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Economic Development Header

 
SMALL BUSINESS NEWS

FEBRUARY 2025

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.

 

SPOTLIGHT

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Office with 4 interns seated about table with employer in the center speaking to them.

 

Become An Employer Host For Summer Interns 

 
Local businesses are invited to take advantage of the City of San Antonio Ambassador Summer Internship Program. The City recruits talented college students from across the country who will be home in San Antonio for the summer and strategically connects them with internship opportunities with stellar employers. The experience aims to encourage students to consider San Antonio as a place to live and work after they graduate.     
 
The City recruits, screens and pays interns. Employers may host interns including in-person, virtual or hybrid internship experiences in San Antonio. 
  
Interested businesses may complete the Intern Request Form. Email the program contact for more information. 
    
  

 

Buzz Marketing - February Awareness Days

 
Holidays and awareness days are built in buzz marketing opportunities. Take advantage of the season of love and caring by using it as a tool to gain customer traffic or social media following. In addition to Valentines Day on Feb. 14, there is also Galentine's Day and Palentine's Day. Both occur on Feb. 13. There are many ways to market to your customer base. Research what works best for you. 
 
  • Hug Day: February 12
  • Kiss Day: February 13
  • Galentine's Day: February 13
  • Palentine's Day: February 13
  • Valentine's Day: February 14
  • Random Acts of Kindness Day: February 17
  • Love Your Pet Day: February 20
 

 

PROGRAM UPDATES

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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. 

 

 

cartoon image of person at laptop facing viewer. Text is included and reads, Small Business Owners in select construction zones. Expand your reach online!

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.
 
 
 

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. 

 


 

BUSINESS FINANCING

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

Skills for Small Business Grant -  Supports businesses with fewer than 100 employees. The program focuses on training new and incumbent workers. Up to $2 million is available for supporting our state's small employers.

The UPS Store® Small Biz Challenge - Enter your small business for an opportunity to compete for a share of the $35,000 prize to grow your business, a feature in Inc. magazine, expert mentorship, and more!  Deadline: February 19, 2025

Research Local Opportunities

Learn About National Opportunities


 

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

 

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

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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 Forecast 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. 
 

South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency

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

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FEB
12

UTSA Supplier Vendor Networking Breakfast

Discover essential strategies for successful bids and building valuable contracting relationships. 

 

Hosted by CPS Energy, SBDC Center for Government Contracting and University of Texas at San Antonio APEX

8 - 10 a.m. CST; In-person  -  CPS Energy Headquarters, 500 McCullough; Register Online.

FEB
19

Intro to Small Business Ecosystem: Access to Capital

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)

12 - 1:30 pm CST; In-person  - Launch SA, 600 Soledad, 1st Fl.; Register on-line.

FEB
25

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

MAR
6

Business Tax Fundamentals

Informative workshop outlining the basic tax obligations and filings that may be required by small business owners.

 

Hosted by UTSA Small Business Development Center

6 - 8 p.m..CST;  Webinars; Register Online


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Stay Connected wtih Your City!

Sign up to receive text message notifications from the City of San Antonio. Visit SASpeakUp.com/CityTexts or text the word “COSAGOV” to 73224.


 

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Sent on behalf of City of San Antonio Economic Development Department by PublicInput.com

Contact the Small Business Division: 210-207-3922

 Email: [email protected]   |   sanantonio.gov

 

100 W. Houston St., San Antonio TX, 78205

 
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