|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 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.
| |
|
|
|
|
CLOSING SOON - Apply Today!
| |
|
|
|
RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program
The City is partnering with Main Street America for the second year of the RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program (RevitalizeSA). This intensive 9-month program focuses on revitalization and growth of local commercial corridors, by cultivating community leaders through a series of leadership and strategy courses. Applications close January 3, 2025, 3 p.m. CST.
Learn more or apply to RevitalizeSA.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
| |
|
|
|
Buy Local This Holiday Season - Small Business Saturday
Last month we had the privilege to host local small business owners as we celebrated Small Business Saturday (11/30) with a City proclamation. The unity shown by small businesses and supporters was impactful as the City mayor and council members applauded the importance of the small business community in San Antonio. Small Business Saturday was also the kick-off to the Buy Local holiday season.
The City of San Antonio supports our local businesses that create jobs, boost our local economy and preserve the diverse culture that distinguishes the uniqueness of our city. San Antonio is home to over 45,000 verified small businesses. A 10% shift in market share would yield measurable economic impact benefits for the city resulting in 6,000 jobs, $268 million in local earnings and a total economic impact of more than $700 million each year.
Learn more about Buy Local benefits and efforts in our community.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PROGRAM UPDATES
|
|
|
|
Mentor Protégé Program - Applications Are Open
The Mentor Protégé Program cultivates impactful partnerships between established businesses (mentors) and emerging small businesses (protégés). This program is designed to strengthen the capacity, capabilities, and success of small, minority-owned, and women-owned businesses, empowering them to grow and compete effectively for City contracts.
Last month we had the honor of celebrating the most recent graduating group of mentors and proteges who have completed the program.
Learn more or apply for the City of San Antonio Mentor Protégé Program. Program Administrator, Mario Hernandez, can be reached by phone at (210) 485-0821 or email at [email protected].
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PARTNER UPDATES
|
|
|
|
| 
Check Out Launch SA Small Business Resource Hub!
San Antonio small business owners and entrepreneurs, your ultimate resource is here! Visit the newly revamped Launch SA location in the San Antonio Central Library, 600 Soledad St.
Connect with mentors, access business assistance programs, and join workshops designed to help your business thrive. Discover powerful tools like our ecosystem mapping and enhanced business data resources, now available citywide. For details and upcoming programs, head to LaunchSA.org.
Free parking (3-hours) is available with validation stamp inside the library.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
| CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT PROGRAMMING
| |
|
|
|
| 
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
| |
|
|
|
| 
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].
| |
|
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
WORKING WITH THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO
| |
|
|
|
| 
2024 Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Ordinance Amendments Update
On December 5, 2024, amendments to the SBEDA Ordinance were approved by City Council. These amendment updates are based on the 2023 Disparity Study and relevant case law, to ensure the program remains effective and legally sound.
The amended SBEDA Ordinance is set for implementation in August 2025. Additional information will be provided in the coming weeks.
| |
|
|
|
| 
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].
| |
|
|
|
| 
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.
| |
|
|
|
| 
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.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
SAVE THE DATE
| |
|
|
|
|
DEC
11-31
|
Free Courses for Food Entrepeneurs
TXFED.org is a peer-to-peer network made by and for farmers, ranchers, and farmers market organizers.The successful outcome for TXFED is for local food producers and farmers markets to increase customers and sales, develop new market opportunities, and create jobs leading to economic sustainability of Texas local food systems.
Hosted by Texas Center for Local Food
Online - Anytime; Register Online
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEC
11
|
1 Million Cups San Antonio
Join us for our weekly entrepreneurial networking event at Launch SA - 1 Million Cups! 1 Million Cups happens in communities all over the county with a simple idea, provide a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities.
Hosted by LaunchSA (located inside the Central Library - free parking with 3-hour validation)
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.CST; In-person - LaunchSA, 600 Soledad, 1st Fl.; Register Online
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEC
12
|
Managing Business Credit
Are you ready to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality? Join us for an empowering workshop tailored for aspiring entrepreneurs and small business owners. Gain a solid understanding of what it takes to start and sustain your business in today’s competitive landscape.
Hosted by Frost and UTSA Small Business Development Center
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.CST; In-person - UTSA Downtown Campus, Durango Bldg. 2.316; Register Online
|
|
|
|
|
|
DEC
18
|
1 Million Cups San Antonio
Join us for our weekly entrepreneurial networking event at Launch SA - 1 Million Cups! 1 Million Cups happens in communities all over the county with a simple idea, provide a supportive, inclusive space for entrepreneurs and their communities to gather and connect, where they can work through business challenges and identify opportunities.
Hosted by LaunchSA (located inside the Central Library - free parking with 3-hour validation)
9 a.m. - 11 a.m.CST; In-person - LaunchSA, 600 Soledad, 1st Fl.; Register Online
|
|
|
|
|
|
JAN
7
|
Start or Grow Your Business - Upcoming Trainings
Are you a small business owner or aspiring entrepreneur looking to take your skills to the next level? Look no further! We invite you to participate in our Entrepreneurship 101 Webinar Series— a comprehensive online training designed specifically for you.
Hosted by Frost and UTSA Small Business Development Center
9 - 11 a.m..CST; Webinars; Register Online for Session 1 or the full series.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
BUSINESS FINANCING
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
| |
|
|
|
| 
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.
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
