.
State Of The City
The premier annual address delivered by the Mayor of El Paso, providing a comprehensive update on the city’s progress, priorities, and vision for the year ahead. This signature event brings together business leaders, community stakeholders, and policymakers to gain insight into key initiatives, infrastructure investments, and economic development efforts shaping El Paso’s future. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the policies and partnerships driving growth, opportunity, and long-term prosperity across our region.
Biotech Poster Showcase 2026
Discover Innovative Health Tech Research at the 2026 Biotech Poster Showcase, a celebrating research from across our community!
Whether you’re in healthcare, tech, academics, or an interested community member, the Annual Poster Session offers a unique chance to explore groundbreaking work driving the future of health tech forward.
A networking reception will follow the presentations. Connect with the bright minds behind the research, discover potential collaborative opportunities, and get inspired by the creativity and ingenuity fueling our region’s health tech advancements.
Small Business Resource Panel
Join us for the Small Business Resource Panel, where you can learn about valuable resources, gain insights into effective strategies, and connect with dedicated small business experts. Get financial advice, marketing support, operational guidance, and steps to start and grow a small business. Hear from SBA, SBDC, SCORE, and LiftFund and other organizations as they present the array of services they offer to support your business growth. Enjoy appetizers, beverages, and raffle prizes! Don't miss this chance to empower your entrepreneurial journey!
Workforce Web Development Accelerator
The Microsoft El Paso Innovation Hub is now enrolling for the 2026 Workforce Web Development Accelerator, a 12-week, hands-on program for working professionals to build web development, automation, and AI skills, no prior coding experience required. Running April 1-June 20, 2026, eligible participants may receive up to 90% of tuition covered through Workforce Solutions Borderplex. Employees and employers must complete the appropriate interest form to be considered.
Entrepreneurial Finance Bootcamp
Gain firsthand insights from Alejandro Mendieta as he demystifies the core principles of venture capital fundraising. Delve into the key performance metrics, critical financial terminology, investor profiles, and the strategic approaches to startup valuation that define successful capital raises.
Amazon Web Services: AI Pitch Competition
This upcoming AI Pitch Competition will showcase innovative AI ideas, prototypes, and projects from across the community, offering participants the opportunity to present directly to industry leaders and compete for up to $50,000 in funding.
Mission Amplifiesd: AI With Copilot For Nonprofits
Dive into practical ways to use AI tools like Microsoft Copilot to craft compelling content, engage donors, and elevate your organization’s impact. Whether you’re a seasoned communications pro or just curious about AI, you’ll walk away with real skills and inspiration from community innovators.
DIY: Canva Tools for Business
No designer? No problem. Learn to use Canva for presentations, social graphics, videos, websites, and forms in this crash-course session tailored for business owners and nonprofit leaders who wear all the hats.
Cybersecurity for Business: Make Your Risk Asssesment
To celebrate Safer Internet Day this February, join us for the first session of the 2026 AI Advantage series, Cybersecurity for Business: Make Your Risk Assessment. This will be an interactive workshop designed to help businesses strengthen their cybersecurity posture. This session will guide you through a practical risk assessment process, equipping you with real tools and actionable steps to identify vulnerabilities and reduce risks before they become costly threats. Whether you’re a small business owner or part of a larger organization, you’ll leave with immediate strategies to protect your data, safeguard your operations, and build resilience against cyberattacks. Don’t wait until it’s too late, secure your business today!
Entrepreneurship Talks with Patrick Gabaldon
The first session of Miner Entrepreneurship Talks featuring Patrick Gabaldon, a local artist, attorney, and passionate community advocate. He’s a proud graduate of UTEP and St. Mary’s School of Law. Patrick works full-time as a Public Defender at the El Paso County Courthouse, representing and fighting for the people of his community. Together with his wife, he integrates charitable giving into his mission, using art as a force for good.
Manufacturing Edge Accelerator
The P21 Manufacturing Edge Accelerator is a high-impact, six-week program designed to equip small business manufacturers with the strategic frameworks, operational tools, financial readiness, and scaling strategies needed to grow.
Spring 2026 Entrepreneurship Kick-off
Get ready for an exciting and energizing event that connects students, faculty, local entrepreneurs, and innovators across campus! Whether you're a student with a big idea, a faculty member exploring commercialization, or simply curious about startups, this is the perfect place to begin your entrepreneurial journey.
Expert Business Empowerment Series
The Big Beautiful Bill brings tax and compliance changes that will impact businesses starting in 2026, learn how to navigate these changes.
1 Million Cups
A weekly event for local entrepreneurs to meet and present their startups to the thriving El Paso community. The coffee is highly encouraged.
Advanced Manufacturing: Fundamentals of 3D Printing
This workshop introduces the fundamentals of 3D printing. Participants combine guided LinkedIn Learning with hands-on experience to take a project from concept to printed object using desktop printers. Industry instructor, Alejandro Silva is a Robotics Engineer at ARC Aerospace and Defense Systems and Reasearcher at UTEP Aerospace Center with a certification focus on additive manufacturing for industrial applications.
2026 Innovation Awards
The Pioneers 21 Innovation Awards celebrate exceptional individuals whose vision and leadership have pioneered new avenues for regional advancement, propelling economic growth and enriching the lives of our community members.
Unemployment Tax Managment
Businesses with one or more employees must pay federal and state unemployment tax. If you received a TAX RATE NOTICE… bring your notice to this hands-on seminar to learn how to get the LOWEST POSSIBLE RATE and answers to unemployment tax questions. Find out why the February 20 DEADLINE is IMPORTANT.
Tax Implications: For Angel Investors
Take a deeper look into what happens after the term sheet, explore how smart tax planning and investment structure can significantly impact an angel investor’s long-term returns. The session will break down essential U.S. tax concepts, including capital gains and losses, the potential benefits of Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS), and key 2025 rule changes using real-world examples and clear, practical guidance.
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.