Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González / Texas Border Business
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the Pharr Economic Development Corporation hosted a panel discussion for entrepreneurs during Small Business Week, offering guidance on starting, expanding, and operating a business in the City of Pharr.
The Level Up Doing Business in Pharr Roundtable, held Thursday, May 7, 2026, brought together city officials and economic development leaders to discuss permitting, zoning, development processes, incentives, and business support. The session concluded with a question-and-answer segment for attendees.
Opening remarks were delivered by Leticia Adame, Economic and Workforce Director for the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, followed by welcomes from Victor Perez, president and CEO of the Pharr Economic Development Corporation, and Armando Villarreal, economic development training specialist at UTRGV.
The discussion was moderated by Francisco Mendez, Pharr EDC’s lead for finance and accounting, who, organizers said, has 35 years of experience in strategic planning, international business development, and finance.
Panelists included Perez, Joe Garza, assistant director of Development Services for the City of Pharr; AC Cervantes, assistant director of Building and Code, and Roy Rodriguez, director of Building and Code.
Topics included permits, zoning, development services, certificates of occupancy, incentives, and the city’s Accela online portal, which streamlines permitting and development-related services.
Garza urged entrepreneurs to verify zoning before signing leases or purchasing property.
“It takes five, 10 minutes tops with us before you make any investment into your business plan, like before you purchase a property, before you make a rental agreement, before you do any investment, just come to us,” Garza said.
Perez said supporting small businesses remains a priority for the city’s economic development efforts.
“We’ve got to support small businesses, and they’re the ones that drive every community,” Perez said. “They have great jobs and local jobs, and they have people that are going to come and eat and drink and get some here at the local gas stations.”
Perez also emphasized the need for preparation before opening a business.
“You have to start with a business plan,” Perez said. “You have to have something in place, and you say, okay, this is my investment, this is what I’m going to do.”
Mendez encouraged entrepreneurs to seek assistance early, describing the city as a support system for business owners.
“The city is your big brother and support,” Mendez said. “It’s important that you take the steps to come to us and get all the support.”
Panelists said the city provides assistance throughout the development process, from zoning verification and planning to permitting and obtaining a certificate of occupancy. The event concluded with audience questions and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
