PRESENTER: Presenter
Jonathan Packer, President & CEO, New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce
Michele Boggs, Senior VP of Economic Development, New Braunfels Chamber of Commerce
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SUBJECT: Title
Presentation and discussion on a proposed expenditure to support Gener8tor - an entrepreneurship, workforce development, and local innovation accelerator project.
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DEPARTMENT: Economic & Community Development
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Gener8tor, founded in 2012, provides accelerator support to catalyze community, mentorship, network, conviction, and capital to bridge startup ideas with opportunities. With over 400 cohorts, Gener8tor is involved in 50 communities, has supported over 2,100 startups, raised over $2.9B, and created over 14,000 jobs with their efforts.
Gener8tor has identified a capital access gap for New Braunfels startups:
This data signals a gap in startup capacity, capital readiness, and access to investor networks.
The Gener8tor program aims to build entrepreneur capacity through hands-on coaching and guidance, increase startup density by supporting investment-ready companies, and connect local entrepreneurs to regional and national capital networks. The Gener8tor incubator program includes mentor networking, routine meetings with peers and investors, a showcase event, and ongoing support.
The NBEDC received an initial presentation on the Gener8tor program at its January 15, 2026 regular meeting. This project is identified in the NBEDC Strategic Plan within Strategy Four: Business Recruitment and Retention. Focusing on keeping local talent engaged in the community rather than moving to larger startup hub cities is how New Braunfels can retain more creative and technical talent.
This presentation will address outstanding questions and programmatic questions.
ISSUE:
The Gener8tor program will provide additional support to entrepreneurs and local innovation needs in New Braunfels.
STRATEGIC PLAN REFERENCE:
☒Economic Mobility ☐Enhanced Connectivity ☐Community Identity
☐Organizational Excellence ☐Community Well-Being ☐N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this presentation; any future funding request will be brought to the NBEDC at a future date via a formal public hearing.