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| The Economic Development Department is here to foster economic growth through collaboration and innovation for the continued prosperity of our community. We have a wealth of information to share on programs available, business resources and upcoming events.
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| JANUARY IS NATIONAL MENTORING MONTH
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Mentor Discovery Opportunities at Your Fingertips
National Mentoring Month reminds us at any stage in the entrepreneur and small business journey it helps to have guidance and support from people how have experienced what you are going through.
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SPOTLIGHT
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Ready to Work Offers Employer-based Training Funds
Ready to Work (RTW) is San Antonio’s premier workforce program, offering high-quality education and training. Scholarships and support services are available through RTW to eligible participants seeking job readiness opportunites. Employers who have made the RTW Pledge have the opportunity to access funds to be used for training and education programs to build your workforce base.
Six million dollars of employer-based training funds are now available through the Ready to Work On the Job Training and Incumbent Worker Training programs. Applications are now open for employers who meet the eligibility requirement of having taken the RTW Pledge. Businesses who would like to take the RTW pledge to take advantage of employer-based training funds are encouraged to apply.
APPLY NOW:
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PROGRAM UPDATES
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Digital Presence Program
The City of San Antonio and Herospace are partnering to help small businesses in San Antonio reach more customers online. Participating businesses can take a user-friendly online survey and receive a report that helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of your online presence.
Visit our Digital Presence Program page to take the survey and explore resources. Small businesses in City initiated construction zones may be eligible for free digital work as funding is available.
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Zero Percent Interest Rate Loan Program
The Zero Percent Interest Rate Loan Program, administered by LiftFund, offers flexible small business loans from $500 to $100,000 at 0% interest. Loans can be used for various business-related expenses such as inventory and payroll. Businesses in construction areas are eligible for a 6-month forbearance period to aid in their resilience. This program is subject to LiftFund’s credit and lending guidelines, including inability to secure funding through traditional commercial sources. Other fees may apply.
Learn more or apply to the Zero Percent Interest Rate Loan Program.
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Northeast Corridor Enhancement Matching Grant Program
The Northeast Corridor (NEC) Enhancement Matching Grant program assists owners and tenants of commercial properties within the Perrin Beitel – Nacogdoches revitalization area with facade, landscape, and signage improvements to their businesses. Total project cost is reimbursed to grantee on 2:1 basis up to $50,000. An application is required for this program.
Learn more of apply at NEC Enhancement Grant Program.
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CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT PROGRAMMING
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Participate in the Buy Local Savings Pass Program!
The Buy Local Savings Pass is a mobile-exclusive perks and savings pass aimed at driving customers to your location. We want to invite YOU to participate in the Buy Local Savings Pass program and experience the benefits. To participate, your business must be located in a City-initiated construction corridor. If you are interested in in joining the program or more information, email [email protected].
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Visit San Antonio Membership!
COSA will subsidize memberships for construction-impacted small businesses with Visit San Antonio. Membership includes a suite of marketing resources and networking benefits, etc. To learn more and to signup at Visit San Antonio
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Signage Program
Do you need a ‘Business is Open’ sign? Businesses in certain construction areas may qualify for individualized signage to increase visibility and attract customers. The City will cover up to $300 for a sign that fits your unique needs. Businesses must meet eligibility standards. To Learn more about Signage Program details visit our program page.
Pub lic Works Dashboard
The dashboard offer an easy way to quickly find a wealth of information about hundreds of City projects. You can search maps to find bond projects, street, alley, sidewalk, and drainage projects. Click on the project for quick access to its construction timeline, phase and cost, among other info. The dashboards also feature links to info-packed project pages for every 2022 bond project. For more info, visit SA.gov/RoadToProgress.
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WORKING WITH THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
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Capacity Building and Bonding Assistance Program
This program will provide surety and bond assistance to eligible local small, minority, and woman-owned businesses seeking City construction contracts. This assistance is designed to establish, enhance, and increase the program participant’s bonding capabilities and capacity, which should lead to an increase in the number and size of City construction contracts they are both bidding on and awarded.
Eligible program participants will be provided a tailored needs assessment that includes educational, technical, and financial literacy components for success. In addition, program participants will be provided one-on-one bonding counseling, project support if awarded a City contract, and access to a $500,000 revolving pool of funds for those in need of assistance to cover costs related to City bonding requirements in order to bid on a City solicitation.
For more information on how to apply for the City of San Antonio Capacity Building & Bonding Assistance Program, visit sanantonio.gov/edd or call program administrators, Alamo Surety Bonds, at (210) 930-5550 or email at [email protected].
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Bidding Contracting Opportunities
The City of San Antonio is committed to helping your business grow in San Antonio. To view current bidding and contracting opportunities with the City of San Antonio, visit our procurement department’s page.
In addition to current contracting opportunities, the Anticipated Solicitations List provides advanced notice to the small, minority and woman-owned businesses to prepare for upcoming bids/proposals beyond the standard advertisement period. This list will be updated monthly with detailed information on Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Program tools applied and provide an overview of solicitations to be posted in the next 30-60 days.
The Annual Procurement Guide is another forecasting tool of planned City solicitations over the course of a year. Businesses can use this guide to research solicitations, understand City’s Preference Programs and solicitation processes, as well as network with prime level vendors for subcontractor opportunities. The new procurement guide will be available soon.
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Need your (S/M/WBEs) Certification?
Visit the South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) website for information regarding the certification. SCTRCA is a 501 (c) (3) Non-profit Corporation that represents several public entities in the South Texas area. These entities are committed to enhancing participation for Disadvantaged, Small, Minority, and Woman-owned businesses in public/government contracting and purchasing activities.
To learn more, please visit online at www.sctrca.org or contact the SCTRCA at 210-227-4722, you can also send an email to support@sctrca.org.
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SAVE THE DATE
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JAN
22
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How to Fund Your Business in This Changing Economy
If you have been wondering how you will fund your new business venture, join us for this webinar.
Hosted by UTSA Small Business Development Center
12 - 1 p.m..CST; Webinars; Register Online
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JAN
29
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Marketing Essentials for Small Business Success
Join us for an engaging workshop designed specifically for small business owners looking to master the fundamentals of marketing.
Hosted by UTSA Small Business Development Center
10 - 11:30 a.m.CST; Webinar; Register Online
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JAN
31
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CPS Energy and LULAC Small/Medium Business Event
Hosted by CPS Energy
9 a.m. - 12 p.m.CST; In-person - San Antonio Food Bank, 5200 Old Hwy 90; To register, please e-mail Carolyn Laborde.
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FEB
25
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How to Do Business with the City of San Antonio
Learn about city contracts, the registration process, and how to navigate bidding and proposal submissions. Lunch provided.
Hosted by LaunchSA (located inside the Central Library - free parking with 3-hour validation)
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.CST; In-person - Launch SA, 600 Soledad, 1st Fl.; Register Online
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JAN
14-31
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Launch SA Business Resource Events
Launch SA offers events and tailored workshops, where you can gain insights and connect with other entrepreneurs.
Hosted by Launch SA (located inside the Central Library - free parking with 3-hour validation)
Typically In-person - Launch SA, 600 Soledad, 1st Fl.; Learn more about upcoming events.
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BUSINESS FINANCING
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PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
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Applications Open for Accelerate for Growth Second Stage Cohort Program
The Maestro Entrepreneur Center, a non-profit dedicated to empowering small business owners, is thrilled to announce the 2nd Stage Cohort Program! In partnership with the City of San Antonio, H-E-B, the Edward Lowe Foundation, and Arca-Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, Maestro is seeking 15 ambitious small business owners who are eager to elevate their businesses.
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