Our Team is Here for You! 
The mission of the Economic Development Department is to foster economic growth through collaboration and innovation for the continued prosperity of our community. In this month's newsletter, we have a few program announcements to share! If you have any questions, concerns, or small business needs, contact our Small Business Team, at (210) 207-3922 or by email at smallbizinfo@sanantonio.gov.

Small Business Office | Small Business Resource Guide | Need Assistance?

Apply today! Facade Improvement Grant Program
The City of San Antonio Facade Improvement Grant Program offers grants to support aesthetic and functional upgrades for active small business owners, and commercial property owners managing small business spaces with funding to building exteriors visible from the public right-of-way. Eligible projects may receive grants from $5,000 to $50,000 for approved project costs, including work associated with making facade, landscape, and signage improvements at property. Applicants must meet the full list of eligibility criteria, such as geographic priority areas requirements for proposed projects.

Applications will be accepted through noon, Sept. 8, 2023. Grant awardees will be announced late October 2023.

For more information about the program, including eligibility criteria, funding and disbursement, eligible expenses and resources, visit the Façade Improvement Grant website. 

We invite you to our virtual information session on Aug. 16, 2023 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. We will be presenting the grant in detail and answering questions. To register for this virtual session, click here.

Did you hear? Outdoor Spaces Grant Program Is Still Taking Applications – Apply Today!
The City of San Antonio Outdoor Spaces Grant Program offers grants to improve outdoor dining and drinking spaces for small, independent, and locally owned food and drinking establishments located inside the City of San Antonio’s city limits. Eligible applicants who meet the program requirements may receive up to $10,000 toward eligible project expenses.

Applications will be accepted through noon, Sept. 1, 2023. Grant awardees will be announced late October 2023.

Grant awards for qualifying project costs will range from $2,000 to $10,000. Total funds awarded will be based on the project location’s Combined Equity Score and funding match requirements.

For more information about the program, including eligibility criteria, funding and disbursement, eligible expenses and resources, visit the Outdoor Spaces Grant website.

📣SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS📣 
Businesses in certain construction areas may qualify for funds to purchase 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. Click here for more details.

Maestro’s Accelerate for Growth Program - Applications Due Aug. 31

Discover the "Accelerate for Growth Cohort" program from Maestro Entrepreneur Center, in partnership with the City of San Antonio and the Edward Lowe Foundation. This program is designed to propel second stage businesses to new heights of success. Gain insights from expert mentors in sales, marketing, HR, finance, operations, and much more!

Qualified businesses can apply on Maestro Entrepreneur Center’s website by Aug. 31.

This program is made possible through the support of the City of San Antonio, as part of a grant authorized by the U.S. Treasury Department through the American Rescue Plan Act and allocated from the State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. As a result, this program is provided to participants at no cost.

For more information about the program, visit https://mec.systemforintegratedgrowth.org/.

LiftFund Events Coming Soon
LiftFund events offer you a chance to learn new skills, navigate the complexities of business ownership, and meet other members of LiftFund’s community. We do our best to accommodate your schedule with a mix of in-person and online events. Please register for events here.