Legislation Details

File #: 26-2286   
Type: Consent Status: Agenda Ready
File created: 8/3/2026 In control: City Council
On agenda: 9/24/2026 Final action:
Title: Authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with The University of Texas McCombs School of Business for Austin Economic Development to plan and execute a small business plan pitch competition for a term of two years in an amount not to exceed $250,000. Funding: $250,000 is available in the Fiscal year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Economic Development.
Attachments: 1. Recommendation for Action
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Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an interlocal agreement with The University of Texas McCombs School of Business for Austin Economic Development to plan and execute a small business plan pitch competition for a term of two years in an amount not to exceed $250,000. Funding: $250,000 is available in the Fiscal year 2025-2026 Operating Budget of Austin Economic Development.

De
Lead Department
Austin Economic Development.

Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $250,000 is available in the Operating Budget of Austin Economic Development.

For More Information:
Michael Cummins, Director, Austin Economic Development, 512-974-2612; Xavier Zarate, Small Business Division Manager, Austin Economic Development, 512-978-2502.

Additional Backup Information:
The small business plan pitch competition is designed to draw small local businesses, either in ideation phase or early start-up phase, to present their business concepts and the problem the business intends to solve. Business owners compete for cash and non-cash prizes in front of a panel of expert judges, who ask questions, provide feedback, and select a competition winner based on the strength of the idea and potential for success. 
Business Pitch competitions are a valuable tool to develop and strengthen small local business ecosystems by:  
Fostering innovative solutions to real problems. 
Building a robust network of investors and community partners. 
Providing non-dilutive funding for local businesses to focus on growth.   
Discovery of emerging industries and local talent that would be otherwise unnoticed. 
Solidifying Austin, Texas as a start-up destination and innovation hub.  
The University of Texas – TEXAS Entrepreneurship: 
Austin Economic Development’s Small Business Division will partner with The University of Texas (UT) – TEXAS Entrepreneurship (TE) housed within the McCombs School of Business. “With more than 50 cutting-edge programs for undergraduate, graduate and professio...

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