El Paso, Texas - Pioneers 21 and the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation (MCA) proudly announce their selection as 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition (GAFC) awardees by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Office of Investment and Innovation. The award places both organizations among only 76 winners nationwide, chosen from one of the most competitive applicant pools in the program’s history.

The $75,000 award recognizes the leadership of both innovation centers in strengthening the region’s science and technology-driven entrepreneurial landscape and expanding opportunity across the U.S.–Mexico border region.

Strengthening Capital Readiness and Entrepreneurial Capacity in El Paso

El Paso faces persistent challenges in early-stage capital access, investor engagement, and founder financial literacy. As the region’s leading innovation organizations, Pioneers 21 and the MCA Foundation are uniquely positioned to address these gaps through coordinated, evidence- based programming.

With support from the GAFC award, the partners will implement a multi-pronged initiative to:

Financial Literacy Accelerator Pilots

Deliver targeted training that equips entrepreneurs with the financial skills needed to access capital, manage capital, and scale responsibly.

Investor Academy Pilot

Provide emerging and existing investors with the tools and knowledge required to build confidence, evaluate early-stage opportunities, and strengthen regional capital formation.

Regional Outreach, Marketing, and Ecosystem Support

Increase visibility for founders and investors, expand participation across the entrepreneurial ecosystem, and foster an open and resilient innovation environment.

Summary Slide

Together, these efforts aim to create a stronger, more connected entrepreneurial pipeline and position El Paso as a nationally competitive hub for technology, innovation, and cross-border economic opportunity.

Quotes

Laura Butler, CEO & Executive Director, Pioneers 21

“This award represents a major milestone for El Paso’s innovation ecosystem. It reflects the strength of our regional entrepreneurs and the unique value of our cross-border innovation economy. With the SBA’s support, we are expanding the programs and partnerships that help founders gain the financial knowledge, capital readiness, and strategic support needed to build resilient, scalable companies.”

Nancy Lowery, Senior Director of Innovation, Medical Center of the Americas Foundation

“Our organizations share the belief that when entrepreneurs and investors grow together the entire region benefits. This partnership allows us to tackle capital readiness from multiple angles—supporting entrepreneurs as they build financial capability, empowering new and existing investors with vital knowledge, and increasing visibility for innovation across the region. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for stronger capital formation and long-term economic growth.”

About the 2025 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition

The SBA’s Growth Accelerator Fund Competition supports entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs) focused on advancing innovation, strengthening regional ecosystems, and accelerating high-growth small businesses. Funding must be used for program activities and cannot be used for direct investment in businesses.

About Pioneers 21

Pioneers 21 is El Paso’s nonprofit innovation center dedicated to supporting high-potential entrepreneurs through its P21 MIT-licensed Venture Mentoring Service, technology commercialization support, startup incubation, and ecosystem-building initiatives. The organization provides mentorship, community, and actionable programming to help founders develop businesses that contribute to the region’s economic future.

About the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation

The MCA Foundation leads the region’s health, biomedical, and life sciences innovation initiatives. Through entrepreneur support, research partnerships, and technology commercialization programs, MCA drives economic development and fosters a vibrant innovation ecosystem for the Paso del Norte region.