Spark Lab

​Spark Lab Business Incubator Empowers Local Entrepreneurs in Del Rio

By Texas Times Staff
Del Rio, Texas 
Local entrepreneurs and small business owners gathered this week at the Spark Lab Business Incubator for an afternoon of training, resources, and hands-on support aimed at strengthening Del Rio’s small business community.
The event was hosted by the City of Del Rio’s Business Incubator and featured guest presenters from workforce and higher education partners, offering guidance on startup development, workforce training, and access to state grant opportunities.
Jorge Garza, Business Incubator Manager for the City of Del Rio, said the event marked another step forward in supporting local economic growth.
“This was good for small business, good for Del Rio, and full of knowledge and help for those who attended,” Garza said. “We’re very happy we were able to make this event happen, and we hope to bring many more like it in the near future.”
The Spark Lab Business Incubator, located at 101 West Ogden Street in the former transportation building, serves as a launchpad for startups and entrepreneurs. According to Garza, the incubator’s primary mission is to help individuals with business ideas turn them into successful ventures.
“Our goal is to create startups or help existing ones grow,” Garza explained. “Anyone with an idea who wants to start a business can come here and work with us. This space is designed to help you succeed.”
The facility offers shared workspaces, high-speed internet, more than a dozen computers, printing services, presentation areas, and a lounge space all available to the community at no cost. Garza noted that the incubator is especially helpful for entrepreneurs who may not have a quiet or professional environment at home.
“This is a place where people can focus,” he said. “You can work, meet with clients, or even prepare presentations in a professional setting.”
During the event, participants received training from representatives of workforce and educational institutions, including guidance on how to access state grants and business incentives. These resources, Garza said, can be vital for small and local businesses looking to grow.
“We brought in people from outside the community to show business owners how to access grants and incentives they may not even know exist,” he said. “This kind of information can make a real difference.”
The Spark Lab is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but Garza emphasized that the space can also be made available during evenings or weekends if needed.
“If someone needs the space after hours or on the weekend, we can make it happen,” Garza said. “We’re here to help.”
Community members interested in using the Spark Lab or learning more about its services can contact Garza directly at 830-309-7065 by call or text.
Garza also stressed that the Spark Lab is a free resource, made possible through the support of the City of Del Rio and its economic development leadership.
“This space is completely free for the community,” he said. “If you have an idea, bring it here. If you need help, we’ll help you or we’ll find someone who can. Everything is possible.”
Workforce development and small business growth were front and center at the recent Spark Lab event in Del Rio, where Texas Workforce Commission representative Kylie Justis shared valuable resources aimed at strengthening the local and rural workforce.
Justis emphasized the importance of workforce training as a key driver of economic development, particularly in rural communities like Del Rio. She noted that a better-trained workforce not only benefits employees by expanding their skills and career opportunities, but also makes communities more attractive to businesses considering relocation or expansion.
“Having a skilled workforce helps the entire city,” Justis said. “When businesses look at coming to a community, they want to know there’s a workforce ready to meet their needs.”
During her presentation, Justis highlighted several Texas Workforce Commission programs designed to support small businesses, including the Skills for Small Business Program, Skills for Success, and the Skills Development Fund. Many of these programs are grant-funded, meaning eligible employers and workers may receive training at little to no cost.
Her core message was simple but powerful: small businesses should not try to do everything on their own.
“There are so many resources available,” Justis explained. “As a small business, trying to grow by yourself just pulling yourself up by your bootstraps is extremely difficult. These programs exist to help, but businesses have to reach out and use them.”
Justis acknowledged that navigating state systems and online resources can feel overwhelming, especially for mom-and-pop businesses. She stressed that Texas Workforce Commission staff are available to guide business owners through the process, connect them with training opportunities, and introduce options such as apprenticeship and internship programs that many may not realize exist.
Another key point addressed was outreach. According to Justis, building trust within communities and spreading information through word of mouth are essential to reaching small employers and workers who need training support.
“Everybody needs training,” she said. “It’s not just large corporations. Leadership skills, software training like Word or Excel, and other workforce skills help people grow professionally and personally.”
For local businesses and individuals seeking assistance, Justis encouraged direct contact with the Texas Workforce Commission. She recommends emailing [email protected] or calling her directly at 361-424-3347 for guidance on available programs and resources.
Small businesses, she added, play a critical role in the state’s economy.
“Mom-and-pop businesses carry the Texas economy on their backs,” Justis said. “We want to make sure they don’t have to do everything alone.”