Los Fresnos, TX (KRGV) — A Los Fresnos counseling business is growing with help from the city's economic development program.

Griselda Alaniz and her husband started Empowered Counseling Services in Los Fresnos in 2021 with just the two of them. Today, the family-owned business has a staff of 10, four suites and has served nearly 3,000 patients.

The practice also became licensed as a substance abuse treatment facility earlier this year.

Alaniz says support from the Los Fresnos Economic Development Corporation is making a difference. She received a grant to help with her business sign and attends monthly Business Ready sessions.

"We've had sessions with loans and how to obtain loans. We've had the SBA come in to help us also with real estate whether purchasing our building here," Clinical Director Griselda Alaniz said. "Without having to worry about paying somebody to help us with those resources because it is really expensive."

The Los Fresnos Community Development Corporation along with the Small Business Administration host the Business Ready series monthly. Local business owners can get free information and connect with experts.

"They can ensure that there's no opportunities being missed as far as making an application for a loan. A lot of businesses mentioned today look to establish a business plan for lending purposes," Los Fresnos Economic Development Coordinator Jeffrey Rosas said.

Rosas says the goal is not only to bring new businesses to town but to help the ones already there stay and expand.

"They may not know all their options because it happens a lot that sometimes those resources take a while. So, there's a disconnect with those resources," Rosas said.

Data shows the city is currently home to 114 businesses and interest continues to grow.

"We get restaurants. We're getting a new coffee shop. We're getting interest in some medical services," Rosas said.

For Alaniz, the growth is personal.

"A lot of people did tell me one of the things that people would tell me is like why Los Fresnos right you're like you're not going to have any business it's a very small town. I'm still going to do it because this is where my children live right this is our community and people are going to come you know if they need the help," Alaniz said.

The Los Fresnos Community Development Corporation will continue to host monthly sessions for the remainder of the year.