MinerAlert
MinerAlert
Connecting family-owned and small businesses across the Paso del Norte region with practical education, research, student talent, and expert guidance.
Family-owned and small businesses shape the economic life of the Paso del Norte region. The center connects business owners with education, research, expert guidance, and emerging talent.
Based in the Woody L. Hunt College of Business, CFSB brings together family and small businesses, community professionals, UTEP students, faculty, and alumni around the opportunities and challenges that define entrepreneurship in the Borderplex.
Mission
Support the growth of family and small businesses in the Paso del Norte region through connections, education, research, and the advancement of entrepreneurial activities.
Bring entrepreneurs, business leaders, investors, and professional advisers together through workshops, roundtables, consulting, and regional events.
Develop future leaders through business planning, mentoring, case studies, specialized curriculum, and direct work with family-owned and small businesses.
CFSB creates space for business owners and advisers to address immediate challenges, plan for long-term growth, and strengthen the relationships behind family enterprise.
Entrepreneurs and leaders of family-owned and small businesses share strategies for growth, continuity, and success, including opportunities connected to U.S.–Mexico trade and commerce.
The center director provides family and small businesses in the Borderplex with a free two-hour business assessment and planning session. The session identifies major opportunities and threats and considers ways to grow business value. UTEP faculty and community professionals also provide fee-based consulting within their areas of expertise.
In partnership with Pioneers 21 and the Medical Center of the Americas, CFSB co-hosts the annual Texas Venture Fest in El Paso. The event brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and members of the region’s startup and innovation community.
Workshop and roundtable topics
Students apply classroom knowledge to the realities of building, managing, and sustaining family-owned and small businesses.
Student opportunity
Eligible UTEP juniors, seniors, and graduate students may propose a growth plan for a family business or a business they want to start. Hunt College students receive priority. The current guide includes 2025–26 criteria, application instructions, and business growth plan requirements.
CFSB advances understanding of family businesses, small businesses, and entrepreneurship through peer-reviewed research.
Selected publications
Membership is free for family-owned and small businesses throughout the Paso del Norte region.
Members can connect with the center’s educational programs, community events, research, student engagement opportunities, and business support.
Ask about membershipCenter director
Director of the Center for Family and Small Business