The City of San Antonio, in partnership with LiftFund is proud to continue the popular Zero Percent Interest Rate Loan Program will be re-opening soon. This program fuels small business growth by offering interest-free, small business loans up to $100,000, reinforcing the City's commitment to a thriving, entrepreneurial landscape. Businesses in construction areas are eligible for a 6-month forbearance period to aid in their resilience. Check our website for updates.

Every October women business owners are recognized during Women’s Small Business Month. This is a time to celebrate and support women entrepreneurs and their contributions to our city and the economy. San Antonio boasts 39% of women small business owners¹. These women not only provide services, many supply jobs that support families in our community. As a whole women make up 47.6% of San Antonio's workforce². This October take a moment to acknowledge women's small business owners in your community, and women's contributions to our workforce.

Sources: ¹ Economic Development Performance Dashboard - Business Ownership. ² Economic Development Performance Dashboard - Employment.

The Federal Reserve’s 2025 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and the City of San Antonio is a partner in this effort. Owners and key financial decisionmakers of for-profit businesses, share your recent experiences about whether and how you use debt, what financial conditions you face, and more. Answers to these questions contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours. Take the 12-minute survey.

On Thursday, September 18 City Council approved a balanced $4 billion budget for Fiscal Year 2026 that protects essential services, invests in community priorities, and keeps the City’s property tax rate unchanged. The plan also sets the foundation to maintain balance in Fiscal Year 2027 despite slower revenue growth and rising costs. 

At the start of the budget cycle, the City faced projected shortfalls. To close the gap, the City reduced spending by $111 million, shifted some costs to the Capital Budget, increased targeted fees and fines, and eliminated 67 positions – with impacted employees placed in existing vacancies. 

Learn more.

It’s always the right time to Buy Local and the fast-approaching holiday season is the best time to support the local economy. Small businesses can be found in your neighborhood and at the flurry of markets around town. The Junior League of San Antonio’s Holiday Olé Market is one of the largest with past attendance of 4000.  

The Holiday Olé Market will bring upwards of 100 merchants that allow attendees to support commerce while also contributing fundraising dollars that goes back to 35 non-profit community partners through the Junior League. This year’s even will be held October 17-19, 2025 at the Shrine Auditorium. Details at their site. 

The markets are a reminder that all small businesses also help one another when they buy supplies from other small businesses. And that is always a smart business move. One way to find local businesses is through Launch SA’s resources site SizeUp. Just type in your search, and local options are at your fingertips.

The City of San Antonio Office of Historic Preservation (OHP) offers the Legacy Business Program for local San Antonio establishments, as part of their Living Heritage Initiative. Eligible participants must have been in business for 20 years or more, and contribute to the history, culture, and authentic identity of San Antonio. 

Our city's culture is what makes us unique and desirable to business industries exploring opportunities or expansion. The newly designated Silk Road Cultural Heritage District is an example of how culture and business legacy go hand in hand. Watch OHP's latest video highlight of the Legacy Business Program featuring a local business in the heart of the district. Learn more about the Legacy Business Program.

Legacy Business Video
 

The City offers a host of information and guidance on how to do business with the City of San Antonio. Learn more about how to help your business grow.

Plus, now, the City's Economic Development Dept. (EDD) is now offering one-on-one, walk-in, support for the business community.These free office hours begin Thursday, October 23, 2025, and will take place on a monthly basis, EDD staff will be available to provide general EDD and procurement information, as well as answer questions on how to do business with the City of San Antonio.

Office hours are located at Launch SA, inside the Central Library, 600 Soledad St. Free 3-hour parking is available with ticket validation. Check out our office hours schedule below.