Texas Rural Challenge

The University of Texas Institute for Economic Development's Rural Business Program will host the second annual Texas Rural Challenge conference in San Marcos. The conference will focus on the challenges facing rural Texans. The goal of this event is to spur small business and economic growth in rural communities across Texas by providing leaders with practical and proven approaches to rural development.

This is a state-wide conference hosted by the Governor's Office, Texas Economic Development Council, Texas Department of Agriculture, USDA-Rural Development, Texas Association of Rural Councils and the UTSA Institute for Economic Development-Rural Business Program.

Session Tracks:

• New Markets:
  • Regional Collaborations
  • Emerging Technology
  • Economic Gardening and Business Retention & Expansion
  • Analytics of Economic Development
• Resource Development:
  • Workforce Development
  • Youth Engagement and Entrepreneurship
  • Best Utilization Practices of Type A/Type B Funds
  • Innovative Approaches to Investment in Rural Communities
  • Regional Approach to Rural Capital Access
• Growing Green:
  • Renewable Energy from Farm to City
  • Sustainable Energy Projects
  • Growing a Green Town
  • further sessions to be developed
• Roundtables - practical applications for small medium and large communities