News Summary
Station Texas is poised for growth as Riffat Manasia takes over leadership of the nonprofit organization. With her experience in community building and entrepreneurship, Manasia aims to foster collaboration among Texas entrepreneurs. Meanwhile, the Texas 4-H Roundup highlights young innovators, further enhancing the state’s entrepreneurial spirit. Cities like Katy are emerging as hubs for startups, supported by a pro-business environment and educational resources. Manasia’s vision aligns well with the state’s thriving economic landscape, promising exciting developments ahead for local entrepreneurs.
Texas – Riffat Manasia has been appointed as the new leader of Station Texas, a nonprofit organization that emerged from the Capital Factory. Her primary goal is to unite entrepreneurs across the state, leveraging her background in building organizations and fostering community connections. Manasia has a strong vision for strengthening the entrepreneurial landscape in Texas, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and innovation.
As Manasia steps into this role, she aims to create a more integrated network of entrepreneurs, supporting them in overcoming challenges and enhancing collaboration within diverse business ecosystems. Her leadership comes at a critical time, coinciding with the ongoing Texas 4-H Roundup, which is currently taking place at Reed Arena. This event hosts over 1,600 young competitors and approximately 3,000 attendees who are engaged in various categories, including agriculture, entrepreneurship, livestock, and culinary arts.
The Texas 4-H Roundup serves as a platform for young entrepreneurs and agriculture students to develop real-world skills and gain exposure to various career paths. Participants are not only focused on winning trophies but are honing their skills for future success. They emphasize that the life lessons and practical experiences gained through the 4-H program are invaluable. Competitors like Quinn Felcman from San Angelo are learning about economic savings and marketing while operating his honey-making business, Bees and Bros. This hands-on experience is instrumental in shaping their entrepreneurial journeys.
Younger participants such as Texann Ralston and Rylee Valenkamp highlight the importance of networking and skill-building within the program, reinforcing the idea that the 4-H experience is contributing to a strong work ethic in the next generation. The initiative is designed not only to prepare them for their own ventures but also to foster a sense of community among young entrepreneurs in Texas.
On a broader scale, Katy, Texas, has been recognized as one of the top 10 most entrepreneurial cities in the U.S. for 2025. In the past year, the city has seen the emergence of 6,660 new small businesses, reflecting a year-over-year growth rate of 12%. Such growth is comparable to that of larger metropolitan areas, and it positions Katy as a significant player in the state’s economic landscape. The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce attributes this success to the region’s pro-business climate, high quality of life, and the presence of strong educational institutions that support entrepreneurial development.
Texas as a whole has been ranked third in the nation for entrepreneurship, benefiting from an attractive tax structure and a robust economic environment. The absence of a state income tax, alongside a high concentration of Fortune 500 companies, enhances Texas’ appeal to new and existing businesses. Cities like Austin, which has been designated as the best city for entrepreneurship in the country, continue to attract significant venture capital investment, further strengthening the state’s position as a hub for business innovation.
The continuation of small business growth is viewed as essential for the overall economic development of the U.S. As Texas fosters an attractive environment for entrepreneurs, initiatives like Station Texas play a critical role in connecting aspiring business leaders and providing them with the resources they need to succeed. Manasia’s leadership at Station Texas is poised to make a substantial impact on the entrepreneurial community across the state, promoting collaboration and growth in a rapidly evolving business landscape.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- KBTX: Texas 4-H Roundup Gathers in College Station
- Forbes: Top 10 Cities for Entrepreneurs in 2025
- Houston Chronicle: Katy Among Top 10 Best Cities for Entrepreneurs
- Statesman: Texas Ranked Top State for Entrepreneurs
- Inc: Top 10 Friendly States for Entrepreneurs in 2025
- Wikipedia: Entrepreneurship
- Google Search: Texas Entrepreneurship
- Google Scholar: Texas Entrepreneurship
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Entrepreneurship
- Google News: Texas Entrepreneurs
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.
