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Powering Technology and Commercialization

Powering Technology and Commercialization

James McKinion is no stranger to farming. Growing up in Mississippi, he spent time visiting his grandparents at their farm. When it was time for the family to decide on what to do with their land, he wondered if he could come up with a way to maintain the agricultural use of the land and generate solar energy. In 2016, James, an electrical engineer, founded Helical Solar Solutions LLC, in the Austin, Texas region. He is pursuing his ideas around agrophotovoltaics (APV), the practice of generating solar energy while simultaneously growing crops and raising livestock on the same land. As it goes with the innovation of new and untested technologies for commercial markets, there are a myriad of scientific research and development (R&D) issues and resource challenges to be resolved

Calculating New Angles to Success

Calculating New Angles to Success

In 2016, Christian Schomaker became owner of Mathnasium of Corpus Christi, a neighborhood math-only learning center, helping young students in Grades 2-12. This franchise offer year-round extracurricular math programs, including assistance with SAT & ACT (math only) and special programs for Pre-K through first grade. The center uses The Mathnasium Method®. It’s a method helping students understand math by using what they already know that would make sense. It helps them learn quickly and boost their confidence. In-center instructions plus learning from home—or elsewhere—through Mathnasium@home were made available for all students. COVID-19 presented challenges for Mathnasium of Corpus Christi. Social distancing and additional safety precautions were enforced to protect the health and well-being of students and instructors. Because of Christian’s action plans, the summer months at Mathnasium became the most

Webinars Help Ranch House Wrangle New Business

Webinars Help Ranch House Wrangle New Business

Marsha and Max Stabel have owned and operated Ranch House Meat Company in Menard, Texas since 1978. The long-standing business is known for its award-winning meat production. Ranch House sells their products online, in retail stores and at major stock shows. One of their biggest yearly events is the Houston Stock Show and Rodeo. When COVID-19 forced the cancellation of this stock show and rodeo and many others across the state, Ranch House Meats was left with a major gap in overall sales. Owner Marsha Stabel contacted the Angelo State University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for assistance. She worked with the SBDC for many years on previous projects and needs. She contacted Business Advisor Dezaray Johnson for her guidance on the application process for both the Paycheck Protection Program

Keeping El Paso Wired for a Brighter Future

Keeping El Paso Wired for a Brighter Future

When owners George and Edith Ponce started Alpine Electric in 1997, their mission was “to be El Paso’s first choice for construction and electrical maintenance.” From homes to hotels, retail stores to truck stops, Alpine Electric delivers construction and electrical services throughout the El Paso area. George and Edith believe no job is too big or too small for their business. When COVID-19 hit their community, stay-at-home orders were enforced. Alpine Electric’s commercial business segment suffered, resulting in employee layoffs. Committed to their customers, George and Edith looked for ways to keep their business open and contacted the El Paso Community College SBDC for assistance. With the SBDC’s help, they gained access to capital, kept their employees and sustained their business. George and Edith Ponce first came to the El

Parlevel Systems

Parlevel Systems

Founded by pioneering technology professionals based in San Antonio, Texas, Parlevel Systems is a provider of innovative vending technology tools for the food and beverage industries. Their products bring cloud computing, just-in-time inventory management and data analytics to the vending machine industry that optimizes deliveries and product offerings while increasing profitability. One of the Co-Founders and current CEO of Parlevel Systems, Luis Gonzalez, is a graduate of the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and previously served as a student intern at the UTSA SBDC International Trade Center where he gained firsthand knowledge on how to help entrepreneurs sell their goods and services all over the world. During the process of starting Parlevel Systems, Luis became a client of the UTSA SBDC. At the UTSA SBDC, Luis received technical

Dorćol Distilling and Brewing Company

Dorćol Distilling and Brewing Company

UTSA Offers Business Resources Across Texas During Pandemic By Alese Underwood San Antonio PUBLISHED 2:14 PM CT Apr. 29, 2020 SAN ANTONIO — For 40 years the Institute for Economic Development at the University of Texas at San Antonio has been helping small businesses get up and moving. Since the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, they’ve launched a targeted effort to help with relief services. UTSA offering small businesses help via Small Business Development Center COVID-19 Business Recovery Acccelerator Provides targeted coronavirus pandemic response Dorćol Distilling and Brewing Company among clients Small business in 79 counties across Texas – including counties encompassing El Paso, San Antonio, Austin, and Corpus Christi – are getting help from UTSA through a free one-on-one, confidential advising service. If you look behind the production scenes

Hayward Gaude Photography | Making the Best of Times During COVID-19

Hayward Gaude Photography | Making the Best of Times During COVID-19

Hayward and Shannon Gaude own Hayward Gaude Photography and have been clients of the UTSA SBDC since 2013 and in business for over 10 years. The Gaudes tragically lost their family’s visual legacy during Hurricane Katrina, which spurred their relocation to San Antonio. The Hayward’s experience gives them a unique connection with their clients and a deep understanding of the priceless meaning behind portrait photography. Just like all small businesses, they have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and have had to adapt their business model to the limitations on an art that requires being in the same space as their customers. They began by creating new marketing materials communicating how much they miss their clients, calling them “hug” cards. They also began contact-less delivery of clients’ portraits that were

Dixie Flag & Banner Company

Dixie Flag & Banner Company

A legacy client of UTSA SBDC since 1993, Dixie Flag and Banner Company has experienced exponential growth since Chairman Henry “Pete” Van de Putte, Jr. first received assistance on an SBA loan that would finance expansion into a 13,000 square-foot facility. A manufacturer of flags and banners since 1958, the company has evolved into a trusted industry leader and its work can be seen across some of the most esteemed and recognized venues in the U.S. Dixie Flag’s relationship with the UTSA SBDC would develop over the next two decades, as would its own leadership. Now a third-generation company led by Pete’s daughter, Vanessa Van de Putte, President and CEO, multiple Dixie Flag employees have gone beyond advising with current Senior Business Advisor Crystal Darby and engaged in UTSA SBDC’s

Filters4Air (Filtration Products) – David Dilling, President

Filters4Air (Filtration Products) – David Dilling, President

Since 1995, Filtration Products has manufactured air filters for HVAC systems. The company is owned by David Dilling. Other companies in San Antonio resell air filters, but Filtration Products is the only manufacturer of filters in South Texas. The company’s products are used in professional office buildings, retail centers, hotels, restaurants, and hospitals, and are sold to distribution companies and air conditioning service companies as well as individual homeowners. The pleated air filters are of high quality and can be manufactured in any size needed for every business application. Dilling came to the SBDC initially for help with his website and marketing his business. Senior Business Advisor Crystal Darby helped with updates to his website and assisted him in obtaining publicity in the San Antonio Express-News about his home delivery

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