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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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ACCOMPLISHMENTS
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RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program Inaugural Class Graduation!
The City of San Antonio in partnership with Main Street America celebrated the first cohort of program participants from the RevializeSA: Corridor Leadership Program with an inaugural graduation. This occurred on November 7 and included a graduate showcase of commercial corridor-focused projects that were influenced by knowledge gained through the program. Mayor Ron Nirenberg, City, and Main Street America leadership addressed and presented certificates to the newly minted graduate class.
The RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program is an intensive 9-month program focused on the revitalization and growth of local commercial corridors and the cultivation of community leaders to shepherd change in their communities.
Learn more and sign-up for updates to RevitalizeSA.
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SMALL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
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Small Business Owners - YOU'RE INVITED - City Proclamation and Small Business Photo
We are kicking off the holiday season celebrating Small Buiness Saturday with a City proclamation and small business group photo. Show unity of small businesses in San Antonio and their impact on the comminty with Mayor Ron Nirenberg.
WHERE: Municipal Plaza Building (next to San Fernando Cathedral) | 114 W. Commerce St. | San Antonio, TX 78205
WHEN:. Wed., November 20, 2024
4 p.m. Buy local T-shirt Distribution
4:30 p.m. Proclamation
5 p.m. Small business group photo
RSVP: If you can attend, please email your t-shirt size to EDDcomms@sanantonio.gov by 11/18, 5PM. T-shirts are based on availability and size.
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Small Business Saturday is on Nov. 30! Join the Buy Local Initiative.
Small Business Saturday is the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Please join us as we celebrate small business contributions to to our community by shopping small. When you Buy Local you are giving back to your community. Almost 70% of every $100 goes back into the local community.
Locally, the Buy Local initiative is a City-led effort to support active local shopping and small business awareness. If you're a small business owner and would like to show your support of the initiative, Buy Local window clings or 5X7 booth signage for market vendors are available. To request window clings or tent signs please email EDDcomms@sanantonio.gov.
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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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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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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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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 smallbizinfo@sanantonio.gov.
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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 Jim@alamobonds.com.
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SAVE THE DATE
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NOV
14-30
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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
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NOV
18
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Program Preview Event - Stimulating Urban Renewal Through Entrepreneurship (SURE) at UTSA
Preview Event to learn more about SURE@UTSA—a transformative program that has empowered over 700 businesses to achieve growth and long-term success. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur, a new business owner, or simply seeking fresh strategies to revitalize your business, SURE helps you lay the foundation for success.
Hosted by LaunchSA (located inside the Central Library - free parking with 3-hour validation)
11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.CST; In-person - LaunchSA, 600 Soledad, 1st Fl.; Register Online
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NOV
18
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Startup Essentials: Your Roadmap to Entrepreneurship
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
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NOV
21
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How to Master Soft Skills for Small Business Success Webinar
Small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance their productivity and professional presence are invited to join this one-hour workshop. We will cover essential soft skills, including setting up a professional email, utilizing a calendar for efficient scheduling, using cloud storage for file management and collaboration, leveraging AI for assistance, and maintaining a business number.
Hosted by Main Street America
4 - 5 p.m..EST; Webinar; 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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