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| “If we learn anything from the history of economic development, it is that culture makes all the difference.”
— David Landes
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Buy Local Savings Pass Returns with Fresh Deals for Fiesta
Just in time for Fiesta, the Buy Local Savings Pass is refreshed with exciting new deals from small businesses across San Antonio—encouraging residents to celebrate while supporting local.
What’s New
The updated pass features a wide variety of discounts, special promotions, and local favorites. Whether you’re dining out, shopping, or exploring something new, the pass makes it easier to experience the best of San Antonio during Fiesta season.
Official Fiesta Medals are available at select small businesses throughout the city, while supplies last. Use the pass to find participating locations, plan your visits, and collect these sought-after keepsakes.
Getting Started Is Simple
- Download the Buy Local Savings Pass directly to your phone
- Browse participating businesses and explore available offers
- Visit locations to redeem discounts and pick up Fiesta Medals (while supplies last)
Start exploring today and take full advantage of everything Fiesta season has to offer while supporting the small businesses that make San Antonio unique.
Download the Buy Local Savings Pass
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Economic Development Week and National Small Business Week is coming
Economic Development Week and National Small Business Week are a dynamic duo this year, as both awareness initiatives take place during the same week—May 4–8 and May 3–9, respectively. The community is encouraged to celebrate the commerce that strengthens San Antonio and supports generations of local businesses.
In recognition of these two weeks, the City of San Antonio invites businesses and community members to attend a special proclamation reading at Market Square. The event will honor San Antonio’s economic resiliency, small business community, and the culture they help sustain.
**Save the Date - More Info to Come**
Small Business and Economic Development Week Proclamation Declaration Celebration
Monday, May 4, 2026
1:00 p.m.
Market Square
Stage in front of La Margarita
Economic Development Week, created by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), is held annually to celebrate the achievements of economic developers and the positive impact of their work on local communities. This year marks 100 years of the profession, with a focus on collaboration and future growth.
National Small Business Week is an annual Small Business Administration (SBA) initiative recognizing the critical contributions of America’s entrepreneurs and small business owners. The week features a free virtual summit, awards for top entrepreneurs, and resources for growth, highlighting the 33 million+ small businesses that drive the economy.
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Get Ready for National Small Business Day – May 10
As National Small Business Week concludes on May 9, continue connecting with your customers on National Small Business Day, Sunday, May 10.
Capitalize on this special day by offering limited-time promotions and sharing your brand story on social media to engage your audience and attract new customers.
This is also the perfect time to explore resources available on the Buy Local for Businesses website, including the Small Business Marketing Toolkit—packed with tools, tips, and educational resources to help your business grow.
Explore the Buy Local Toolkit
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Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP) Update
The Texas Unified Certification Program (TUCP), led by the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), has announced a statewide reevaluation process for all certified Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE) under updated eligibility criteria.
The TUCP will accept reevaluation documentation during the following window:
Monday, March 30 – Thursday, April 20, 2026
Learn More
For questions about the reevaluation process, email IFR@txdot.gov.
If you need language translation or accommodations to complete these documents, please contact the Civil Rights Division at CivilRights@txdot.gov or call 512-416-4700 for assistance.
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Attend the AIM Health R&D Summit – May 19
The AIM Health R&D Summit brings together leading innovators from academia, industry, and the military to accelerate the research, development, and commercialization of transformative medical technologies.
This unique convergence of thought leaders fosters collaboration, drives innovation, and helps address critical challenges in both military and civilian healthcare.
Learn More & Register
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Grants, Loans, Contests and More for Your Small Business
Discover funding opportunities, competitions, and resources designed to help your small business grow and succeed.
H-E-B Quest for Texas Best – For the past 13 years, H-E-B has searched across Texas to find the best locally made products. This opportunity is open to small food, beverage, and general merchandise suppliers based in Texas.
Selected participants may have their products considered for placement on H-E-B shelves and compete for cash prizes of up to $50,000.
Deadline: April 22, 2026, 4:59 p.m.
Research Local Opportunities
Learn About National Opportunities
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Share Your Input on Next Year’s Budget
The City of San Antonio is planning next year’s budget, and we want to hear from you. This is your opportunity to share which City services are most important and help guide priorities for the year ahead. Your perspective is valuable in shaping decisions that impact our community.
Here’s how you can get involved:
Take the Survey: Share your input by completing a short survey.
Learn More: See how the City builds its budget and how your input is used at SA.gov/Budget.
Tune In: City Council will review community budget priorities during a special session on May 22, 2026. Watch live on SA.gov/TVSA, @COSAGov Facebook, AT&T Channel 99, Grande Channel 20, Spectrum Channel 21, or digital antenna 16.1.
Prefer to listen? Call 210-207-5555 and select Option 1 (English) or Option 2 (Spanish).
The survey is open through 5 p.m. on May 1.
Take the Budget Survey
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Explore Local Culture and History in The Amazing Preservation Race
The Amazing Preservation Race (APR) challenges San Antonio’s finest to compete through feats of strength and knowledge. This engaging event combines a scavenger hunt, trivia, and an obstacle course—highlighting the rich culture and history of San Antonio.
Teams of four will follow clues and complete challenges to fill their passports before racing to the finish line. The first team to finish with a completed passport wins—top prizes include staycations!
Date: Friday, May 8
Time: Check-in opens at 5:30 p.m.; race starts at 6:30 p.m.
Location: Legacy Park, 103 W Houston
Admission: $20 per person (teams of 4) until early bird registration ends April 8
Learn More & Register
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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.
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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.
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