"Progress lies not in enhancing what is, but in advancing toward what will be." — Khalil Gibran
RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program - Cohort 3 Applications to Open February 2026
The City is partnering with Main Street America for the third year of the RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program (RevitalizeSA). This intensive program focuses on revitalization and growth of local commercial corridors, by cultivating community leaders through a series of leadership and strategy courses. Interested participants should be able to commit to a 9-month program and an additional 3 months for an optional project that puts learnings into action.
AMEX Shop Small Grants Program - Applications Close January 16.
Main Street America and American Express® are teaming up to help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities. Eligible small business owners across the U.S. can apply for $20,000 grants through the new AMEX Shop Small Grants Program. Applications are open now and will close on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT. Learn more about this grants program.
Creative Professionals and Entrepreneurs Grant Opportunity
The City of San Antonio Department of Arts & Culture offers San Antonio-based professional artists annual grant opportunities. Grants of $7,500 and $15,000 support artists in their creation of new work. Artists can apply individually or as part of a collective/ensemble. This year’s Intent to Apply closes January 23, 2026. These initial applications will be reviewed to confirm eligibility. If eligible, applicants will be granted access to the formal application, which opens February 2, 2026.
The next information session will be Saturday, January 17, 11 a.m. at Confluence Park (310 W. Mitchell St., 78204). Register for this session. Or learn more online about this grant opportunity.
Plus, as we kick off the new year, the City's Economic Development Dept. (EDD) continues offering one-on-one, walk-in, support for the business community. These free monthly office hours are resuming on Thursday, January 22, 2026. EDD staff will be available to provide general EDD and procurement information, as well as answer questions on how to do business with the City of San Antonio.
Office hours are located at Launch SA, inside the Central Library - 1st Floor, 600 Soledad St. Free 3-hour parking is available with ticket validation. Check out our office hours schedule below. Please note Launch SA business hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., if the library is closed when you arrive, security will allow you entrance to Launch SA.
January 22, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
February 26, 2026 | 1 - 4 p.m
March 26, 2026 | 9:30 a.m.- 12 p.m
April 23, 2026 | 1 - 4 p.m
May 21, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. - 12 p.m
PLACEMAKING
There are many facets of the Economic Development Department. One of those that is often unrealized is placemaking. Placemaking is an economic development strategy that involves a collaborative, community-driven process of transforming public spaces to create appealing, vibrant, and unique places where people want to live, work, and play. It is a human-centric approach that aims to enhance a community's quality of life and attract talent, businesses, and investment.
We invite you to learn more about placemaking initiatives and opportunities in and around our city.
Share Your Thoughts on the River Walk
The City of San Antonio wants to know what you think about the River Walk. Your feedback will help make it even better in the future.
The survey takes less than four minutes and is open until 5 p.m. on Jan. 31, 2026.
The City of San Antonio Neighborhood and Housing Services Department (NHSD), Opportunity Home San Antonio, the San Antonio Housing Trust, and Bexar County are hosting the annual Housing in San Antonio event during DreamWeek to connect neighbors and community organizations to affordable housing resources and initiatives supported by the City’s 10-year Strategic Housing Implementation Plan.
The Vendor Development Academy (The Academy), a free one-year training program, offered in partnership with Alamo Colleges, is designed to support small and emerging small businesses by strengthening capacity, expanding contracting readiness, and fostering strategic mentorship relationships in public and private contracting opportunities.
The Academy evolved out of the former Mentor-Protégé Program and will continue to support mentor connections while increasing applied business knowledge.
Application details will be made available in February 2026. Application process will occur annually, opening June 1 and closing July 1. The Academy is also actively accepting mentors. Learn more.
Share News with Your Networks - Stay Current and Informed
We invite you and your networks to stay connected with the pulse of our local small business community. Dedicated readers know the City of San Antonio’s monthly Small Business News newsletter provides up to date information on new programs, available resources, and data to help businesses thrive. Share this newsletter and encourage others to sign up for the Small Business News newsletter today!
Also, consider signing up for other newsletters relevant to you and your business. Below are a few to get you started. Note - most sign-up options are located at the top or bottom of the main page.
Sign up to receive text message notifications from the City of San Antonio with one easy step. Text the word "COSAGOV" to 73224.
Follow us on:
Disclaimer: This newsletter is produced monthly and the content presented is accurate at the time of release and may not reflect changes made after the release of this publication.
