business
Waco ranks 14th in the nation as one of the best cities to start a business
By Dominique Leh at KXXV (ABC 25) News
· 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 $800,000, while a standar...
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
Local business news drives decisions about where to shop, where to invest, and where to apply for jobs. The Waco covers openings, closings, expansions, and economic shifts because each one ripples through the community.
About this story
Original reporting by KXXV (ABC 25) News . The 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 (ABC 25) News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: July 9, 2026 ·
Source: KXXV (ABC 25) News ·
Reading time: 3 min
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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 $800,000, while a standar...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 9, 2026 by KXXV (ABC 25) News and curated for The Waco readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Dominique Leh at KXXV (ABC 25) News. To learn more about how The Waco selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from The Waco, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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