Introduction to Hub Azteca
As small businesses gear up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Hub Azteca has been established as a free business training center to bolster their skills in areas such as marketing, sales, and customer service. Located near the Estadio Azteca in Mexico City, this initiative targets local small businesses and entrepreneurs in the southern part of the capital.
About Hub Azteca
Hub Azteca, directed by Mario Romero, the director of Impact Hub CDMX, aims to strengthen over 300 businesses by June 2026 through free workshops on customer service, hospitality, digital tools, electronic payment methods, commercial image, marketing, and sales. The program also offers assistance with microcredit links and financing.
Target Businesses
- Taquerias (taco shops)
- Fondas (small eateries)
- Pharmacies
- Convenience stores (tiendas de abarrotes)
The Significance of Hub Azteca
Mario Romero emphasizes that the primary goal is not just preparing for an event but using it as a catalyst for local development. The initiative seeks to create a lasting impact on the business community rather than a temporary boost.
Collaboration and Support
Hub Azteca is supported by Impact Hub CDMX, Promotora Social México, Educación Financiera Banamex, Fundación Coppel, Fundación Compartamos, and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.
The Challenge of a Lasting Legacy
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada, presents both a historic opportunity and a significant challenge. Cities hosting the event are investing in infrastructure, but experts stress that these efforts should extend beyond the event to create sustainable benefits.
Mexico City Investments
The Mexican capital has announced over 6,000 million pesos for modernizing the Light Rail to Estadio Azteca, introducing electric trolleybus lines, and improving nearby roadways. Additionally, 2,100 million pesos are allocated for Estadio Azteca’s renovation and 8,500 million pesos for adjustments at Benito Juárez International Airport.
Guadalajara and Monterrey Investments
Guadalajara plans to invest over 3,000 million pesos in revitalizing its Historic Center and tourist spaces, along with 250 million pesos for modernizing Estadio Akron. Monterrey is also preparing similar investments to ensure its role as a host city.
Sustainable Benefits
Experts warn that infrastructure investments should go beyond the event and generate lasting benefits, as seen in previous host cities like Berlin (2006) and Moscow (2018). Proper management of the World Cup can lead to increased tourism, domestic consumption, and temporary jobs.
Community-Focused Approach
Mario Romero stresses that the true legacy should benefit the local community, not just infrastructure development without engaging residents.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Hub Azteca? Hub Azteca is a free business training center in Mexico City, offering workshops to help small businesses improve skills in marketing, sales, customer service, and more.
- Who benefits from Hub Azteca? Over 300 small businesses, including taquerias, fondas, pharmacies, and convenience stores, will benefit from the program.
- What support does Hub Azteca offer? The initiative provides free workshops on customer service, hospitality, digital tools, payment methods, marketing, sales, and assistance with microcredit links and financing.
- Why is Hub Azteca important? It aims to create a lasting impact on the local business community, extending beyond the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Who supports Hub Azteca? The initiative is backed by Impact Hub CDMX, Promotora Social México, Educación Financiera Banamex, Fundación Coppel, Fundación Compartamos, and the U.S. Embassy in Mexico.
- What challenges does the 2026 World Cup present? Host cities must invest in infrastructure, but experts stress the importance of creating sustainable benefits for the local community.
