Established in 2014 by the Mission EDC, Ruby Red Ventures is one of the Rio Grande Valley’s most anticipated business competitions. The program is designed to provide funding and mentorship for entrepreneurs across South Texas, helping them to grasp critical business skills along the way.

Ruby Red Ventures has two annual funding rounds, offering $50,000 per round. Participants must attend small business workshops to help them prepare sound business plans that are presented before a panel of judges. Since its creation, over 150 South Texas entrepreneurs have gone through the Ruby Red program, with more than two dozen funding of up to $25,000 to help them jumpstart their respective businesses. Some Ruby Red Ventures awardees have taken their business ideas to the state and national levels.