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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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| We Want to Hear From You!
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Small Business Credit Survey
Help improve what’s known about small businesses: Survey Now Open!
The Federal Reserve’s 2024 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and City of San Antonio is a partner on 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 today.
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PROGRAM UPDATES
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Zero Percent Interest Rate Loan Program Applications Now Open!
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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RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program Cohort 2 Applications Opening Soon!
The City is partnering with Main Street America to launch the RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program. This intensive 9-month program focuses on revitalization and growth of local commercial corridors. The program focuses on cultivating community leaders.
Learn more and sign-up for updates to RevitalizeSA.
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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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PARTNER UPDATES
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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.
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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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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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OCT
17
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Cultivating the Entrepreneurial Mindset
Whether you are a solopreneur or lead a small team, this one-hour workshop will provide you with valuable strategies to foster innovation, resilience, and growth in your business.
Hosted by Main Street America
4 - 5 p.m..CDT; Webinar; Register Online
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OCT
21
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Start or Grow Your Business Training Opportunities | Oct. 21 - 25
Whether you are a solopreneur or lead a small team, this one-hour workshop will provide you with valuable strategies to foster innovation, resilience, and growth in your business.
Hosted by UTSA Small Business Development Center
Webinars and In-person. Register Online
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OCT
22
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The Power of Capital
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
11 - 12 p.m..CDT; Webinar; Register Online
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OCT
24
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How Businesses Obtain Credit
If you're starting or growing your small business, join us for this conversation on how businesses obtain credit!
Hosted by Frost and UTSA Small Business Development Center
1 - 2:30 p.m..CDT; Webinar; Register Online
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NOV
8
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Doing Business with the City of San Antonio: Become a Certified Vendor
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
1:30 - 3 p.m..EDT; Register Online
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BUSINESS FINANCING
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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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