City of Eagle Pass Inaugurates Small Business Incubator at The Riskind Building
By: Ricardo E. Calderon, Eagle Pass Business Journal, Inc., Copyright 2024
The City of Eagle Pass, Texas inaugurated its $3.5 million Small Business Incubator and Economic Development Department offices with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on Friday, September 27, 2024 in downtown Eagle Pass at the historic, newly renovated “The Riskind” Building at 364 Main Street amid a large audience of over 500 persons in attendance, ushering a new wave of entrepreneurship and economic development to the United States-Mexico border city.
The City of Eagle Pass received a grant from the United States Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) for the sum of $3.5 million to renovate the historic downtown building for the purpose of opening a small business incubator and housing of its Economic Development Department offices. The project was matched with $875,000 in local funds and is expected to create 35 jobs and generate $200,000 in private investment. The EDA grant was from the CARES Act Recovery Assistance Grant Program and was announced by EDA on February 18, 2021. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture contributed a $50,000 grant for office furniture and another grant of $500,,000 for a small business revolving loan program. These grants were obtained under the leadership of former Mayor Luis E Sifuentes, former Interim City Manager Ivan Morua, and former City Economic Development Director Arturo Marquez.
Mayor Rolando Salinas, Jr. stated “it is a historic day for the City of Eagle Pass” to inaugurate the newly renovated The Riskind Building as the the city’s small business incubator, nurturing economic development in the community. Mayor Salinas noted that 10 new small businesses will be housed at the small business incubator as well as a restaurant, bookstore, and the city’s Economic Development Department offices. He welcomed all in attendance and everyone who contributed to the successful completion and opening of the small business incubator project.
Mayor Pro-Tem William “Billy” Davis stated the city is “excited to inaugurate this project and promote entrepreneurship in the community, new ideas, and new visions that will bring prosperity to the community. He quoted “It takes a village” to grow a community.
City Assistant Economic Development Director Adislada Mendoza stated the grand opening symbolizes the past, present, and future of the Eagle Pass coming together and fostering the development of the next generation of entrepreneurs in the community. Mendoza added that the incubator will require collaboration and development of new talent and entrepreneurs that will foster innovation, new technologies, and economic development in the community.
City Councilman Elias Diaz stated he shared in thanking all the individuals that were instrumental in making the small business incubator a reality for the community.
City Manager Homero Balderas stated the month of September 2024 has been historic for the City of Eagle Pass with the celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Camino Real International Bridge, the grand opening of the City Veterans Memorial Park, and the Downtown Lighting ceremony. Balderas added that the incubator is a testament to the City Council’s commitment to economic development and small businesses.
Master of Ceremony was City Marketing and Tourism Director Aide Castano and the national anthem was sung by Alexia Herrera. The Joint United States Customs and Border Protection and Border Patrol Color Guard presented the colors.
Following the presentations, the City Council and guests joined in the ribbon cutting ceremony officially inaugurating the renovated historic The Riskind Building as the City of Eagle Pass’ small business incubator and retail trade center. Guests received tours of the new two-story renovated building plus the rooftop patio and balcony with splendid views of downtown Eagle Pass.
