Small Business Resources

San Antonio’s African-American business/entrepreneurial community has cultivated a rich history which includes the creating of a chamber of commerce and an area chapter fund of San Antonio Trust Fund; building churches, business complexes, hotels, funeral homes, sports complexes, colleges, schools, retail stores, cleaners, daycare facilities, community centers, restaurants, salons/spas, night clubs, newspapers, etc.  The 21st century adds new adventure and different types of businesses to Chamber operations.  A Time that brings fresh approaches to continued history making, living up to a 73 year legacy, and becoming a more significant influence in the business culture and economic matrix of San Antonio, Texas and surrounding areas.

Bexar County is committed to increasing the involvement of SMWBE in its procurement process. Similarly, the County promotes SMWBE participation in its Tax Phase-in Program to support the growth and diversity of a regional economy.

To make it easy and convenient to assist entrepreneurs and existing businesses, the Economic Development Department provides a full range of business services. The Small Business Division offices are located at 100 West Houston Street, Suite 1900. The Small Business Liaison is housed in the Cliff Morton Development and Business Services Center at 1901 S. Alamo, San Antonio, Texas 78204. The Small Business Liaison is your first stop for business assistance and an on-going resource as your business grows. Our Professional staff will meet with you to discuss permitting, licensing and regulatory issues. We'll provide initial counseling on the following issues: sources of capital, developing a business plan, marketing strategies, forms of business organization, government procurement and other vital topics. To receive a customized "Starting Your Business" guide call our office at (210) 207-3900 or request online.

 

The Chamber has been serving businesses in San Antonio since 1894. Our goal is to continuously improve the business climate and build opportunities for growth for San Antonio and our region. We accomplish this through programs focused on advocacy, economic development, events and direct services to our members.

On February 24, 2011, the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) announced that more than 1,000 residents living at Alazan-Apache Courts and Mirasol Homes will have the opportunity to participate in a new employment and community building program – the Jobs-Plus program – thanks to the recent award of $500,000 annually over five years.

The Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce (Alamo AACC) is a non-profit organization, originally established in 1996 by a group of local Chinese restaurant owners. Due to the demanding schedule of the restaurant industry, the Chamber became dormant beginning in 1999.

The San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is the first organization of its type in the United States, having been originally chartered as the Mexican Chamber of Commerce in 1929. Today, there are about 35 Hispanic chambers of commerce in Texas and about 600 across the nation.

The Mexican Chamber was organized by Don Enrique Santibañez, Consul General of Mexico in San Antonio, who became its first president. Given the deep historical and commercial ties and tensions between the U.S. and Mexico, the chamber’s primary emphasis in its early years was to promote trade, policy and cultural harmony.

While the chamber’s leaders forged ahead to define modern Hispanic business, the social climate of the time posed many barriers. Minorities faced discrimination in business, just as in employment, education, voting, infrastructure, access to capital and markets. These social issues necessitated that the chamber go beyond the traditional scope for chambers of commerce and into one of dual social and business advocacy. 

Entrepreneurs have access to professional and confidential business advising, a variety of quality training programs, and an extensive referral network at the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). With the addition of business advisors who live and work in your local community, success is just around the corner! Benefits of contacting your local SBDC include:

SCORE® is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people start a business… your business. Our consultants are business professionals who have encountered every obstacle you may face, and they are ready to advise you on your path to success. We can help you realize your entrepreneurial dreams. FREE counseling by appointment only. Register today!

Please call (210) 207-2500 to register, or register by selecting your desired date and time below.

The South Central Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) is a non-profit corporation that represents several public entities in the South Texas area. These entities are committed to enhancing participation for disadvantaged, minority and woman owned businesses in public/government contracting and purchasing activities.
Sunday, March 18, 2012

  
The SCTRCA is committed to ensuring that only firms meeting the eligibility criteria or 49 CFR Part 26 participate in contracting and procurement as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE). A Small Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Woman Business Enterprise (WBE) are certified in accordance to SCTRCA Standards.

Since its founding on July 30, 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration has delivered millions of loans, loan guarantees, contracts, counseling sessions and other forms of assistance to small businesses. SBA provides assistances primarily through its four programmatic functions:

To promote the commercial, economic and social well-being of the western community of San Antonio and its members. We promote unity among our members by supporting their common interests. Advocating for our well-being, and aiding in your business development.

The Workforce Solutions Alamo Board serves as the governing board for the regional workforce system, a network of service providers and contractors that brings people and jobs together. We represent the taxpayers of the 12-county Alamo region. Our membership reflects the diverse constituencies of the regional community: business, economic development, education, labor, community organizations, and government.