Story not found
This article may have been removed or the link is incorrect.
← Return to briefing
local
Waco ranks 14th in the nation as one of the best cities to start a business
By Dominique Leh at KXXV
· July 9, 2026
· 3 min read
A recent study analyzing costs, funding sources and barriers ranked Waco 14th on the list of best cities in the country for entrepreneurs to open a business. The study found the average commercial rent in Waco is $18.61 a square foot and the average SBA loan is more than...
Key takeaway Mila Rosa Caf owner Kayla Olvera, who started her business with a tent in 2019 and opened a location on 25th Street in 2025, said rent costs especially near Magnolia can be a barrier, but community connection is key to staying open.
Why this matters in Waco
The Robinson Rockets' impending appearance in the Class 4A DI state title game against Brock has the community abuzz, and a win would cement their place in local sports history. As the team prepares to take the field, their focus on family, fun, and camaraderie has been a key factor in their postseason success. This approach has resonated with fans in McLennan County, where high school sports are a beloved part of the local culture. A state championship would be a source of pride for the city of Waco and the surrounding areas, and would likely draw congratulations from local leaders, including those at neighboring Baylor University. The Rockets' run has also brought attention to the Robinson community, which is served by the Waco ISD, and a win would be a testament to the district's athletic programs.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV . Waco surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KXXV . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV ·
Reading time: 3 min
Get more Waco stories like this
Free weekly briefing covering local and other local news. Curated by our editorial team. No spam.
By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy . Unsubscribe anytime.
Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? A recent study analyzing costs, funding sources and barriers ranked Waco 14th on the list of best cities in the country for entrepreneurs to open a business. The study found the average commercial rent in Waco is $18.61 a square foot and the average SBA loan is more than...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KXXV and curated for Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dominique Leh at KXXV. To learn more about how Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
← Back to all news
More local →
Today’s briefing
Subscribe to newsletter
Continue reading
This preview is provided by Waco News. Full article available at .