News Summary
H-E-B has revealed the finalists for its 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition, highlighting 10 small businesses from across Texas. These finalists have the chance to win cash prizes totaling $100,000 and shelf space in H-E-B stores. Local Houston businesses are well-represented among the finalists, showcasing innovative products ranging from authentic Vietnamese meats to unique handcrafted items. The competition emphasizes H-E-B’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and enriching the Texas community.
Texas
H-E-B has unveiled the finalists for its 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition, providing an exciting opportunity for small businesses across the state. The competition this year has garnered over 370 submissions from nearly 150 cities, showcasing a wide variety of innovative Texas-made products. After a rigorous selection process, ten finalists have been chosen to compete for a share of $100,000 in cash prizes and the chance for their products to hit H-E-B store shelves.
Competition Details
The final event is scheduled for September 25 at H-E-B’s headquarters in San Antonio. During this exciting showdown, the finalists will present their products and narrate their unique business stories to a panel of judges. The competition will not only highlight the creativity and dedication of these entrepreneurs but also foster community engagement, as supporters are encouraged to attend and cheer for their favorites.
For the finalists, the stakes are high. The winner will receive the title of “Texas Best” and a cash prize of $50,000, along with guaranteed placement of their product in H-E-B stores. There are additional cash prizes of $25,000 for the first runner-up, $15,000 for second place, and $10,000 for third place. The substantial incentives are designed to encourage entrepreneurs to elevate their businesses and contribute to the local economy.
Empowering Texas Entrepreneurs
H-E-B aims to empower local businesses through initiatives like Quest for Texas Best. Over the past decade, the grocery chain has highlighted over 1,000 unique products created by Texas entrepreneurs, providing not just financial support but also marketing resources and mentorship opportunities. Since the competition’s inception, H-E-B has awarded nearly $2.75 million in prize money to help foster growth within local communities.
In addition to this competition, H-E-B recognizes suppliers who have achieved significant sales milestones by introducing the Million Dollar Club—a prestigious recognition for suppliers who have reached $1 million in sales.
Local Houston Finalists
Houston is proudly represented this year with four local businesses making it to the finals. These include:
- Long Phung Food Products: Specializing in authentic Vietnamese meats.
- My Drink Bomb: Innovators of handcrafted cocktail bombs for social gatherings.
- The Lavish Goat: Producers of luxurious bath and body products.
- JAM-IN Crawfish Tool: Creators of an innovative tool designed to simplify the crawfish peeling process.
Other finalists represent a range of cities such as Austin, Bryan, Boerne, and McAllen, reflecting the diverse talent and entrepreneurial spirit present throughout Texas.
A Legacy of Support
For over 120 years, H-E-B has been a fundamental part of Texas communities, promoting fresh produce and emphasizing the importance of community service. With more than 455 stores throughout the state, H-E-B continues to strengthen its role not only as a grocery provider but also as a supporter of local entrepreneurs and community initiatives.
As the Quest for Texas Best competition draws near, the anticipation among local businesses and community members grows. Supporters are encouraged to rally behind the finalists as they strive to earn the title of the next Texas Best, fostering local pride and entrepreneurship across the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- H-E-B Newsroom
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Houston Chronicle
- Google Search: Texas small businesses
- Valley Central
- Google Scholar: Texas best competition
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grocery Store
- Mass Market Retailers
- Google News: H-E-B Quest for Texas Best
Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
