MARCH 2026

“I never dreamed about success. I worked for it.”

— Estée Lauder

Celebrate Women's History Month | Support Women-Owned Businesses

March is Women's History Month and an opportunity to honor the many contributions of women. Locally, we want to highlight that women in business are actively making history in our community by helping to grow our economy one business at a time. Women-owned businesses make up upwards of 25.6% of businesses in our community.

The City of San Antonio is proud to support small, locally-owned businesses from all reaches. Through our initiatives like Launch SA, opportunities for learning and connecting are at your fingertips. Learn more about LaunchSA resources and networking opportunities.

Application Deadline Extended – RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program (Cohort 3)

This is your opportunity to make a positive change in your community. The City of San Antonio is partnering with Main Street America for the third year of the RevitalizeSA: Corridor Leadership Program. This intensive program focuses on revitalizing and growing local commercial corridors by cultivating community leaders through a series of leadership and strategy courses.

The program includes six months of leadership training and an optional three-month project to put your learning into action. Applications have been extended through Monday, March 16 at 3 p.m. CDT. Learn more about RevitalizeSA and apply.

Here’s what past cohorts have shared:

“I was inspired to apply for RevitalizeSA because I thought it was the perfect opportunity for the community and the City to come together and build leaders from the ground up. Having a direct line of communication with the City helps us work together to solve challenges in our neighborhoods.”
— Erica Benavides, Cohort 1 (2024)

“I can see this program impacting San Antonio by creating stronger corridors and re-energizing our communities. The knowledge I’ve gained helps me inspire business owners, friends, and neighbors to become more involved in placemaking in their areas.”
— Elizabeth Mancha, Cohort 2 (2025)

“To be honest, I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the program surpassed my expectations. Meeting the people in the cohort and connecting with City leaders has been incredibly positive for my personal and professional growth.”
— Gabriela Gast, Cohort 1 (2024)

Growth Stage Business Grants Opening in Spring

In late Spring, the City of San Antonio will offer two grant funding opportunities for growth-stage businesses in the San Antonio area. Information sessions will be available to help interested businesses prepare the necessary information required once applications open.

Second Stage Company Grant Program – This grant program is designed to help small businesses mitigate challenges such as managing a growing staff or entering new markets.

Up to $100,000 per company. Total program funding capped at $500,000.

SBIR/STTR Grant Program – The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Grant Program will support research-focused San Antonio small businesses that have received a federal SBIR/STTR grant.

Phase I eligible companies: Up to $50,000 in grant funding. Phase II eligible companies: Up to $100,000 in grant funding. Total grant funding capped at $500,000.

Meet City Business Contacts - 1:1 Q&A Available

The City offers a host of information and guidance to budding or established business owners on a regular basis. Your time is valuable, and we aim to help by hosting free sessions where you can ask questions, learn about focused topics, and explore how to do business with the City. Through the month of May, LaunchSA will host face-to-face exchanges with staff from the City of San Antonio’s Economic Development Department.

Meeting Opportunities

One-on-One Q&A: Doing Business with the City

• March 26 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• April 23 | 1 – 4 p.m.
• May 21 | 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Ask Me Anything: City Business Outreach Specialist

• April 16 | 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.
• May 21 | 1 – 5 p.m.

Both session offerings are currently located at LaunchSA inside the Central Library, 600 Soledad St. Free three-hour parking is available with ticket validation. Please note LaunchSA business hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. If the library is closed when you arrive, security will allow you entrance to LaunchSA.

Public Works Dashboard

The dashboard offers 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 a project for quick access to its construction timeline, phase, and cost, among other details.

The dashboards also feature links to detailed project pages for every 2022 bond project. For more information, visit SA.gov/RoadToProgress.

Signage Program

Do you need a “Business is Open” sign? Businesses located in certain construction areas may qualify for individualized signage designed 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 requirements to participate.

To learn more about the Signage Program and eligibility details.

Entrepreneur and Business Advancement Opportunity

The Stimulating Urban Renewal Through Entrepreneurship (SURE) program helps entrepreneurs develop and implement strategies to launch or grow a successful business. The program is designed for entrepreneurs looking to start a new venture or expand an existing one. Participants work with UTSA instructors, industry experts, and student consultants to build a plan that supports their vision for their business.

Since its launch, SURE has helped create nearly 700 successful businesses, 77% of which were started by Black or Latino entrepreneurs. The 2027 application period is now open. Learn more about the SURE program.

Team Building for Small Businesses Brings Fun!

No matter the size of the company, team building can have a positive impact on employees and business culture. It can also help strengthen the teamwork that small businesses rely on every day.

A fun opportunity for team building is the upcoming City Manager’s 5K Walk & Run on April 4 at SeaWorld San Antonio. Learn more and register for this worthwhile event!

Stay Connected with Your City

Sign up to receive text message notifications from the City of San Antonio with one easy step. Text the word COSAGOV to 73224.

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.