Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
August 15, 2024–The Pharr Global Business Hub officially opened its doors in a grand event attended by prominent local, state, and federal figures. This event reflected the significance of this new facility for the economic development of the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The event highlighted the joint efforts of the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) and the Pharr Economic Development Corp. led by Victor Perez, including various business and community leaders in creating a state-of-the-art resource center to foster international business and local economic growth. The Center is located in Pharr, Texas, strategically a few steps from Pharr City Hall.
The event began with remarks from Dr. Jonathan Flores, the City Manager of Pharr, who represented Mayor Dr. Ambrosio Hernandez. He emphasized the long-term vision and joint efforts that led to the creation of the Pharr Global Business Hub. He highlighted the city’s commitment to creating opportunities through partnerships, specifically mentioning UTRGV as a key partner.
Victor Perez, president and CEO of Pharr EDC, provided an emotional account of the years of effort that culminated in the hub’s opening. He expressed deep gratitude to his team and partners, emphasizing the hub’s support of local and international businesses. Perez underlined Pharr’s strategic position as a gateway to global markets, particularly with the ongoing expansion of the Pharr International Bridge.
Victor Garza, representing Congressman Vicente Gonzalez, delivered a letter from the Congressman, commending the Pharr EDC team and the vision behind the Business Hub. He highlighted the hub’s potential to enhance economic vitality and expressed the federal office’s commitment to supporting the initiative.
UTRGV Partnership
Dr. Magdalena Hinojosa, Senior Vice President for Strategic Enrollment and Student Affairs at UTRGV, highlighted the university’s role in creating the hub and its commitment to the region’s economic and workforce development. She noted that the hub would serve as a key resource for advancing the region’s economic development and community engagement, focusing on creating job opportunities for UTRGV graduates.
Hub Services and Programming
Ron Garza, Senior Associate Vice President from UTRGV’s Office of Workforce and Economic Development, detailed the extensive services the Pharr Global Business Hub will offer. He emphasized the hub’s role as a one-stop shop for business support, featuring resources such as the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), the Apex Center for government contracting, and veteran business outreach programs. Garza highlighted the hub’s tailored support for international businesses, marking it as a critical resource for the region’s economic growth.
Eduardo Cerda, Business Development Manager for Latin America and Chairman of the International Association of Microsoft Partners shared his experience with UTRGV’s support services, emphasizing the hub’s importance in fostering international business expansion. He praised the RGV’s unique combination of opportunities and resources, positioning it as a prime location for future technological and business developments.
Garza said that the UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center (ECC), under the leadership of Director Linda Ufland, plays a central role in supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV). The ECC offers comprehensive resources, programs, and community engagement opportunities to foster business growth and innovation. During the grand opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub, Ufland outlined the ECC’s strategic initiatives, particularly focusing on launching a new program tailored for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and the center’s role as a designated landing site for international businesses.
Key Objectives of ECC at the Pharr Global Business Hub
The ECC is committed to advancing entrepreneurship through:
- Business Incubation: Support startups and growing businesses through tailored incubation programs.
- Entrepreneurship Development Programs: Offering various educational and training programs to equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed.
- Resource Provision: Facilitating access to critical resources such as business consulting, mentorship, and networking opportunities.
- Community Engagement: Engaging with local and international communities to foster a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.
New Program Launch: Kaufman Fast Track
One of Linda Ufland’s key announcements was the launch of the Kaufman Fast Track program. This signature program of the ECC is now open for its first cohort, specifically targeting Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs. The program aims to provide foundational entrepreneurship skills to local business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs, empowering them to build and scale successful enterprises. The initiative highlights the ECC’s commitment to inclusivity and its focus on addressing the unique needs of the diverse RGV population.
The ECC has also been designated as a self-landing site by the International Business Innovation Association. This designation enables the ECC to provide comprehensive support to international entrepreneurs looking to establish and expand their businesses in the RGV. The center offers tailored coaching, resources, and logistical assistance to ensure these entrepreneurs can successfully navigate the local business environment. This initiative accentuates the ECC’s strategic role in promoting the RGV as a hub for international business and innovation.
Ufland credited the ECC’s success to her team’s dedicated efforts, particularly highlighting the contributions of the international program and the management team. Their collective efforts are instrumental in the ECC’s administration and operation, ensuring it remains a vital resource for local and international entrepreneurs.
Ufland also thanked Victor Perez and the Pharr EDC team for their trust and collaboration in developing the new Pharr Global Business Hub space. This partnership is a significant step in enhancing the region’s capacity to support entrepreneurial ventures.
The UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center is a cornerstone of the RGV’s entrepreneurial landscape, offering critical support to local and international businesses. With the launch of the Kaufman Fast Track program for Spanish-speaking entrepreneurs and the ECC’s designation as a landing site for international companies, the center is well-positioned to drive significant economic growth and innovation in the region. The ECC’s commitment to inclusivity, community engagement, and strategic partnerships will continue to make it an invaluable asset to the RGV and beyond.
The event concluded with remarks from Joaquin Spamer, President of Commodities Integrated Logistics Group (CIL), who shared his personal success story, attributing his company’s growth to the support received from UTRGV and local resources. Spamer highlighted the potential for significant technological advancements in the region, referencing recent developments like SpaceX’s presence in the RGV.
A special mural unveiling followed the speeches, symbolizing the collaboration and growth that the Pharr Global Business Hub represents. The event concluded with music by the UTRGV mariachi, celebrating the hub’s opening and the promising future for the community.
As Perez said, “The grand opening of the Pharr Global Business Hub marks a significant milestone for the City of Pharr and the Rio Grande Valley. With its strategic focus on international business and local economic development, the hub is set to become a key resource for entrepreneurs and businesses in the region. The collaboration between Pharr EDC, UTRGV, and various stakeholders demonstrates that partnerships drive regional growth and prosperity.