The Rural Business Program, part of the UTSA Small Business Development Center, is scheduled to open a SBDC Information Center in Carrizo Springs. The new center will office with the Middle Rio Grande Development Workforce Solutions offices at 307 West Nopal St. The center will reinforce efforts to help communities become sustainable during the ongoing oil and gas extraction projects in the Eagle Ford Shale region. An open house commemorating the SBDC Information Center opening will be 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17. The public is invited to attend the special ceremony and listen to presentations on small business opportunities within the Eagle Ford Shale area. 

The Eagle Ford Shale provides more than 12,000 workers with full-time jobs. Communities are welcoming the growth brought by the activity that includes challenges associated with the dramatic economic upturn.

"The Eagle Ford Shale oil and gas play will bring economic prosperity to the region and for the state," said Gil Gonzalez, director of the SBDC Rural Business Program at The University of Texas at San Antonio.