Texas State University has successfully wrapped its first cohort of the Learning and Insights for Forward Traction (LIFT) accelerator, a six-week program aimed at strengthening marketing skills and accelerating growth for small businesses. Developed by the university’s SCALEUP initiative and delivered in partnership with the Texas Association of Mexican American Chambers of Commerce (TAMACC), the program served more than 300 entrepreneurs, most of them Texas-based.
Why it matters
- 98% of participants now actively set social media goals
- Confidence using social media for business growth rose 45 percentage points
- Self-rated “good” or “expert” marketing knowledge jumped from 5% to 97%
- Participants gained hands-on experience with analytics, content strategy, and goal setting
- Business owners also received support from an AI-powered business coach
Big picture
The program highlights how research-driven, practical training can directly improve small business capabilities, helping entrepreneurs grow revenue, create jobs, and strengthen local economies. Demand was strong, with more than 3,000 applicants from across the U.S., signaling a growing need for accessible growth-focused business education.
What’s next
LIFT was supported by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and Texas State University says additional cohorts and opportunities are already in development.