To stimulate the growth and development of entrepreneurship, the City of San Antonio has implements programs and initiatives to support women-owned businesses. The programs are designed to provide business opportunities, benefits, and grants to women, regardless of the stage of your business. Want to find out more about the existing business opportunities for women in San Antonio? Keep reading this article.
Registering as a Vendor with the City of San Antonio
Ever thought of doing business with the City of San Antonio? Well, it is time. the first step you will take is to go to the Central Vendor Registry (CVR) and register as a vendor. Upon completion of the registration process, you will be receiving notifications via newsletters concerning organized events, including workshops and seminars. Such are events can take your business to the next level. Make your business thrive by registering as a vendor today. Visit https://www.sanantonio.gov/purchasing.
Certify Your Small Business in the City of San Antonio
Want to certify your small business? Well, you need to apply with the South Texas Regional Certification Agency (SCTRCA) and get your business certified. SCTRCA is committed to connecting women-owned business owners with opportunities and benefits to expand their enterprises. Did you know that receiving business certification increases your chances of receiving more contracts with not only the city of San Antonio but also other government entities? Be one of the lucky female entrepreneurs who receive dollars annually. Get certified today. Visit https://sctrca.org/.
What qualifies a women-owned business for support in the City of San Antonio
As a female-owned small business owner, you can always get support from the Public Works Department (PWD) Small Business Office. However, you have to meet certain requirements, including:
- Your business must be located in San Antonio and should have been operation for not less than one year.
- You must not operate in just one office. Have a branch in place that has been in existence for at least one year.
- Your business annual revenue must be $3 million or less.
Read more at https://www.sanantonio.gov/PublicWorks/Current-Vendor-Resources/Women-Small-Minority-Owned-Business.
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program
The DBE program in the City of San Antonio is there to ensure that female entrepreneurs and business owners are not discriminated against. The program is committed to making sure that all women have access to equal business opportunities, including local and national government contracts, grants, or any other business assistance in the City of San Antonio. Find out more about the program at https://www.sanantonio.gov/TCI/Current-Vendor-Resources/Women-Small-Minority-Owned-Business/Disadvantaged-Business.
Business Empowerment Program
This program was established through a partnership between the City of San Antonio and the Alamo Colleges District to provide free mentorship opportunities to women-owned small businesses. The program targets both thriving and already successful businesses and employs the education and mentorship components to stimulate the growth of firms in San Antonio. The program ensures increased revenues for participating women-owned small businesses. Educational topics covered in the program include marketing, starting a business, developing a business plan, financing and budgeting, and desirable business practices. In the mentorship program, the participants are assigned mentors for two years. You can always work with your mentor on the goals you want to achieve in a given period. You are allowed to celebrate your success story after completing this program. For more details about the program, please visit https://www.sanantonio.gov/SBO/Start-A-Small-Business/Small-Business-Assistance-Programming#lt-252733109-mentoring–consulting.
Launch San Antonio
Launch SA is a result of a partnership between the City of San Antonio and the LiftFund. It offers services to women-owned businesses, including referrals and connections to available business resources in the City. Do want to start a business but don’t know how to get started or where to seek help? Start your search at Launch San Antonio and get access to the resources you need. having troubles overcoming business challenges? Launch SA is there to solve your problems. From the business direction, mentorship, to training and education, Launch SA is there for female entrepreneurs to help them grow and develop their business. Wondering where to start? Complete your personalized assistance form first. Once you have completed filling the form, the Launch Sa review your information, including your needs. You have to wait to be contacted for what to do next. Sometimes, Launch Sa connects you to the business resources that match your needs. Besides, Launch Sa organizes a series of events that are designed to support the growth of small businesses owned by women. Visit https://launchsa.org/ and get started today.
San Antonio Small Business Liaison
Need assistance to help support your business growth? San Antonio, Small Business Liaison can be a great resource for women-owned small businesses in the City of San Antonio. Whether your business is growing or just starting, the Liaison makes female entrepreneurs and business owners understand all the requirements, including certification, permits, rules, and regulations for operating an enterprise in San Antonio. The Liaison also provides counseling services on government contracting and where women can source capital to run their businesses smoothly. Want to get started? Visit https://www.sanantonio.gov/SBO/Start-A-Small-Business/Meeting-Request to book an appointment today.
LiftFund Women Busines Center (WBC)
The WBC is a resource center for women looking to make their businesses thrive. The business center provides resources and supports female entrepreneurs need to achieve their business dreams. Looking to launch a new business in the City of San Antonio? Well, the LiftFund WBC is there to provide you with the support, including the knowledge and resources you need to get started with your journey. Even if your goal is to expand your businesses, the business center is there for you. This is the place to get the support you need for your business’ success. Visit https://womens-business-center.liftfund.com/ for more details.
The San Antonio Women’s Chamber of Commerce
The SA Women’s Chamber of Commerce advocates for the rights of female business owners in the City of San Antonio. The chamber of commerce connects women with the resources they need and empowers them to meet their goals. The WCC represents the interests of women business owners in both political and economic spheres. They also offer training opportunities for the members of the chamber. For more details, https://sawomenschamber.org/.