Building on Alabama’s growing efforts to strengthen economic ties with Mexico, the Troy University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) recently partnered with Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Centro PyME to host a first-of-its-kind international networking initiative connecting entrepreneurs and small businesses from Alabama, Mexico and across the southern United States.
The two-part virtual initiative was developed in response to Alabama’s increasing focus on international trade and investment opportunities, following Governor Kay Ivey’s recent efforts to strengthen the state’s economic relationship with Mexico. The program created a platform for entrepreneurs to build cross-border partnerships, exchange ideas and explore new business opportunities.
More than 60 entrepreneurs, business advisors and economic development professionals participated in the initiative, representing Alabama, Texas, Arizona, California, South Carolina and Mexico. The collaboration also highlighted the strength of the America’s SBDC Network—the world’s largest small business assistance network, with more than 1,100 centers serving entrepreneurs throughout the United States and Latin America.
The first session featured a presentation by Juliana Bolivar, Director of the Troy University Small Business Development Center, who introduced participants to Alabama’s business climate and economic advantages. Bolivar highlighted the state’s strategic location, business-friendly environment, skilled workforce, manufacturing leadership and growing opportunities for international companies seeking to establish or expand operations in the United States.
“Our goal was not only to showcase why Alabama is an excellent place to invest and grow a business, but also to create meaningful connections between entrepreneurs who can learn from one another and identify new opportunities for collaboration,” Bolivar said. “Small businesses play a vital role in our economy, and international partnerships help them expand their reach and remain competitive in an increasingly global marketplace.”
The second session featured a structured networking event where business owners introduced their companies, discussed their products and services, and explored potential collaborations, supplier relationships and market expansion opportunities. Hispanic-owned businesses from Alabama participated alongside entrepreneurs from Mexico, creating valuable opportunities for cross-border engagement.
The initiative was co-organized by the Troy University Small Business Development Center and Tecnológico de Monterrey’s Centro PyME, with support from the America’s SBDC networks in Alabama, Texas Southwest, California, Arizona and South Carolina, as well as the International Trade Center. Representatives from the Asociación Mexicana de Centros para el Desarrollo de la Pequeña Empresa, a national network of more than 40 universities dedicated to entrepreneurship and small business development, also participated.
“This initiative demonstrates how universities can serve as catalysts for international economic development,” Bolivar said. “By leveraging the expertise and relationships of the SBDC network, we are creating opportunities that benefit entrepreneurs, strengthen communities and support economic growth on both sides of the border.”
Through the Alabama Small Business Development Center at Troy University, the University provides confidential business advising, market research, training and access-to-capital assistance to entrepreneurs throughout southeast Alabama. Expanding those services through international partnerships reflects the University’s commitment to fostering innovation, supporting small business growth and strengthening Alabama’s role in the global economy.
Organizers hope this inaugural initiative will become an annual collaboration, creating lasting relationships between entrepreneurs in Alabama and Mexico while opening new pathways for trade, investment and economic development.
