There was a big buzz when Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers opened in Pharr, and there was an even bigger buzz when American restaurant and entertainment business Dave & Buster’s announced a location would open in McAllen. Restaurant franchises are abundant in South Texas, with competition more rampant in McAllen, Pharr and Edinburg. Bust out of local franchising competitions and locate in an emerging town that’s adding to the growing success of the Rio Grande Valley.
Part of the Growth
Alamo is a part of the growing Mission-McAllen-Edinburg Metropolitan Statistical Area that is now ranked the fifth largest in Texas, surpassing El Paso, Corpus Christi and Killeen-Temple. As part of the ever-growing region, Alamo also serves as the top birding destination in the United States for ecotourism thanks to the Santa Ana National Wildlife Refuge. The Refuge attracts thousands of visitors each year with its 2,088-acre area and 400+ species of birds.
Alamo has been successful in attracting visitors from around the world, allowing for newer developments and businesses to appear. Alamo has brought top grocery chains H-E-B and Walmart Supercenter while also attracting stores such as CVS Pharmacy and Walgreens. The city has been busy attracting new businesses, including Goodwill, Kautsch True Value Home Center and five available hotels, one being La Quinta Inns & Suites.
Incentives for Your Franchise
The Alamo Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is dedicated to promoting and providing new business opportunities to foster economic growth:
- Tax Increment Reinvestment Zones (TIRZ) – With areas specifically designed and created by the Alamo City Council, the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ) brings new investment opportunities to the city. 400 acres dedicated to the TIRZ allows for the development of a defined area, including infrastructure, façade programs, landscaping, streetscaping or other public enhancements.
- Revolving Loan Program – The Revolving Loan Program is designed to assist small businesses and start-ups by providing a low-cost alternative financing option for commercial activities such as renovations, repairs, construction, equipment purchases and real estate.
UTRGV Small Business Development Center
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley Small Business Development Center provides free workshops at various locations. On October 27th, 2016, the Center will be hosting the FREE event, “Basics of Franchising”, at the Weslaco Business Visitor and Event Center from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Pre-registration is required to secure a seat. For more information, click here.
LiftFund
LiftFund is a nonprofit organization that has been helping small business owners with their dreams for over 20 years. Through microloans and minority business loans for women, startups and entrepreneurs, LiftFund provides opportunities to business owners with limited access to capital.
PeopleFund
Founded in Austin, PeopleFund has helped underserved small businesses and nonprofits with equipment purchases, permanent working capital term loans, revolving lines of credit and real estate. PeopleFund also offers a host of essential business assistance services, including educational workshops and one-on-one mentorship with professional volunteers and partner organizations.
Connect with Us
Providing opportunities for growth is a top priority for Alamo and the EDC. That’s why we encourage working together and investing in a location that is destined to help you succeed. For businesses and franchises interested in locating to South Texas, give us a call at 956.787.6622.