Frocks, a Westside 20,000-sqft historic building.
This redevelopment calls for the creation of community loft spaces for creative and technology driven firms.
Don't know where to start. Call the Westside Small Business Helpline (210) 598-8482.
As part of the effort, muralist David Blancas and muscian Patricia Vonne are hosting a bi-monthly zoom meeting/podcast over the history of each musician.
- YOUR SUPPORT -
Makes the Difference!
University Relations Speakers Series:
Charla on Muralism: Past Heritage and Current Projects in San Antonio
September 17, 2020 | 2-3 pm
This panel brings together local artists David Blancas, Adriana Garcia, Ana Laura Hernandez and Cherise Munro to talk about their contributions to a rich history of muralism in San Antonio. Joined by art historian Dr. Teresa Eckmann, Ramiro “Ram” Gonzales interim President and CEO of the non-profit Westside Development Corporation, and Ben Tremillo, Executive Director of the community arts center, San Anto Cultural Arts. The focus of this discussion will be on the Westside restoration project of the mural La música de San Antonio located at the West Commerce Bridge, which celebrates legendary figures in the City’s Tejano music scene. The recent unveiling of murals at the 1600-1800 blocks of South Laredo Street commemorating the tragically lost lives of Vanessa Guillen and Claudia Gonzalez confirms the artistic community’s commitment not only to preserve cultural heritage, and to educate through large-scale murals, but also to paint a vision of social justice on public walls.
Moderated: Dr. Teresa Eckmann
Panelists include:
- David Blancas (Artist)
- Cherise “Rhys” Munro (Artist)
- Ana Laura Hernandez (Artist)
- Adriana M. Garcia (Artist)
- Ben Tremillo, Executive Director (San Anto Cultural Arts)
- Ramiro “Ram” Gonzales, President & CEO (Westside Development Corporation)
GREATER. SAFER. TOGETHER:
FREE PPE Supply Kit
Thanks to the City of San Antonio and District 5, Westside Development Corporation has received 500 Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Kits to distribute to Westside small businesses. Each kit includes one gallon of hand sanitizer, two face masks, a touchless thermometer and some helpful health and safety protocol fliers. By accepting the kit, business owners are taking the pledge to operate in a safe manner. Together, we will stay safe. Together, we will be greater than ever.
As Greater San Antonio business owners, we PLEDGE to:
- Use face covering
- Practice physical distancing
- Conduct temperature checks
- Provide hand sanitizer
- Follow CDC cleaning protocols
- Implement contactless payment when possible
- General COVID-19 awareness training for employees
REPEAT!
Items will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis for businesses and non-profits with less than 25 employees who have not previously received a kit from the City of San Antonio, or any city-sponsored PPE distribution event. All registrants will be contacted individually to coordinate pick up or delivery.
Take the pledge and sign-up to receive your kit today! Please use this link to sign up:
We Are HiRING
Small Business Development Specialist:
We are hiring 2 qualified individuals to engage with small business owners across the Westside San Antonio community in support of the WDC Small Business Outreach Program. You will develop relationships with new and existing small business owners, with a focus on business recovery and resiliency. You will assess, advise, and refer owners to available support resources for business planning, marketing, accounting, grant and funding programs, legal and other programs and services needed to successfully run their small business. You will connect them with support organizations to help them achieve their business goals.
Westside Field Ambassadors:
We are hiring qualified individuals to engage with small business owners in-person across the Westside San Antonio community in support of the WDC Small Business Outreach Program. You will canvass (block walk) specific commercial corridors to engage small business owners and provide them with information about our organization and the resources available to help them strengthen their small businesses and achieve their goals.
Helpline Associate:
You will engage with small business owners across the Westside San Antonio community to collect information and develop business relationships in support of the WDC Small Business Outreach Program. You will assess and advise small business owners with the best available business resources and connect them with support organizations to help them achieve their business goals.
oUR Mission
The mission of the Westside Development Corporation (WDC) is to foster economic development, promote the development and redevelopment of real estate within westside San Antonio, create viable urban communities, and preserve the character, culture and history of the Westside.
COVID -19 Programs
Small Business Task Force
Coalition designed to direct and assist local businesses impacted by COVID-19
Access to Capital for Westside
Forgivable loans up to $5,000 for businesses impacted by COVID-19
#SmallBizBingoSA Initiative
Encourages the support of small businesses while practicing social distancing
Open Signs Campaign
FREE 24”x 36” ‘Open for Business!’ signs to westside businesses
COMMUNITY Programs
La Musica de San Anto Mural Restoration
This cultural and iconic Westside gateway is undergoing a restoration, led by David Blancas
Big Sun Community Solar Equity Initiative
Provides low-to-moderate income residents an affordable path to solar panel ownership and reducing costs
Westside Education and Training Center (WETC)
Secured and increased bond funding from $12 million to $24 million for a new state-of-the-art WETC campus
La Printeria
Provides education and training for at-risk youth in the fine art print making
WDC Gala
San Antonio’s number one outdoor gala recognizes Westside community leaders
Basila Frocks
Real estate development investment of historic the Basila Frocks building
SMALL BUSINESS
Westside Business Alliance (WBA)
WBA keeps the 750+ Westside businesses informed about development changes in the area to preserve and help them grow
Legacy Corridor Initiative
Near Westside Opportunity Zones
The City of San Antonio Economic Development Department (EDD) and the Westside Development Corporation (WDC) worked with Wendell Davis & Associates to develop the Near Westside Opportunity Zones Investment and Neighborhood Preservation Plan for census tracts 1701.02, 1106 and 1105. This encourages long-term investments in low-income, high-poverty communities through tax incentives.
westside news
A Message from WDC’s new President
As the new President and CEO of the Westside Development Corporation (WDC), I’d like to introduce myself and tell you how excited and humbled I am to lead this incredible organization.My experiences on the westside of San Antonio are some of my most treasured and they...
City of San Antonio Westside Development Corporation (WDC) Names Ramiro Gonzales as President and CEO
The Westside Development Corporation (WDC) Board of Directors has named Ramiro Gonzales as President and CEO, effective Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Gonzales is a life-long resident of San Antonio, attended Edison High School, and graduated from the University of Texas...
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Partnerships
