Why This Texas City Is Giving Away Free Startup Programs — And It's Working

​‪@CityofRoundRock‬  is running free startup accelerators — and they're getting results. The first G-Beta cohort drew 60+ applications for just 5 spots, created 3 jobs, and raised over $600,000. The woman building this from scratch is Adriana Nunez McDermott, Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Round Rock Chamber.

In a city best known for Dell, Round Rock is quietly proving that economic development isn't about walls and cranes anymore — it's about betting on your own people.

🗓️ ROUND ROCK STARTUP WEEK — May 5–8, 2026 

The biggest entrepreneurship event in Round Rock's history. Four sessions at Embassy Suites (May 7 is the main day): funding strategy, go-to-market, unfiltered founder conversations, and a pitch competition — with 36 applications submitted (the most ever). Presented by Generator. Free and open to the public.

👉 Register here: https://web.roundrockchamber.org/even...
p%20Day-10494/details

What we cover:

How the ‪@roundrocktxchamber‬  became the city's entire economic development engine — and what that means for founders
The G-Beta 7-week accelerator: how 5 companies raised $600K and created jobs in one cohort
Jumpstart — the pre-accelerator for founders who aren't "ready" yet (you might be closer than you think)

Why Round Rock is hunting for the next Dell from within its own community
How to succeed at Round Rock Startup Week whether you're a student, retiree, or first-time founder

Why all of this is completely free — and who to contact to get involved The Building Texas Show spotlights the founders, innovators, and civic leaders building the future of the Lone Star State. Hosted by Justin McKenzie. New episodes every week.

🔔 Subscribe — every episode is another reason Texas is winning:
‪@thebuildingtexasshow‬ 

👍 Like this video if you believe the next great Texas startup story is already being written in ‪@CityofRoundRock‬ .