Entrepreneurs and small business owners in McAllen will soon have access to free business coaching, market research, and strategic planning through a new partnership between the City of McAllen and The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
The city has partnered with UTRGV’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship to bring the university’s Market Lab program to the McAllen Main Library, expanding access to business development resources for startups and existing small businesses.
The six-week program will provide the first 30 accepted businesses with personalized coaching, branding support, market research, and strategic planning at no cost.
Participants will also be paired with UTRGV student consulting teams for semester-long projects focused on helping entrepreneurs.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy, and we’re grateful to partner with UTRGV to offer this exceptional opportunity to the business community,” McAllen City Manager Isaac J. Tawil said in a news release Wednesday. “By investing in our entrepreneurs, we’re investing in the future of McAllen.”
The program combines classroom instruction with hands-on business consulting, allowing UTRGV students to work directly with local businesses while helping owners make data-driven decisions and strengthen their long-term growth.
“One of the best ways to prepare students for successful careers is to give them opportunities to solve real business challenges before they graduate,” Dr. Giorgio Gotti, dean of UTRGV’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, said in the release. “This collaboration benefits our students, our business partners and the continued growth of the Rio Grande Valley.”
Since its inception, Market Lab has served more than 70 businesses, with 92% of participants reporting increased market clarity and confidence in their business direction.
Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now being accepted here.
RGV Business Journal Staff
Staff
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