Local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to network and gain valuable insights at the next Founders Blend meeting, scheduled for 8 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at UT Permian Basin’s Center for Energy and Economic Diversification (CEED), 1310 Farm to Market 1788, Midland, TX. The event is free and open to the public.
The gathering, organized by the Midland Development Corporation (MDC) in collaboration with several community partners, provides a platform for Midland businesses to share their journeys and lessons learned.
The Founders Blend initiative stemmed from an effort to establish a 1 Million Cups chapter in Midland, a national program that facilitates entrepreneur networking. However, the structure of 1 Million Cups didn’t align with Midland’s business community.
Instead, the MDC and its partners—including Second Story Coworking, the Midland Chamber of Commerce, UT Permian Basin, Midland College, Filmhunter Media, and BAM Consulting—created a flexible and community-focused alternative.
“Owning a business is hard, and Founders Blend was created to bring business owners and entrepreneurs together in Midland and create a community for them,” said MDC spokesperson Gabi Perales Franks.
Midland businesses are encouraged to apply to present at Founders Blend, and many presenters are identified through MDC’s Business Retention and Expansion program and partnerships with other local organizations.
The goal is to foster a supportive network where business owners can share experiences and build meaningful connections.
“We hope that attendees walk away with a sense of community and understanding of what life is like as a business owner,” Franks said. “Whether they leave with a handful of business cards or a special conversation that made them feel seen, we want them to keep coming back to build their community.”
In addition to UT Permian Basin’s CEED building, Founders Blend meetings are also held at Midland College and Second Story Coworking. Each partner organization plays a role in supporting local entrepreneurs.
As the event enters its third year, organizers remain committed to expanding opportunities for Midland’s business community.
“Owning a business does not have to be lonely,” Franks said. “Lean on those who have come before you and learn from their mistakes as you grow your business.”