August 2025 GT Newsletter by GO TEXAN

THANK YOU TO OUR GO TEXAN PROGRAM CHAMPION SPONSORS

Flood Relief Efforts

Flood

Disaster

Aid - Small Businesses

Texas State University Small Business Development Center

Recent flooding across Texas has led to the following disaster declarations (TEXAS Declaration #21174 & #21175 | Disaster: TX-20057) covering Burnet, Kerr, San Saba, Tom Green, Travis, Williamson, and surrounding counties. The Texas State University SBDC is mobilizing to ensure our local businesses get the guidance and resources needed for recovery.

Available Support Resources

Federal Assistance State and Local Programs

Business Physical Disaster Loan:

For repairs/replacement of property, inventory, machinery, and equipment. Deadline to apply is September 4, 2025.

Click here to view eligibility and apply.

Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL):

For businesses and nonprofits suffering working capital losses. Deadline to apply is April 6, 2026.

Click here to view eligibility and apply.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA):

Wage-replacement for eligible individuals unable to work due to the flooding.

Click here to view eligibility and apply.

Local Emergency Relief Grants:

Availability varies by county/city; contact your local Economic Development Corporation or Chamber of Commerce for updates.

Click on the picture of Commissioner Sid Miller above to watch the announcement from last month!

GO TEXAN is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the Crossroads of Texas GO TEXAN Country Festival on October 25, 2025 in Waxahachie, Texas. The largest one-day festival in Texas! To receive a $25 discount on booth space and priority placement, sign up today!

Family Land Heritage GO TEXAN product donations

The Texas Department of Agriculture is putting together swag bags for the upcoming Family Land Heritage celebration and would love to include contributions from our GO TEXAN partner community.

If you have any small, sample-sized items that represent your brand—such as snacks, promotional products, or other Texas-made goods—we’d be grateful for your support. It’s a great opportunity to showcase your products to a wide audience that values Texas heritage, agriculture, and craftsmanship. Please let us know if you’re interested in donating and what items you might be able to provide.

Items will need to be received by September 1st.

For more instructions on how to donate products, please download this Product Donation form. Contact Cori.Schrader@TexasAgriculture.gov if you have additional questions or would like to schedule a time to drop off products.

Kristen Perez

Kristen.Perez@TexasAgriculture.gov

Please welcome our NEW Digital Media Specialist, Kristen Perez! She is looking to feature YOU on our social media platforms! Share your photos, videos and stories with Kristen to promote your company to our tens of thousands of followers!

Are you ready to take your content to the next level? We can help you shine with the following opportunities:

Instagram takeovers

Collaboration posts

Event Promotion

Original Content

Complete this form to share your content!

GO TEXAN Program Guide

Make sure you’re getting the most out of your partnership! Our updated GO TEXAN Program Guide is now available and packed with helpful tips, benefits, and opportunities to grow your business through the brand that means Texas. Whether you're new to the program or a longtime partner, this guide will help you maximize your exposure and engagement.

�� Click the picture below and make sure you're taking full advantage of everything GO TEXAN has to offer!

GO TEXAN License Plate

Now you can purchase a custom GO TEXAN license plate through the DMV for $70/year.

Regular Vehicle Farm Truck/Trailer

100% of proceeds support the GO TEXAN Program

Interested in expanding your business internationally, connecting with global buyers or learning how to start exporting?

Our team is here to help. Connect with our International Trade Specialist, Lidia Sosa, at GoGlobal@TexasAgriculture.gov.

Mexico Outbound Trade Mission

Mexico City, Mexico

October 14-15, 2025

Mexico is the second largest food and agricultural export market for U.S. exporters. In 2023, U.S. exports were valued at $28.64 billion. Mexico’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 3.2 percent in 2023, making its economy the 12th largest globally. According to the Government of Mexico, 37 percent of Mexico’s population is middle class, with an aspirational consumer base keen to tap into new food trends. The United States has been able to maintain its number one position in Mexico´s agricultural imports with a compound average growth of 3.9%.

This outbound trade mission will consist of 3 days in Mexico’s capital and largest city where premium products are in high demand and imported products are commonly found throughout the region. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with Mexican buyers as well as visiting local retail stores.

Participation Fee: $600; Early Bird Special: $400 (if you register and pay before July 18, 2025)

Fee Includes:

Pre-arranged one-on-one meetings

Market briefing & tours

In-country transportation to meeting locations

Interpreter Services as needed

Reimbursement of lodging (within the Federal per diem rate) for one company representative with submittal of required supporting documentation*

*Participants must participate in all mission activities to be eligible for lodging reimbursement

Registration Deadline: August 18, 2025 (No refunds for cancellation after this date)

Industry Focus: Food Service Products, Retail Products

Product Description: Suitable products include, but are not limited to: Meat, Snack Foods, Dairy, Tree Nuts, Fresh and Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Prepared Foods, Condiments and Sauces.

Southern Hospitality Showcase at the Restaurants Canada Show

Toronto, Ontario

March 8-10, 2026

Canada's leading hospitality and foodservice trade event is the Restaurants Canada Show (RC Show), which takes place annually in Toronto. The show allows patrons to engage with industry leaders, witness live competitions, and showcase products for the foodservice industry. Trade show exhibitors benefit from increasing brand awareness, meeting and engaging with new customers, and connecting with current customers. The show welcomes over 1,200 exhibitors, 11 curated pavilions, and 23,000 industry professionals.

This activity will highlight and promote southern barbecue themed food products to Canadian restaurateurs and serve product samples prepared by an on-site chef. An open-concept booth space will feature SUSTA companies and chef demos utilizing SUSTA products. Ideal products for this activity include meat and seafood, sweet corn, baked beans, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, cornbread, salads, sauces, condiments, seasonings and drinks. This activity is best suited for products that already have distribution in Canada as most restaurants do not import directly.

Participation Fee: $750

Early Bird Special: $550 (if you register and pay before October 8, 2025)

Fee Includes:

• Booth space and standard furniture package

• Products included in and sampled in the chef demonstration

• Shipping reimbursement of up to $150 with proper documentation

Registration Deadline: November 14, 2025 (No refunds for cancellation after this date)

Industry Focus: Hospitality and Foodservice

Product Description: Meat, seafood, sweet corn, baked beans, sweet potato fries, cornbread, salads, sauces, condiments, seasonings, drinks, and any other product available in food service formats.

Alert - Online Scams Targeting Texans

“I urge every Texan to stay vigilant against scams and fraudulent activities. Unfortunately, criminals continue to prey upon hardworking Texans, often posing as government agencies or officials to steal your money or personal information. These deceitful schemes can come throughphonecalls,emails,orfakewebsitesandsocialmediaaccounts.Ifsomethingdoesn’t feelright,trustyourinstinctsandproceedwithcaution.

“I want to make one thing clear: the Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) will never ask you for money or personal information via phone, email, or any unsolicited communication. If you receive such a request, it’s a scam plain and simple. Don’t send money, don’t share your personal details, and report any suspicious activity to your local authorities immediately. Your safetyandsecurityareourtoppriority." -CommissionerSidMiller