Boerne Kendall County EDC Wins 2024 CEDA for Das GreenHaus Initiative

The Boerne Kendall County Economic Development Corporation (BKCEDC) has been recognized with the prestigious 2024 Community Economic Development Award (CEDA) from the Southern Economic Development Council (SEDC) for its pivotal role in establishing Das GreenHaus, Boerne's inaugural business incubator. This accolade marks a significant milestone for BKCEDC, as it is their first recognition from SEDC.

Amy Story, President and CEO of BKCEDC, accepted the award on behalf of the organization. Story emphasized the collaborative nature of the achievement, stating, "This award is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the BKCEDC, the Boerne Kendall County Angel Network (BKCAN), and our dedicated community leaders and private partners." She expressed enthusiasm for the public acknowledgment of their long-term investment in Kendall County's future.

Das GreenHaus, launched in June 2023 as a 501(c)(3) public-private nonprofit, has quickly become a cornerstone for entrepreneurial development in the Texas Hill Country. In just over a year, the incubator has engaged more than 50 founders in its Idea-to-Market curriculum, providing essential support, resources, education, and mentorship to aspiring entrepreneurs.

The incubator's impact is already evident through several success stories. LOCOAL, a Waste-to-Energy climate technology company and program participant, recently announced plans to establish its headquarters and innovation facility in the Texas Hill Country. This development was shared during an interview on The Building Texas Show, highlighting the incubator's role in attracting innovative businesses to the region. Additionally, several small business founders have reported growth in revenue and market share, with some progressing towards establishing permanent locations.

Beyond its focus on entrepreneurial success, Das GreenHaus has demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement. The organization actively participates in local educational initiatives, including Boerne ISD's Incubator.edu program, creates student internship opportunities, and hosts educational and networking events. These efforts aim to foster a thriving local entrepreneurial ecosystem by bringing community members together in support of innovation.

The CEDA recognition underscores the importance of initiatives like Das GreenHaus in driving economic development and fostering innovation at the local level. By providing a supportive environment for entrepreneurs, BKCEDC and Das GreenHaus are contributing to the growth of new businesses, job creation, and economic diversification in the Texas Hill Country.

As the BKCEDC continues its mission to drive economic growth and development in Kendall County, the success of Das GreenHaus serves as a model for other communities looking to support local entrepreneurs and stimulate economic activity. The incubator's approach to combining education, mentorship, and community engagement offers valuable insights into effective strategies for nurturing a vibrant startup ecosystem.

The recognition of BKCEDC's efforts with the CEDA award not only validates the organization's innovative approach to economic development but also positions Boerne and Kendall County as emerging hubs for entrepreneurship and innovation in Texas. As Das GreenHaus continues to grow and support local entrepreneurs, its impact is likely to extend beyond the immediate community, potentially influencing regional economic trends and attracting further investment to the area.