Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce

06/11/2026

Join us at Sylvia Vela Park for an evening packed with family fun, great food, and community spirit!

☀️🎉 Tomorrow we Kick Off to Summer with the City of Alton! 🎉☀️
Bring the whole family out to Sylvia Vela Park for an evening full of fun, food, and community spirit! 🌭🏰🚚
✨ FREE Hot Dogs
✨ Moon Jumps
✨ Food Vendors
✨ Fun Family Time for Everyone
📅 Friday, June 12
⏰ Starts at 7:00 PM
Come celebrate summer with your friends, neighbors, and the City of Alton — because this is Where You Belong! 💙 Special thanks to our Kick Off to Summer Sponsor RC8 Construction! 💙

06/08/2026

On Thursday, June 4th, we had the pleasure of attending the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Mayberry Place, a new and exciting development coming to the City of Alton.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Realtor Jessica Gonzalez with RE/MAX for the kind invitation and for allowing us to be part of this important milestone. Mayberry Place will be the first townhome development in Alton, marking a significant step forward in the continued growth and progress of our community.

We would also like to give a special thank you to Mayor Salvador Vela for sharing a few words during the ceremony and for highlighting the importance of supporting projects that contribute to the future development of our city.

Developments like Mayberry Place bring new housing opportunities, encourage investment, and contribute to the economic growth of Alton. It is always exciting to witness projects that reflect the vision, growth, and progress happening in our community.

Congratulations to Jessica Gonzalez, RE/MAX, and everyone involved in bringing this project to life. We look forward to seeing Mayberry Place grow and become part of Alton’s continued success.

06/08/2026

☕✨ Every business starts with a story.

This June 24, join 1 Million Cups Alton - en Español and hear from two local entrepreneurs, Liliana Castillo with Total Vanity Esthetics and Artie Azuara with ARTC, as they share what inspired them to begin their entrepreneurial journey.

Whether you already have a business, have an idea, or are still wondering where to start, this event is for anyone looking for inspiration and motivation.

📍 Arturo Galvan Sr. Development Center
416 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, TX 78573
🗓 June 24, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
✅ Free and open to the public

☕✨ Every entrepreneur has a story — and this June 24, we invite you to come hear two inspiring ones at 1 Million Cups Alton en Español.

Starting a business often begins with a simple idea, a dream, or the courage to take a new step. Sometimes that journey starts early, and sometimes it begins after years of experience in a completely different path. What matters is having the courage to start.

This month, we are excited to welcome:

💼 Liliana Castillo, founder of Total Vanity Esthetics, who turned an idea into a business focused on beauty, self-care, and confidence.

🚀 Artie Azuara, who after 32 years in the corporate world, decided to begin a new chapter and start his journey as an entrepreneur with ARTC.

If you have ever thought about starting a business, growing your idea, or simply want to hear real stories from local entrepreneurs, this event is for you.

Come listen, learn, and be inspired. Your idea could be the beginning of your own story — and maybe you could be one of our next presenters.

A special thank you to our coffee sponsor, Divino Construction, for supporting local entrepreneurs and this program.

📍 Arturo Galvan Sr. Development Center
416 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, TX 78573
🗓 June 24, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
✅ Free and open to the public

06/05/2026

☕✨ The next 1 Million Cups Alton event is coming up!

Join us on Wednesday, June 24 at 9:00 AM as we welcome two inspiring local entrepreneurs:

Liliana Castillo, founder of Total Vanity Esthetics, started with an idea and turned it into a business focused on beauty, confidence, and self-care.

Artie Azuara, after 32 years in the corporate world, decided to begin his journey into entrepreneurship with ARTC.

A special thank you to our coffee sponsor, Divinino Construction by Arturo Galvan Jr., for supporting this event and our local entrepreneurial community. ☕

Have a business, idea, or story to share? You could be next — come join us!

📍 Arturo Galvan Sr. Development Center
416 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, TX 78573
🗓 June 24, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
✅ Free and open to the public

☕✨ Our next 1 Million Cups Alton event is coming up! ✨☕

Join us on Wednesday, June 24 at 9:00 AM as we welcome two local entrepreneurs who will share their stories, ideas, and business journeys with our community.

💼 Liliana Castillo, founder of Total Vanity Esthetics, started with an idea and turned it into an esthetics business focused on beauty, self-care, and confidence.

🚀 Artie Azuara, after 32 years in the corporate world, decided to begin his journey into entrepreneurship with ARTC.

We would also like to give a special thank you to our coffee sponsor, Divinino Construction by Arturo Galvan Jr., for supporting this space where entrepreneurs and community members can connect, learn, and grow. ☕

Have a business, an idea, or a story to share? You could be next — come join us!

📍 Arturo Galvan Sr. Development Center
416 S. Alton Blvd., Alton, TX 78573
🗓 June 24, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
✅ Always free and open to the public

06/04/2026

🚀 Applications are OPEN for Alton EDGE! 🚀

Are you ready to start, grow, or strengthen your business? The Alton Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with the Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce, invites entrepreneurs, small business owners, and future business leaders to join Alton EDGE, a 5-week business development cohort designed to help participants turn ideas into action and build stronger businesses.

📅 Program Start Date: Monday, June 15
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
📍 Format: Hybrid
🏢 First Meeting: In person at the Alton Development Center
💻 Remaining Sessions: Via Zoom
📚 Program Length: 5 Weeks

During this cohort, participants will receive practical guidance and valuable tools in areas such as:

✅ Business planning
✅ Market research
✅ Customer discovery
✅ Branding and marketing
✅ Financial planning
✅ Business growth strategies
✅ Entrepreneurial leadership
✅ Resources available for small businesses

Whether you already own a business, have a business idea, or are ready to take the next step, Alton EDGE is here to guide and support you.

✨ Sponsorship opportunities are available for eligible participants!

Seats are limited, so don’t miss this opportunity to invest in yourself and your business.

🔗 Apply today:
https://www.altonchamber.org/rsvp-edge

Let’s continue building a stronger business community together! 💼🌟

06/01/2026

The Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce recently had the opportunity to visit students at both Cantu Elementary and Salinas Elementary for their career fairs, and what an great experience it was!

We spent time talking with students about what the Chamber does, how local businesses help strengthen our community, and the important role each of them will play in shaping Alton's future. From answering questions and sharing stories to spinning the prize wheel for tumblers, pens, stickers, gummies, and other fun giveaways, the children were engaged and excited.

At the Chamber, we believe community involvement starts early. Taking the time to connect with students today helps inspire the entrepreneurs, business owners, public servants, educators, and community leaders of tomorrow.

A huge thank you to the staff and students at Cantu Elementary and Salinas Elementary for welcoming us into your schools. We are proud to be part of a community that invests in its young people and encourages them to dream big.

Because today's students aren't just the future of Alton—they're ALREADY an important part of what makes our community special.

05/29/2026

☕✨ Thank You, Alton! ✨☕

Thank you to everyone who joined us for another inspiring morning at 1 Million Cups Alton en Español!

A special thank you to our presenters, 👩‍🍳 Elizabeth Davis of Mi Cocina by the Hour and 🔧 Abraham Haro of Outlet Haro, for sharing their entrepreneurial journeys and valuable insights with our community.

We’re also grateful to ☕ Vicky’s Coffee Co. for providing the coffee that helped fuel great conversations and new connections.

Together, we’re building a stronger entrepreneurial community—one cup and one conversation at a time.

See you at the next 1 Million Cups Alton en Español!

05/26/2026

🚀 YOUR BUSINESS IDEA DESERVES MORE THAN JUST “SOMEDAY.”

What if the next 5 weeks could completely change the future of your business?

If you’ve been dreaming about starting a business, growing your side hustle, or finally bringing structure to your existing business—this is your sign.

The Alton EDGE Program, an initiative by the Alton Economic Development Corporation, powered by Kauffman FastTrac, is a 5-week accelerated entrepreneurial cohort designed to help local entrepreneurs move from idea to action.

In just 5 weeks, you’ll gain the tools to:
✅ Build a strong business plan
✅ Understand your customers and market
✅ Gain financial clarity
✅ Learn business compliance essentials
✅ Develop a compelling pitch

Whether you’re a first-time founder, a side hustler ready to go legit, or a small business owner ready to grow—this program was built for YOU.

💥 FREE for Greater Alton Chamber Members
💼 Sponsorship opportunities are available—don’t let cost stop you from applying!

📅 June 15 – July 13, 2026
🕘 Mondays | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Hybrid (In-Person + Virtual)

⚠️ Limited spots available!

👇 APPLY NOW:
https://www.altonchamber.org/rsvp-edge

📩 Questions?
[email protected]

05/26/2026

☕💼 Calling all entrepreneurs, dreamers, business owners, and community supporters!

The Greater Alton Chamber of Commerce invites you to join us for another inspiring morning at 1 Million Cups Alton en Español!

This FREE community event is designed to bring entrepreneurs together to share ideas, tell their stories, and connect with people who believe in supporting local business.

This month’s featured entrepreneurs:

👩‍🍳 Elizabeth Davis | Mi Cocina by the Hour
A unique commercial kitchen concept helping food entrepreneurs, bakers, caterers, and culinary startups access the space they need to grow.

🔧 Abraham Haro | Outlet Haro
A local entrepreneur building a warehouse business focused on providing tools and equipment for workers, contractors, and businesses throughout our region.

📅 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Arturo Galvan Sr. Development Center
416 S. Alton Blvd, Alton, TX 78573

☕ Complimentary coffee sponsored by Vicky’s Coffee Co.

Whether you already own a business, are thinking about starting one, or simply want to support entrepreneurship in our community—we would love to see you there.

FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Let’s continue building a stronger business community together.

☕✨ BIG NEWS, ALTON ENTREPRENEURS! ✨☕

Join us for another inspiring morning at 1 Million Cups Alton en Español — where entrepreneurship, coffee, and community come together.

📅 Wednesday, May 27, 2026
⏰ 9:00 AM
📍 Arturo Galvan Sr. Development Center
416 S. Alton Blvd, Alton, TX 78573

This event is FREE and open to the public!

This month, we’re excited to feature two incredible local entrepreneurs:

👩‍🍳 Elizabeth Davis | Mi Cocina by the Hour
Elizabeth is helping food entrepreneurs bring their culinary dreams to life through her commercial kitchen concept, offering a professional space where chefs, bakers, caterers, and food startups can prepare, create, and grow their businesses.

🔧 Abraham Haro | Outlet Haro
Abraham is the entrepreneur behind a growing tools warehouse business, providing access to equipment and tools that support workers, contractors, and business owners throughout our community.

At 1 Million Cups, entrepreneurs share their stories, challenges, and business journeys while the community comes together to connect, learn, and support one another.

Whether you’re:
✅ A business owner
✅ An aspiring entrepreneur
✅ A community supporter
✅ Looking to make meaningful connections

This event is for YOU.

Enjoy complimentary coffee thanks to our amazing sponsor Vicky’s Coffee Co. ☕

Bring a friend, bring your business cards, and come be part of Alton’s entrepreneurial movement.