McAllen, UTRGV, Market Lab, Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, McAllen Main Library, small business, entrepreneurs, Isaac Tawil, Giorgio Gotti, business coaching, market research
Staff Report
McAllen TX - The City of McAllen has partnered with the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship to bring the UTRGV Market Lab program to the McAllen Main Library, offering free business development resources to local entrepreneurs and small business owners.
The six-week program will accept the first 30 qualifying businesses and provide personalized coaching, market research, branding support, and strategic planning at no cost. Participants will also be paired with UTRGV student consulting teams for semester-long projects covering market research, business strategy, financial analysis, and marketing.
City Manager Isaac J. Tawil said the partnership reflects the city’s commitment to its business community.
“We’re excited to bring the UTRGV Market Lab to McAllen and provide our local entrepreneurs with access to resources that can help them grow and succeed,” Tawil said. “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. By investing in our entrepreneurs, we’re investing in the future of McAllen.”
Dr. Giorgio Gotti, dean of the Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship, said the program advances UTRGV’s experiential learning mission.
“One of the best ways to prepare students for successful careers is to give them opportunities to solve real business challenges before they graduate,” Gotti said. “Through Market Lab, students work alongside local businesses, applying their knowledge, developing professional skills and making a meaningful impact on our community. 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.
The program is open to entrepreneurs, startups, innovators, and small business owners looking to launch or expand. Applications for the Fall 2026 cohort are now being accepted at forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=pjYEmd-HHEmRJJr6kfiIJw04M0otkuJDoY7DWhlh3ZpUQUNGUk5KTjM0M0lQOFVINUpLMUNLSEdJWi4u&route=shorturl.
Source - City of McAllen and UTRGV Robert C. Vackar College of Business and Entrepreneurship