“The strength of a family business lies in its ability to merge heart and strategy into every decision.” – Unknown

Applications Open - Small Business Construction Grants 

National Family Owned & Operated Business Day 

National Family Owned & Operated Businesses Day is celebrated on June 23 annually to salute the family-owned and operated businesses that have thrived over time despite challenges in the market economy. Family-owned businesses add to the culture and uniqueness of our great city. We applaud the commitment to family, community and local economy that these businesses represent. 

Learn about and discover many family-owned business through the City’s Legacy Business website. This site and program are managed by the Office of Historic Preservation and showcases businesses in San Antonio who have been open a minimum of 20 years, and as far back as 1851. You can also nominate a company to be included as a Legacy Business. Learn more about the Legacy Business Program!

Calling All Registered Vendors! 

Effective, July 1, 2025, changes will occur to the City’s Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) program. These changes affect eligibility requirements and tools available. To ensure you receive updates on how these changes will impact your business, please log into your vendor account and update your contact information. For password help, email [email protected].

For assistance, please attend one of our in-person  COSA Reverification Sessions at Maestro Entrepreneur Center  1811 S. Laredo St. San Antonio, TX 78207:

• June 17, 2025, 10 a.m – 2 p.m. CDT
• June 25, 2025, 1 – 5 p.m. CDT
• June 26, 2025, 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. CDT

For questions about the upcoming changes contact the Economic Development Department at 210-207-8080 or by email at [email protected].

Reminder: SBEDA Eligibility and Certification Timelines 
To remain eligible for SBEDA participation, vendors must hold an active Small/Minority/Women/Veteran Business Enterprise (S/M/W/VBE) certification from the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) at the time of bid submission. 

Please note the current processing timelines: 

• Re-certifications: Up to 60 business days
• New certifications: Up to 120 business days

We strongly encourage vendors to initiate re-certification or new certification requests well in advance of upcoming bid deadlines to avoid delays or ineligibility. 

If you have any questions regarding the certification process, please contact SCTRCA directly at 210-458-3226 or [email protected]. 

SBA Launches Portal to Boost Made in America Manufacturing Initiative

The Small Business Administration (SBA) has launched an online tool intended to connect U.S. manufacturers, suppliers and producers with businesses looking source American products and services. 

The Make Onshoring Great Again portal from SBA helps connect businesses with verified U.S. manufacturers, producers, and suppliers. It’s built to support companies that want to onshore operations, strengthen their supply chains, and source the components they need—all proudly Made in the USA. 

AIM Summit Arrives June 16

There are a wide variety of programs available for small business owners and entrepreneurs from month to month. If you have an upcoming event to add to our newsletter we invite you to email us at [email protected].

Grants, Loans, Contests, and More to Benefit Your Small Business  

US Chamber of Commerce CO-100 – This award recognizes a small business for its contributions to the U.S. economy and offers a grant of $25,000. The competition also awards smaller $2,000 grants to 10 additional businesses.

National Association for the Self Employed (NASE) - NASE members can apply for monthly small-business grants worth up to $4,000, as well as an annual $3,000 college scholarship for members’ dependents. Grants are awarded year-round, with completed applications reviewed quarterly in January, April, July and October.

Research Local Opportunities

Learn About National Opportunities

Entrepreneur and Business Advancement Opportunity

The Stimulating Urban Renewal Through Entrepreneurship (SURE) program helps entrepreneurs to develop and implement a strategy to launch or grow a successful business. This program is designed for entrepreneurs aiming to start a new business or grow an existing one. While in the program, you will work with UTSA instructors, industry experts and student consultants to develop a plan to achieve your vision for your business. 

SURE has led to the creation of nearly 700 successful businesses, of which 77% were started by Black or Latino entrepreneurs. The Fall 2025 application period opened on June 2 and closes July 25, 2025. Learn more about the SURE program. 

Awareness Marketing

Thinking for ways to market to consumers can be challenging at times, but it does not have to be. Virtually every day or month there are opportunities to use awareness topics to drive your promotions. Here are a few upcoming awareness topics coming up to help you plan for upcoming social media posts or other messaging.  Use awareness resources to find dates that best suit your audience.

Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced monthly and the content presented is accurate at the time of release and may not reflect changes made after the release of this publication.