Innovative new businesses flock to CEED Building
MISSION, TX – August 9, 2017 – High tech, education and creative small business and startups have set up shop in the Mission EDC’s CEED Building to help create a magnet for innovation in the area and solidify the commitment to growing local enterprises.
Not even a year old, the Center for Education and Economic Development has lured game developers, a 3D printing firm, the RGV headquarters for Teach For America, RGV Sylvan, PeopleFund, RGVision Magazine, TechCTRL, Valley Technical Academy, GameSwipe, Schreiner University, UTRGV and others.
What’s more, the 55,000-square-feet ultra-modern CEED Building with the latest in technology and
adaptable spaces, has hosted multifaceted training sessions running the professional spectrum. Apple, CompTIA, US Customs & Border Protection, Texas Workforce Commission, Mission CISD, UTRGV Small Business Center and many others have all used the facility for instruction.
“This is exactly what we envisioned when we first began to draw up plans for the CEED,” said Mission EDC CEO Alex Meade. “We want to continue to foster small business development in Mission and simultaneously create a hub for tech and creative startups. The CEED is also a center for technology job training. Dozens of students and technicians have been certified here in the building, and there’s a lot more to come.”
Vacant for years, the CEED Building saw use as K-Mart, Converse shoe factory and a used clothing
warehouse. Then in 2015, the Mission EDC entered into an agreement with a local developer – in a
public-private partnership – to purchase the building and refurbish it. Officially opened last October, the CEED has incrementally grown into the state-of-the art business accelerator it is today.
Moving forward, the CEED will continue its training, education and job-creation missions, and will
work to grow the cluster of businesses already here. Already, Foldio, the 3D printing business, is
expanding into the makerspace, and 5×5 Brewing is working to set up shop in the CEED’s industrial space. Jitterz Coffee Bar, a product of Ruby Red Ventures, will open a café in the building Aug. 14.
Meanwhile, the EDC continues to hold its Ruby Red Ventures, Code The Town, Portal, Expert in
Residence and Etsy programs in the building with more on the way. All would not be possible without the leadership of the Mission EDC board and the generous support of visionary sponsors such BBVA Compass, AT&T, Wells Fargo, Texas Workforce Commission and the City of Mission.
Contact: Alex Meade, CEO Mission EDC, at 956.585.0040 or ameade@missionedc.com.
