PHARR, Texas - The Pharr Global Business Hub marked its first anniversary with a reception for community leaders, VIPs, and the businesses that have benefited from its programs over the last 12 months.
The project is a collaboration between UT-Rio Grande Valley and Pharr Economic Development Corporation. The Hub aims to strengthen binational economic development.
Both UTRGV and Pharr EDC say the first year of operation has been “a year of expansion, innovation, and meaningful support for entrepreneurs across the Rio Grande Valley.”
The groups say: “Since opening its doors, the Hub has played a pivotal role in economic development, small business support, and community engagement—offering local entrepreneurs access to resources, guidance, and opportunities to grow and scale their ventures.
Veronica Gonzales, vice president of governmental and community relations at UTRGV, said the hub has already become a thriving resource for entrepreneurs and global business. She said its success is helping to elevate the region on the global stage.
“This is the place to come to when you want to start a business or ramp up your business,” Gonzales told the RGG Business Journal.
“Right now, with uncertainty in a lot of countries, people are looking to the U.S., and the Rio Grande Valley is very welcoming. There is a lot of opportunity here. Entrepreneurship is very strong in the Rio Grande Valley."
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of the interview Gonzales gave the Journal:
Victor Perez, president of Pharr EDC, said the Pharr Global Business Hub has already become a thriving resource for entrepreneurs and global business. He said he has been in talks with UTRGV about expanding the size of the facility.
“We have a building next door that we are looking at. We have been talking with Linda from UTRGV about that. We’ve been talking about doing an additional (building) because… this is a great space but… we started small but we are thinking already of doing something else with the center here,” Perez said.
Asked about the one-year anniversary, Perez said:
“Celebrating one year of the Pharr Global Business Hub is a testament to what true collaboration can achieve. Together with UTRGV Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Center, and our partners, we’ve built a foundation that empowers entrepreneurs, strengthens our global reach, and drives new opportunities for our community. This milestone reflects our shared commitment to positioning Pharr as a leader in innovation and economic growth.”
Editor's Note: Here is a video recording of the interview Perez gave the Journal:
