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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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| PARTNER UPDATE
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The Relaunch of Launch SA is Here!
Coming on October 1 is the anticipated relaunch of Launch SA. You are invited to celebrate the newly refreshed space as well as learn about the resources and tool for small businesses and entrepreneurs. Now the Launch SA community is at your fingertips, while still being available for in-person experiences.
Launch SA Relaunch
Oct. 1, 2024
10:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
Launch SA is located inside the Central Library at 600 Soledad; Free parking (3-hours) is available with validation stamp inside the library.
Register for this Free event.
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| NOTEWORTHY
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Celebrate Hispanic and Latino Business Owners during National Hispanic Heritage Month!
From September 15 to October 15, we are excited to pay tribute to the economic impact of Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs, past, present, and future.
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September 22 is American Business Women's Day!
American Business Women's Day honors the accomplishments of the businesswomen across the nation. Take a moment to reflect on the contributions and achievements of the millions of women in the workforce. Also, consider the impact of millions of women business owners in the U.S.
Proficient Constructors is a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise located in San Antonio. Principal Owner, Iris Luna, is a second generation contractor and has taken advantage of the City of San Antonio's . This program has helped her grow her business by competing for contract opportunities with the City. We applaud Iris and all women in the business community.
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| PROGRAM UPDATE
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Small Business Construction Support Grant Program
The application period for Small Business Construction Support Grants closed on July 15, 2024, The applications are currently under review. Award announcements to be made by September 2024.
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| CONSTRUCTION SUPPORT PROGRAMMING
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Participte 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. If interested 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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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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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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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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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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| SAVE THE DATE
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SEPT
16
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Artifical Intelligence (AI) Workshop Series (Webinar)
This series of workshops began on Sept. 10 and runs through Oct. 31. The series covers eight distinct topics, and participates can register for one or more workshops based on your interest. A 20% discount is available for those who register for the entire series. Limited openings, registration is first-come, first-served basis.
Hosted by Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Advanced Manufacturing Centers San Antonio
Dates and time vary; Webinar; Register online
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SEPT
17
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Level Up: Food and Beverage Mentor Panel
Join us for the Level Up: Food and Beverage Mentor Panel designed to elevate current food and beverage brands, restaurant owners, and retailers into the next step of their business growth.
Hosted by Launch SA (located inside the Central Library), 600 Soledad St. #1st Floor; Free 3-hour parking with library ticket validation
11am - 1 p.m..EDT; Register Online
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SEPT
19
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Managing Your Online Presence & Developing a Marketing Plan (Webinar)
A strong online presence is essential for any small business in today’s digital age. This workshop will guide you through the process of keeping your Business Profile, social media accounts, and website up-to-date and optimized.
Hosted by Main Street America
4 - 5 p.m..EDT; Webinar; Register Online
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SEPT
26
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Small Business – Meet the Buyers
If you're looking to connect with companies and organizations, this is the perfect opportunity for you. Join us for a day filled with networking, pitching, and building valuable connections. See you there!
Hosted by Maestro Entrepreneur Center, 1811 S. Laredo, San Antonio, TX 78207
1:30pm – 3 p.m..EDT; Register Online
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OCT
1
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How to Level Up: Next Steps for your Restaurant and Retail Business Workshop
Gain a better understanding of what it takes to open a brick-and-mortar business and hear true stories of the common hurdles faced by small business owners and the many ways of overcoming them to operate a successful shop.
Hosted by Launch SA, 600 Soledad St. #1st Floor
12pm – 1:30p.m..EDT; Register Online
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OCT
7
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Minority Enterprises Development Week (MED) Week
The UTSA Valdez Institute for Economic Development MBDA Business Center and the Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Consortium are proud to present the 41st Annual San Antonio MED Week, Octl 7-11. This year’s MED Week will honor winners, both past and present, for their contributions to the business community.
Various dates and times; Register Online
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| PARTNER SPOTLIGHT
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Applications Open for Accelerate for Growth 2nd 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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