$65,000 in startup grants available to entrepreneurs and early-stage companies
HARLINGEN, Texas — June 17, 2026 — Applications are now open for the 2026 RISE Up Harlingen Business Pitch Competition, an entrepreneurship initiative led by the Harlingen Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center.
Now in its third year, RISE Up Harlingen gives entrepreneurs and early-stage startup companies access to mentorship, business development resources, networking opportunities and a live pitch platform designed to help move ideas from concept to launch.
The program is powered by the AdvanceUp Accelerator course and will culminate in a live pitch event on October 1, 2026, where finalists will present their business concepts to a panel of judges for a chance to win startup grant funding.
Grant awards include:
- $30,000 for first place
- $20,000 for second place
- $15,000 for third place
“RISE Up Harlingen continues to spark real momentum for local entrepreneurs, and we’re excited to bring it back for its third year,” said Orlando Campos, CEO of the Harlingen EDC. “Through this competition, we’re seeing ideas move from concept to company, while also building a stronger, more dynamic innovation ecosystem in Harlingen.”
Program Designed to Support Local Entrepreneurs
The Harlingen EDC will select 10 applicants to participate in the 2026 program. Eligible applicants must commit to establishing or maintaining business operations in the City of Harlingen, Texas.
The accelerator program will begin on Monday, July 20, 2026, and will take place weekly on Mondays through September 28, 2026. Completion of the course is required in order to participate in the final pitch event.
Through the program, selected entrepreneurs will receive guidance and support designed to strengthen their business plans, refine their pitch strategies and connect with resources that can help support long-term growth.
Application Deadline Set for July 6
Entrepreneurs interested in participating in the RISE Up Harlingen Business Pitch Competition are encouraged to apply before Monday, July 6, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Applications are available at www.harlingenedc.com/riseupharlingen.
Sponsorship Opportunities Available
Sponsorship opportunities are available for companies and organizations interested in supporting RISE Up Harlingen and investing in the region’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
All sponsorship contributions go directly toward prize money awarded to participating entrepreneurs.
For more information about the application process or sponsorship opportunities, contact Maria Escobar, Small Business & Startup Manager for the Harlingen EDC, at 956-966-2692 or mescobar@harlingenedc.com.
Media Contact
Orlando Campos
Chief Executive Officer
Harlingen Economic Development Corporation
ocampos@harlingenedc.com
