McAllen has long welcomed shoppers from northern Mexico. Now the city is working to welcome something else from across the border: businesses ready to open their first U.S. location.
In early October, the RGV Business Journal reported that about 25 businesses from Tampico, Mexico, are exploring expansion into the United States through McAllen. If you own, lease or are searching for commercial real estate in McAllen, TX, this is a trend worth following.
What Happened: Tampico Businesses Show Interest in McAllen
According to the RGV Business Journal, the businesses expressed interest in McAllen's Soft-Landing Program during a business and franchise event held in Tampico on Sept. 9. A few details from the city's announcement:
- Food and beverage businesses made up the largest share of those interested.
- The group includes a Tampico restaurant looking to enter the U.S. market and a prosthetics startup that is still in its incubation phase. Neither business was named.
- The city says it has worked with 79 entrepreneurs from the Tampico area this year, and some of those projects are moving toward setting up U.S. operations. The city did not say which projects or how many have reached that stage.
Mexican news outlet Milenio reported that the presentation in Tampico was aimed at micro, small and medium-sized businesses in commerce and services, with the promise of a simpler permitting process to help them get their projects off the ground.
What Is McAllen's Soft-Landing Program?
The Soft-Landing Program is a City of McAllen initiative designed to help international companies establish operations and expand into the United States. It is part of the city's broader McAllen Means Business effort to attract and grow businesses.
The program already has its first success story. In August, Monterrey-founded event technology company Ticketopolis became the first business to complete the Soft-Landing Pilot Program and established its U.S. headquarters in McAllen. According to KRGV, the program gave the company access to local resources, business leaders and experts as it explored the U.S. market. Ticketopolis has since joined the McAllen Chamber of Commerce.
What This Could Mean for Commercial Real Estate in McAllen
Expressing interest is an early step. Not every business that attends an event will open a U.S. location, and the city has not said how many will. Still, once a business starts that process, one question comes up quickly: where will it operate?
Restaurant and Retail Space
Because food and beverage businesses led the interest from Tampico, restaurant and retail space is the type of property most directly connected to this news. A restaurant entering a new market usually weighs visibility, parking, customer access and whether a space already has a kitchen setup or will need a full build-out.
Office Space
Not every international company needs a storefront. A technology company like Ticketopolis, or a startup still developing its product, may start with office space as its U.S. base.
Commercial Property Owners and Landlords
If you own commercial property in McAllen, consider how your space would come across to a business entering the U.S. for the first time. Clear listing details, a straightforward leasing process and quick responses can make a real difference for a tenant who is still learning the market.
Tips for Businesses Looking at Commercial Space in McAllen
Whether you are a business owner from Mexico considering McAllen or opening your first location anywhere in the city, a few practical steps can make your search smoother:
- Define your space needs first. Know the square footage, layout and features your business requires before you start touring properties.
- Confirm the property's permitted use. Check with the City of McAllen that a location allows your type of business before you sign a lease or purchase agreement.
- Understand the lease terms. Review the length of the lease, who pays for improvements and maintenance, and what happens at renewal.
- Plan for build-out time. A space that needs major improvements can delay your opening, especially for food service businesses.
- Use local resources. Programs like the Soft-Landing Program and organizations like the McAllen Chamber of Commerce can connect you with people who know the local business community.
- Work with a local real estate professional. An agent who knows McAllen's commercial properties can help you compare locations and negotiate terms.
Commercial Space Available Now in McAllen
If you are ready to start looking, Sermol Real Estate Solutions currently has commercial spaces for lease in several parts of McAllen, including:
The Courtyard Plaza, 5401 N 10th Street
Office suites in a range of sizes along N 10th Street. See an available suite.
Frontier Development, W Pecan Boulevard
Smaller commercial spaces for businesses that need a compact footprint. See an available space.
The District at McAllen, 801 E Fern Avenue
Commercial space for lease in the building pictured at the top of this article. See the listing.
Availability changes often, so browse all of our featured properties for the latest options. You can also search commercial properties for lease in the Rio Grande Valley or commercial real estate for sale in McAllen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the McAllen Soft-Landing Program?
It is a City of McAllen initiative that helps international companies establish operations and expand into the United States, connecting them with local resources, business leaders and experts. It is part of the city's McAllen Means Business effort.
How many Mexican businesses are interested in expanding to McAllen?
About 25 businesses from Tampico expressed interest in the program at a Sept. 9 event in Tampico. The city also says it has worked with 79 entrepreneurs from the Tampico area this year.
What types of businesses are interested?
Food and beverage businesses made up the largest share of the Tampico group. The city also mentioned a restaurant and a prosthetics startup among those interested.
Has any company completed the Soft-Landing Program?
Yes. Ticketopolis, an event technology company founded in Monterrey, was the first business to complete the Soft-Landing Pilot Program and established its U.S. headquarters in McAllen.
Where can I find commercial space for lease in McAllen?
You can browse current commercial properties for lease on Sermol.com, or contact our team for help finding a space that fits your business.
Looking for Commercial Space in McAllen?
Whether you are bringing your business to the U.S. for the first time, searching for your next location or looking for a tenant for your property, Sermol Real Estate Solutions can help you find the right fit in McAllen and across the Rio Grande Valley.
Call us at 956-683-6598, email info@sermol.com or send us a message. You can also sign up for commercial real estate updates to hear about new listings and leasing opportunities.
Sources: RGV Business Journal, KRGV, Milenio.
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