Startup Week 2025:
Upcoming Events
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.
Business Community Power Hour
During this session, Jeff Beneteau, Workplace Benefits Specialist, will explore how employee needs have evolved and the growing importance of a holistic, well‑rounded benefits strategy. Drawing from national survey data, Jeff will break down the realities facing today’s workforce.
Miner Pitch Competition - Pitch Day
Experience the excitement of innovation at the Miners' Pitch Competition – Pitch Day, where UTEP students take the stage to present their business ideas after weeks of mentoring and preparation. Watch as these aspiring entrepreneurs compete for cash prizes in front of a live audience and panel of expert judges.
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.
Veterans In Business Accelerator
This 4-week in-person program provides hands-on training, personalized guidance, and direct connections to the Entrepreneurial Support Organizations for honorably discharged veterans who own at least 51% of their business in El Paso County.
Deadline to Apply: April 30, 2026
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.
Pitch Clinic for Startups
This hands-on workshop is designed for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to practice presenting their ideas, receive expert feedback, and refine their pitch for maximum impact.
Think & Drink
A lively trivia night filled with friendly competition, connection, and community. Test your knowledge through fun trivia rounds while mingling with entrepreneurs, students, innovators, and community members who are shaping the future of our region.
Cost: $10 (Includes Pizza & 2 Drink Tickets)
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.
Using Artificial Intelligence to Build, Test, And Strengthen Your Startup Story
This interactive workshop, led by Ivan Gris, Deputy Chief Technology Officer for the City of El Paso, will guide participants in using AI tools to simulate investors, advisors, and critical judges who challenge ideas and strengthen messaging. Rather than relying on AI to simply generate a pitch deck, founders will learn how to build their own AI “judging panel” to evaluate clarity, market fit, storytelling, and overall impact.
AI Advantage Business Tech Diagnostic Workshop
Participants will gain practical insights into evaluating their organization’s technology stack. You’ll learn how to identify hidden inefficiencies, uncover gaps that may be slowing growth, and assess whether your current tools align with business goals. This interactive workshop equips you with a clear diagnostic framework and a personalized action plan, empowering you to make smarter, data-driven technology decisions that drive efficiency and innovation.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.