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
Public hearing, discussion, and possible action to approve an expenditure of up to $1,200,000 to Gener8tor for a multi-year entrepreneurship incubator project, pursuant to 505.102 of the Texas Local Government Code.
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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 New Braunfels Gener8tor program would provide two cohorts a year, for three years, that include training, community building, networking opportunities, mentor connections, discussions of financing goals and milestones, investment accelerators, and presentation pitches. The program would also include:
- Employ a full-time employee in New Braunfels to facilitate the program
- Host quarterly entrepreneurship and networking events in the City
- Occupy office space within the City limits to ensure the accelerator program is operating within the community
- Develop a Lunch & Learn Series program to assist local startups
- Process at least 25 applications per year for the New Braunfels cohorts
- Develop and host an in-person showcase event where program graduates pitch in front of a crowd of investors, entrepreneurs, and community members.
The NBEDC received an initial presentation on the Gener8tor program at its January 15, 2026 regular meeting and a follow-up presentation on May 21, 2026.
Section 505.102 of the Texas Local Government Code permits the NBEDC to contract with other organizations to assist with the development and operation of economic development programs.
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.
If approved, the New Braunfels City Council will consider action in July or August 2026.
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:
The NBEDC has appropriate fund balance to approve this expenditure. The Gener8tor program will be a three-year program. The expenditure will cover this duration.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the project expenditure to fund the Gener8tor entrepreneurship, workforce development, and local business accelerator project for three years.