News Summary
H-E-B has revealed the finalists for its 12th Annual Quest for Texas Best competition, highlighting 10 small businesses from across Texas. These finalists have the chance to win cash prizes totaling $100,000 and shelf space in H-E-B stores. Local Houston businesses are well-represented among the finalists, showcasing innovative products ranging from authentic Vietnamese meats to unique handcrafted items. The competition emphasizes H-E-B’s commitment to empowering local entrepreneurs and enriching the Texas community.
Texas – H-E-B has announced the finalists for its 12th annual Quest for Texas Best competition, showcasing innovative small businesses across the state. This year, the competition has narrowed down over 370 submissions from nearly 150 cities to 10 finalists who will compete for a share of $100,000 in cash prizes and the coveted opportunity to have their products placed on H-E-B shelves.
The final competition is scheduled for September 25 in San Antonio, H-E-B’s headquarters. A panel of judges will evaluate the finalists based on their product presentations and unique business narratives, ultimately deciding the winners of the competition.
A Breakdown of Prizes
The winners will receive substantial cash prizes, including:
- $50,000 for the Grand Prize winner, who earns the prestigious title of “Texas Best” along with shelf placement in H-E-B stores.
- $25,000 for first place.
- $15,000 for second place.
- $10,000 for third place.
Support for Local Entrepreneurs
The Quest for Texas Best is part of H-E-B’s commitment to empower local entrepreneurs. Over the past decade, the company has discovered more than 1,000 unique Texas-made products, awarding nearly $2.75 million in prize money along with marketing and mentorship support. In recognition of their achievements, H-E-B has also celebrated 55 suppliers with commemorative Million Dollar Club belt buckles for reaching $1 million in sales.
This Year’s Finalists
This year’s competition features four finalists from the Houston area, representing a diverse array of products:
- Long Phung Food Products – Known for high-quality Vietnamese meats.
- My Drink Bomb – Specializes in handcrafted cocktail bombs.
- The Lavish Goat – Offers a range of bath and body products.
- JAM-IN Crawfish Tool – Designed to make crawfish peeling easier.
The other finalists come from various cities across Texas, including Austin, Bryan, Boerne, and McAllen, showcasing the state’s entrepreneurial spirit.
Impact of H-E-B in Texas
With over 455 stores operating throughout Texas for the past 120 years, H-E-B has become a cornerstone of local communities, prioritizing fresh produce and community service. The Quest for Texas Best competition highlights the company’s ongoing dedication to supporting homegrown businesses and fostering the local economy.
As Texas continues to thrive as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, the Quest for Texas Best offers a significant platform for small businesses to gain recognition and reach new customers. The upcoming event promises to be a celebration of talent, creativity, and the unique flavors that Texas has to offer.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- H-E-B Newsroom
- Wikipedia: Small Business
- Houston Chronicle
- Google Search: Texas small businesses
- Valley Central
- Google Scholar: Texas best competition
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Grocery Store
- Mass Market Retailers
- Google News: H-E-B Quest for Texas Best
Author: STAFF HERE COLLEGE WRITER
The COLLEGE STATION STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECollegeStation.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in College Station, Brazos County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Brazos Valley Fair & Rodeo, Chilifest, and Aggie Muster. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Bryan-College Station Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Brazos Valley, plus leading businesses in education, biotechnology, and retail that power the local economy such as Texas A&M University, Fujifilm Diosynth Biotechnologies, and H-E-B. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
