The Sul Ross State University International Small Business Development Center has received two honors from the Texas South-West (TXSW) SBDC Network, recognized at the Network’s All-Call Event held Oct. 21 in San Antonio.
The SRSUI SBDC was presented with the Highest Client Impact Ratio award, recognizing the center’s superior efforts and performance in support of the network and the businesses it serves. The award reflects the center’s focus on delivering measurable, high-value results for the small businesses and entrepreneurs of the Middle Rio Grande Region.
The Client Impact Ratio measures the percentage of clients served who go on to achieve verified economic impact, such as starting a new business, expanding an existing one, increasing sales, securing capital or creating and retaining jobs. In Fiscal Year 2026, the SRSUI SBDC assisted 618 clients. Of those, 198 achieved documented economic impact, which gives the center a Client Impact Ratio of 32 percent, the highest in the TXSW SBDC Network.
The SBDC was also designated a NeoSerra Star Center, an honor given in recognition of consistent and effective management, including the disciplined use of NeoSerra for entering advising sessions and Client Growth Assessments into the Network’s Client Relationship Management Portal. The designation reflects the SRSUI SBDC’s commitment to accurate, timely data as the foundation for demonstrating client outcomes and economic impact.
Also in 2026, the SRSUI SBDC provided 3,473 hours of advising to small businesses and entrepreneurs. The center’s clients reported the following results:
- 146 new business start-ups
- 52 business expansions
- $11,784,468 in increased business revenue
- $13,442,171 in capital investment
- 517 jobs created
- 430 jobs retained
The center also hosted 92 training events, which reached 778 attendees across the region.
“These two awards reflect the consistent, day-to-day work our team puts into serving small businesses across the Middle Rio Grande Region,” said Director Cynthia Gomez. “Our advisors are focused on delivering real results for our clients, and being recognized for both our client impact and the integrity of our data is a tremendous honor for our team, for Sul Ross State University, and for our region.”
The recognitions were awarded alongside centers from across the TXSW SBDC Network and highlight the SRSUI SBDC’s continued growth as a resource for entrepreneurs and established businesses throughout the nine-county Middle Rio Grande Region.
Gomez also credited regional partners for helping make these results possible. “These awards are also a reflection of the strong partnerships we have built across the Middle Rio Grande Region,” she said. “From our host institution, Sul Ross State University International, to the local chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, lenders and community partners who refer clients and collaborate with us, their continued support helps us reach more businesses and deliver real impact throughout our service area.”
About the Sul Ross State University International SBDC
The Sul Ross State University International SBDC provides no-cost, confidential business advising and training to entrepreneurs and small business owners throughout the Middle Rio Grande Region. Hosted by Sul Ross State University International-Rio Grande College of Business, the Center is part of the Texas South-West SBDC Network and is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration and the State of Texas.
About the Texas South-West SBDC Network
The Texas South-West SBDC Network provides no-cost business advising, training, and resources to entrepreneurs and small businesses across its West and South Texas service area, supporting business formation, growth, and economic development in partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Photo from left: Business Advisor Miguel Avila, Director Cynthia Gomez, Business Advisor Jessika Ledezma, Senior Business advisor Maricela Brown, Training Coordinator Christina Martinez and Business Advisor Janie Medina.