San Marcos, Texas, January 30, 2026
Texas State University’s LIFT program empowers over 300 small business leaders with advanced marketing skills. The six-week accelerator, developed by the SCALEUP initiative, has significantly improved participants’ social media usage and confidence. Key changes include a sharp rise in goal setting and knowledge in digital marketing tools, ensuring their businesses thrive and contribute positively to local economies.
Texas State University Launches LIFT Program for Small Businesses
Program Empowers Over 300 Entrepreneurs with Enhanced Marketing Skills
San Marcos, Texas – January 30, 2026 – Texas State University’s Learning and Insights for Forward Traction (LIFT) program has successfully completed its inaugural cohort, equipping over 300 small business leaders with enhanced marketing skills to foster business growth.
Program Overview
The six-week LIFT accelerator, developed by Texas State’s Sustainable Cultivation and Advancement of Local Enterprises with University Partnerships (SCALEUP) initiative, was delivered in collaboration with the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and other community partners. The program aimed to strengthen marketing capabilities among small business leaders, focusing on strategic digital marketing tools and strategies.
Participant Outcomes
Upon completion, 98% of participants reported actively setting social media goals, marking a 52 percentage point increase. Confidence in using social media for business growth rose by 45 percentage points, and the proportion of participants with “good” or “expert” social media knowledge surged by 92 percentage points, from 5% to 97%.
Program Development and Support
SCALEUP developed LIFT by integrating research with practical training. The initiative attracted over 3,000 applicants, with the first cohort comprising more than 350 business owners, predominantly from Texas (82%), and representing 24 additional states. Participants advanced from foundational marketing principles to topics such as platform analytics, content strategy, and goal setting. The program also provided access to an AI Business Coach, offering tailored guidance to address growth-related challenges specific to each participant’s business and objectives.
Community Impact
Small businesses are vital to the economy. The LIFT program has equipped entrepreneurs with practical tools to improve customer access, positioning them to grow revenue, create jobs, and stabilize local economies. The program was developed with financial support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation. Future opportunities are currently being planned. To receive updates on upcoming programs, visit the SCALEUP website.
Key Features of the LIFT Program
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Program Duration | Six weeks |
| Developed By | Texas State University’s SCALEUP initiative |
| Collaborators | Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and other community partners |
| Participant Outcomes | Increased social media goal setting, enhanced confidence in using social media for business growth, and improved social media knowledge |
| Support Offered | Access to an AI Business Coach for tailored guidance |
| Funding | Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the LIFT program?
The LIFT program is a six-week accelerator developed by Texas State University’s SCALEUP initiative, designed to enhance marketing skills among small business leaders to foster business growth.
Who developed the LIFT program?
The LIFT program was developed by Texas State University’s Sustainable Cultivation and Advancement of Local Enterprises with University Partnerships (SCALEUP) initiative, in collaboration with the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC) and other community partners.
How many participants completed the inaugural LIFT cohort?
Over 300 small business leaders completed the inaugural LIFT cohort.
What were the key outcomes for participants?
Key outcomes included a 52 percentage point increase in participants actively setting social media goals, a 45 percentage point rise in confidence using social media for business growth, and a 92 percentage point increase in participants reporting “good” or “expert” social media knowledge, from 5% to 97%.
What support did the program offer to participants?
The program provided access to an AI Business Coach, offering tailored guidance to address growth-related challenges specific to each participant’s business and objectives.
Who funded the LIFT program?
The program was developed with financial support from the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.
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