In a town like Elsa, every business counts. That’s why we launched The Growth Signal—a short-format podcast created by the Elsa Economic Development Corporation and the City Manager’s Office to keep local businesses, entrepreneurs, and residents informed, inspired, and in the loop.

Powered by a lean team and smart technology, this podcast is our city’s latest communication tool—and it’s already making a big impact.

🎙️ Why a Podcast?

Business owners are busy. Many don’t have time to scroll through social media, check the city website daily, or read long updates. They need quick, clear, actionable information—and they need it in a format that fits their life.

That’s where The Growth Signal comes in.

Each episode is 5–7 minutes long and hosted by two AI-generated characters, Alex and Sarah. Together, they talk through real programs, events, and economic development updates in plain English—no buzzwords, no fluff.

You’ll hear about everything from 0% interest loan programs to workforce development wins to upcoming events that impact local commerce. It’s everything a small-town business owner needs to know, delivered with clarity and consistency.

⚙️ Built for Speed, Powered by Innovation

You might be surprised to learn that the podcast is fully produced in-house—with just one staff member. Using a smart combination of digital tools, we can go from idea to published episode in under an hour.

Our toolkit includes:

• ChatGPT: for scripting fast, accurate, and engaging content

• Eleven Labs: to bring Alex and Sarah’s voices to life with natural AI delivery

• CapCut: for editing audio and video teasers

• Canva: for eye-catching visuals and social media promotion

This tech stack helps Elsa EDC compete in the digital space like cities 10x our size—without the big budget or production crew.

📣 Where You Can Listen

The Growth Signal is distributed across platforms to meet people where they already are:

• Spotify

• YouTube

• Facebook

• Instagram

• LinkedIn

Whether you’re listening on your commute or catching a clip while scrolling, we’re making it easier than ever to stay connected to city-driven business support.

👥 Who It’s For

The Growth Signal was designed with our community in mind:

• Small business owners who want timely info on grants, permitting, or programs

• Entrepreneurs looking to plug into city resources

• Residents who want to understand how local projects impact the economy

• Regional partners watching Elsa grow through innovation

In a town where many businesses are family-run or solo operations, this podcast offers a consistent voice, reliable info, and a modern way to stay up to speed.

📊 Why It Matters

The Growth Signal isn’t just a cool project—it’s a strategic investment in how Elsa communicates. In just a few months, it has already:

• Boosted awareness of city programs like Lift Elsa

• Increased engagement with events like the Delta Area Job Fair

• Helped business owners discover free resources like UTRGV SBDC Office Hours

• Built trust by making city processes feel more approachable

It also shows how much can be done with a small team and the right tools. Instead of hiring an outside agency or building a full production department, we used technology to do more with less.

🚀 What’s Next

We’re just getting started. As The Growth Signal grows, so does our vision. Future plans include:

• Inviting local entrepreneurs and students as guests

• Launching series focused on startup success stories, grant readiness, and more

• Expanding the podcast’s reach to support workforce, tourism, and regional collaboration

Our goal? To keep building a communication engine that reflects Elsa’s values: innovation, efficiency, and community-first thinking.

🔊 Catch the Latest Episode

🎧 Listen on Spotify
📲 Follow us on Instagram for teasers and clips
📥 Have a story idea or question you want us to cover? Contact us

The Growth Signal is produced by the Elsa Economic Development Corporation in partnership with the City Manager’s Office. All episodes are written, voiced, and published in-house using AI-powered tools and a commitment to smart rural innovation.