October 11, 2025

McAllen Welcomes New Training Opportunities for Small Businesses

News Summary

McAllen has launched a free training program through South Texas College aimed at enhancing workforce skills for employees at small businesses. In partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission, eligible businesses with fewer than 100 employees can receive training funds for current and new staff. The flexible program offers various training categories, ensuring businesses can adapt to the modern workplace. Additionally, STC aims to double the participation in apprenticeship programs while promoting workplace safety through recently awarded grants. Employers can apply anytime to get their staff trained.

Texas – South Texas College (STC) is launching a free training program designed to support local small businesses in workforce development. The initiative is offered through the college’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development department and is made possible through a partnership with the Texas Workforce Commission’s (TWC) Small Business Grant program.

The program allows small businesses with fewer than 100 employees to access training funds aimed at enhancing the skills of their workforce. Businesses can receive up to $1,000 for training current employees and up to $2,000 for newly hired employees within a year. This funding can significantly help businesses that prioritize employee development and aim to improve their overall operations.

Training options cover a range of topics designed to meet the diverse needs of small businesses. This includes soft skills training, such as leadership and customer service, as well as more technical courses like Microsoft Excel, CPR, and workplace safety. The flexibility of this training program is emphasized as classes can be conducted either on-site at the businesses’ locations or at one of STC’s six campuses, making it easier for employers to integrate training into their schedules.

To qualify for the training program, businesses must meet TWC guidelines, which include being current on their taxes and paying employees at or above the prevailing wage. STC has been providing access to the Small Business Grant for more than a decade, assisting various industries in improving their workforce skills and competencies.

During this time, some of the most popular training sessions have been in Microsoft Office applications, particularly for businesses transitioning from paper to digital systems. This reflects the increasing need for digital literacy as businesses evolve and adjust to the demands of modern operations.

Employers interested in the program have the advantage of being able to apply at any time. Once their application is approved, they can potentially start training within two weeks. All training sessions are led by experienced instructors from STC’s Continuing Education department, assuring quality and consistency in the educational delivery.

In addition to this program, a new $9 million facility, the STC Continuing Education and Testing Center, is being developed to further support short-term workforce programs. This center will feature 20,000 square feet of classrooms dedicated to high-demand courses including ESL, GED, and real estate training. These efforts are part of STC’s broader strategy to enhance educational opportunities and training facilities for local businesses and community members.

To further bolster workplace safety initiatives, STC has been awarded a $100,000 Safety Education Grant from Texas Mutual Insurance Company, aimed at enhancing training focused on safety protocols for local businesses. Over $300,000 has been secured from Texas Mutual to expand training programs tailored to local employers, highlighting the commitment to fostering a safe working environment.

Red Sun Farms, a regional employer, reported a success story with zero incidents occurring after participating in STC’s safety training programs. This illustrates the potential effectiveness of the training in promoting safer workplace practices.

Dr. Carlos Margo, dean of industry and economic development at STC, has stated a goal to double the number of employers enrolled in the college’s apprenticeship programs. Community sessions have been organized to educate local employers about the benefits of training and apprenticeship opportunities available through STC, ensuring they are informed about valuable resources.

Through its safety training programs, STC has successfully trained over 200 employees across various sectors, indicating a robust commitment to improving workforce skills and workplace safety. For any business seeking information on available training options, they can visit the STC Continuing Education website for further details.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN

The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.