Economic Development

Urban Gardeners and Big Tex Urban Farms

Throughout the year the State Fair of Texas hosts several meetings of more than 30 local gardeners and community leaders. In 2016, the State Fair of Texas introduced Big Tex Urban Farms, a revolutionary, mobile agriculture system in the heart of Fair Park. Since inception, the project has proved itself to be a successful experiment by investing financial and human capital into immediate Fair Park neighborhoods and companies, connecting like-minded agriculture entities, and providing fresh, organic produce to organizations focused on hunger and healthy lifestyle programs.

Big Tex Business Masterclass

The Big Tex Business Masterclass series was created to help increase the number of small business entrepreneurs in the food and beverage industry. This project is a dynamic education series for entrepreneurs created through partnerships by the State Fair of Texas. The goal of the program is to take existing businesses and educate them on how to implement successful business operations and disciplines while creating a collaboration of networking and providing opportunities for growth and exposure. Completion of the program is not an automatic acceptance to the State Fair of Texas but it allows a behind-the-scenes view and insight into what it takes to be a Food and Beverage Vendor for the State Fair of Texas.

This five-month cohort comprised of 7-10 businesses will have classroom, mentoring, and hands-on opportunities for growth and exposure to the industry.

Interested applicants must complete an application, apply for the taste test of their product, and commit to attend sessions and mentoring.