Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
Texas Border Business
PHARR, Texas — The Pharr Economic Development Corporation (Pharr EDC), in partnership with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s (UTRGV) Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center (ECC), held the graduation ceremony for the second cohort of the Kauffman FastTrac program on Tuesday, October 14, 2025, at the Pharr Global Business Hub, located at 301 S. Cage Blvd.
The event marked a significant milestone for entrepreneurship in the Rio Grande Valley, celebrating the achievements of eight local business owners and entrepreneurs who completed the seven-week intensive program. The graduates—Jorge Cruz Saenz, Jose Exiga, Julia Martinez, Juan C. Salas, Gloria Gloria, Elaisa Palacios, Jorge A. Quintero, and Dina Sabnani—were recognized for their dedication to developing and strengthening their business ventures.
The Kauffman FastTrac program, a signature initiative of the Pharr Global Business Hub, offers participants structured, hands-on training in critical areas such as marketing, financial management, strategic planning, sales, and leadership. Delivered in collaboration with UTRGV’s ECC, the curriculum is designed to provide practical, real-world skills essential for entrepreneurial success.
“The vision behind the Pharr Global Business Hub has always been to provide opportunities for local entrepreneurs to access high-quality training, mentorship, and resources,” said Victor Perez, President and CEO of Pharr EDC. “Through programs like Kauffman FastTrac, we are equipping participants with the tools they need to succeed while contributing to the economic vitality of Pharr.”
According to UTRGV’s Entrepreneurship & Commercialization Center, the FastTrac program emphasizes experiential learning and real-world application. “FastTrac participants benefit from a highly engaging experience that connects theory with practice,” said a UTRGV representative. “They gain not only technical knowledge but also the confidence to apply those skills in their ventures.”
The Pharr Global Business Hub, co-developed by Pharr EDC and UTRGV, serves as a collaborative space for innovation, learning, and business development. Since its establishment in August 2024, the Hub has positioned Pharr as a leader in supporting small business growth and fostering a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem in the region.
Graduates of the Kauffman FastTrac program receive a professional certification acknowledging their commitment to entrepreneurial development. Many participants report that the training helped refine their business models, strengthen financial planning, and expand their professional networks through connections with mentors and fellow entrepreneurs.
City officials emphasized that the success of programs like FastTrac has a broader impact on Pharr’s economic landscape. By supporting small businesses, the city helps create new jobs, attract investment, and build a more resilient economy. “The Pharr Global Business Hub is not only a resource for entrepreneurs—it’s an investment in the city’s future,” Perez said. “By empowering local talent, we’re building a more sustainable and innovative community.”
Through continued collaboration between Pharr EDC, UTRGV, and the Kauffman Foundation, the initiative will continue to provide future cohorts with the education, mentorship, and networking opportunities needed to turn business ideas into successful enterprises. The second cohort’s graduation stands as evidence of Pharr’s ongoing commitment to developing entrepreneurship and strengthening the regional economy.
