Program details
Round Rock is taking a major step into the innovation space with the launch of its first business accelerator program, gBETA Round Rock. The City Council approved the initiative on August 28, committing $1.2 million over three years to support local startups.
The program is a partnership between the Round Rock Chamber and gener8tor, a venture capital and accelerator firm. Each seven-week session will provide tailored coaching, access to mentors, investor networks, and introductions to potential customers.
Why it matters
Adriana Nunez, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Round Rock Chamber, said the goal is to give local founders a boost. “There are a lot of startups and founders here in Round Rock that have great ideas, and they need just a little bit of assistance or a little bit of help opening those doors,” she said.
Mayor Craig Morgan called the program a milestone for economic development. “What you hope is you have the next Dell Technologies,” Morgan said, pointing to the city’s strong education and workforce ecosystem, including Texas State University, Austin Community College, and Round Rock ISD.
Entrepreneur perspectives
Local business owners emphasized the value of accelerators. Liz Cordill Aguilar, co-founder of Māk, a digital fabrication company in Round Rock, said a similar program in Houston helped her business move faster on intellectual property development.
Brandon Nagle of Round Rock Leasing agreed that mentorship is vital: “To have the guidance and mentorship of people who’ve been in the business longer than you… is integral to the success of any young business.”
What’s next
Applications for the first gBETA Round Rock cohort opened September 11 and will close October 19. The program begins October 30 and runs through early January 2026.
Thanks to kxan.com for the scoop.
