Is El Paso a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

El Paso has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what El Paso gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in El Paso

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and El Paso offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

El Paso's early-stage funding scene is developing, with several local players supporting new ventures. Notable mentions include VC firms like Audaz Capital, focused on various tech sectors, and Saba Investments, an early-stage fund targeting the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez corridor. Angel networks such as Camino Real Angels and GoodWork Ventures actively invest in local startups across diverse industries. Government support is available through the SBA El Paso District Office and programs like the El Paso County Business Loan Fund, offering loans and resources. Organizations like LiftFund also provide microloans and specialized programs. While the ecosystem is growing, challenges exist, including a historical lack of organized angel groups and a need for more early-stage dedicated funds. Some reports indicate that while the tech sector is booming and attracting investment, accessing traditional bank financing and providing necessary financial documentation can be hurdles for some local businesses. Despite challenges, the community, including incubators like Pioneers21 and the MCA Innovation Center, actively works to support entrepreneurs.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

El Paso has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

El Paso is developing a startup ecosystem with a focus on technology, advanced manufacturing, and aerospace & defense. The city has coworking spaces like The Innovation Factory, Downtown Spaces, and others, providing collaborative environments. Tech and entrepreneurial events, such as the Southwest Startup Showdown and Texas Venture Fest, connect founders with resources and investors. Numerous organizations like Pioneers21, the El Paso SBDC, and the Medical Center of the Americas Foundation offer support through incubation, acceleration, mentorship, and workshops. While there are standardized programs, there is also an emphasis on tailored support and mentorship for early-stage founders, helping them with funding, resources, and networking. The ecosystem appears to support both early-stage ventures and provide resources for growth, with a collaborative culture among founders.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in El Paso can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like El Paso, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in El Paso is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

El Paso has a growing talent pool for startups, supported by local educational institutions like the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and El Paso Community College (EPCC). UTEP offers programs relevant to tech and innovation, including computer science and engineering, with initiatives like the Mike Loya Center for Innovation and Commerce and the Blackstone LaunchPad program fostering entrepreneurship among students. EPCC also provides industry-focused training and workforce development programs. The region's talent includes a skilled bilingual workforce and expertise in sectors like technology, manufacturing, healthcare, and engineering. Organizations such as Workforce Solutions Borderplex, Pioneers 21, and various incubators and accelerators further support entrepreneurial growth by providing resources, mentoring, networking, and access to talent and funding. This local ecosystem helps connect startups with the necessary skills and support for development and scaling.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in El Paso can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

El Paso boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

El Paso offers a growing ecosystem for startups, supported by various infrastructure and resources. Key components include incubators and accelerators like Pioneers 21, The Hub of Human Innovation, and programs focused on specific sectors such as the Medical Center of the Americas Innovation Center for biomedical startups and the Advanced Manufacturing District for aerospace and defense. These entities provide mentorship, workshops, networking opportunities, and access to funding and resources. Government initiatives and partner organizations also play a significant role. The City and County of El Paso, along with partners like the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the El Paso SBDC, offer business advising, technical assistance, training, and access to capital through loans and grants. The "Start Up Downtown" initiative focuses on revitalizing the downtown area for new businesses, providing services like grants and business development support. These combined efforts aim to help startups navigate challenges, secure funding, and contribute to the region's economic growth.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in El Paso. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can El Paso Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that El Paso provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in El Paso may encounter specific challenges. While El Paso's cost of living is often cited as affordable compared to other tech hubs, rising inflation can still impact operational costs and potentially necessitate wage increases, affecting profitability. The competitive landscape exists, though some sources suggest it might be easier for startups to stand out compared to larger, more saturated markets. Regulatory hurdles include navigating local zoning laws, obtaining necessary city and state permits and licenses, and complying with environmental regulations. Additionally, accessing traditional bank funding can be a challenge for some businesses.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in El Paso or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while El Paso offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash