to download the Application and Background Check Release Form. Submit completed application by email to or by fax to .
The Hub requires a $60.00 application processing fee. If your company is from outside the United States or requires special processing that fee may increase. Please contact us if you have questions. Applications will not be reviewed without payment. Use PayPal to submit your fee.
The Hub is a technology incubator that nurtures the development of technology-based businesses, helping them survive and grow especially during the start-up period when they are most vulnerable. We also assist technology-based businesses that are expanding, relocating, or simply need direction to move their business forward. We provide Clients with business support services and tailored resources.
The Hub Client is an entrepreneur or inventor representing a US start up venture opportunity, or an existing US business wishing to establish and accelerate operations in the Paso del Norte Region. The Hub is also the “soft landing” launch pad for global businesses wanting to establish a US operating base in the region.
All Hub Applicants must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- Commitment to create, develop, or expand a US business venture with employment in the Paso del Norte Region
- Commitment to ongoing Hub relationship – Not just development of a Business Plan (e.g. for competition)
- Nature of business must be legal
- Innovative, scalable business opportunity, preferably with identifiable intellectual property
- Entrepreneur or inventor serious about the venture (time & resources)
- Reasonable time to market for products/services (within 3 years)
- Coachable attitude
- Acceptable background check
Hub Programs include the Clean Energy Incubator Program [in collaboration with The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) and the Austin Technology Incubator], the Clean Energy Partners Program, the Manufacturing Partners Program, the Service Provider Program, and the new Team Mentor Program [with training and support from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Venture Mentoring Services Program].
The Hub serves two types of clients:
- Affiliate Clients have access to The Hub facilities during normal operating hours (8am to 5pm Monday –Friday).
- Resident Clients receive the following additional benefits:
- 24/7 secured access to The Hub facilities
- Dedicated, furnished space onsite [private office (~ 85 square feet enclosed) or cubicle (~ 75 square feet)]
- Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP)/Phone Internet
- Receipt of mail
- Utilities and janitorial service
Annual revenue of under $50k @ $200 per month
Annual revenue of $50k to $100k @ $250 per month
Annual revenue of over $100k to $150k @ $300 month
Annual revenue of over $150k @ $325 per month
Step 1: Pre-application meeting or conference with Hub Staff to discuss the idea/business opportunity and The Hub value proposition. A may be executed at this time.
Step 2: Application Submission – The Application briefly describes your business concept and service needs. It includes basic information about the business: the contact information; space requirement, time frame for needed space; description of existing relationship with The Hub (if any); description of business, products/ services under development; release form for background check; and other applicable details. There is a $60 application fee. to download the Application and Background Check Release Form.
Step 3: Background Check and Due Diligence — Hub staff will conduct an application review, confidential criminal background check, credit check, and other general due diligence. Applicants that are declined at this point will either be redirected to other services or receive recommendations to implement for possible re-application at a later date.
Step 4: Orientation – If your business meets the application requirements, you will be contacted by The Hub staff to schedule an in-person orientation. Our staff reviews The Hub’s expectations and requirements for the client, and provides an overview of client policies and procedures. A contract for either Affiliate or Resident Hub Client status and other required documents are executed at this time, including a mutual NDA if one is not already in place.
Step 5: Hub staff work with each client toward eligibility to enter the Hub Team Mentor Program. This will enable the client to work with a mentor team of 2-4 experienced individuals in a dedicated mentoring environment.
The Hub Client application and intake process can take two weeks or less from submission of the application.
The Hub shares due diligence findings and information with company applicants and works with applicants to address key issues that need to be addressed in an effort to progress in the due diligence process.
The Hub will also help with referrals to qualified advisors, mentors and service providers for those companies that apply but are not selected to participate in The Hub’s acceleration program.
If you apply and are not selected, you may apply in the future after addressing the key due diligence issues identified by The Hub during the review process.