MESSAGE FROM THE DIRECTOR

Welcome to the City of San Antonio Economic Development Department  (EDD)  portal. We are excited to share with you a few highlights and links that will help you stay connected to economic development in San Antonio.
To stay abreast of the latest press releases, studies, reports, notices, and opportunities to comment please complete this contact form and we will send all the latest directly to your inbox.

The
Military Transformation Task Force recently released an economic impact of all Department of Defense  activities in our great city further confirming our status as "Military City USA". Our department was commissioned to complete the study that required months of work to make this the most comprehensive economic impact study ever done on the military in San Antonio. For press coverage of the study and other noteworthy media please see our "SA in the Spotlight" section.

Several months ago, the Economic Development Department launched a Business Retention, Expansion (BRE) program designed to establish an open line of communication to the local business community  as part of the City of San Antonio's effort to be more pro-active in our support of our business community . The department has been proactively assisting existing businesses in resolving issues associated with new jobs and new investment in San Antonio. The initial program goal was to visit 100 medium to large businesses before the end of the year, and at 95% of its goal the Industry Development Division is finishing out the year strong with this new program. If your business is growing or considering expanding and would like to schedule a visit with Industry Development staff please complete this contact form and a staff member will contact you with more information.

The majority of business in San Antonio, and indeed most cities, are small businesses. In our effort to similarly reach out to smaller businesses in our city, we have engaged our small business unit to conduct a series of outreach activities which we call our Small Business Summits which are specifically designed to bring city and other entity services and business opportunities to those businesses. At those summits, information is presented to companies that are considering growth through government contracting or need access to growth capital. The Small Business Unit will be holding a series of summits throughout the year. For information on when and where these summits will take place visit our Small Business Event Calendar.

We hope you will visit our site regularly to stay current on economic development in your community. If you have any questions or would like more information please do not hesitate to contact our office.

Sincerely,

Robert Peché
Director
City of San Antonio
Economic Development Department

 SA IN THE SPOTLIGHT                


M7 banks on Boeing. More.

San Antonio company Denim Group has been included in the 2008 Inc. 5000 list of the fastest-growing private companies in America, ranked 1101. More.

San Antonio arts community has a big-dollar impact on the city. More.

San Antonio joins Inc.com's list of top 10 best large cities to do business. More

City of San Antonio Business Retention Expansion program helps to add 500 jobs to Eastside. More

San Antonio's Toyota plant youngest to win JD Power Quality Award. More..

San Antonio No. 2 on list of top "recession proof" cities. More..

San Antonio's economy still growing according to Dallas Fed. More..

Fortune Small Business Ranks San Antonio No. 34 of 296 places to live and launch a business. More..

New Fortune 500 Company in San Antonio. More..


Forbes lists two San Antonio companies in the top 100 places to work. More.

Forbes.com ranks San Antonio 11th in best cities for jobs in 2008. More

San Antonio is now riding the crest of a broad, diversified boom that is unlike anything Texas has ever seen.
More.

For more news please visit our Archive.


UPCOMING SMALL BUSINESS EVENTS

 

Wednesday, October 15, 2008 - "Texas Sales and Use Tax Permit Requirements - The Basics" - Participants will learn the requirements and responsibilities first hand from the Texas State Comptroller's Office. Topics to be discussed include how to complete a sales and use tax application, business owners’ records and responsibility requirements, sales tax resale and exemption certificates, and other important Texas tax information. Click here to register on-line or for more information call (210)207-3900.

Tuesday, October 21, 2008 - "MEDWeek 2008 - Navy Day" In 2007, the Navy did over $800 million of procurement with small businesses. The Navy wants to talk to you and tell you how to do business with them. Representatives from the Naval Undersea Warfare Center will be holding presentations about various technology areas in today's Navy and opportunities for a company like yours to do business with them. Click here to register on-line or for more information visit www.samedweek.org.

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 - "Presentation Skills" - Learning how to present your business to federal buyers will open doors for your organization. This FREE seminar will help small businesses learn how to market their business services and products to federal agencies through developing the presentation skills required in today's marketplace. Click here to register on-line or for more information call (210)207-3900.

Tuesday, November 18 & 19, 2008 - "US Army MEDCOM - Alamo VOSB/SDVOSB Conference & Expo" - This two-day expo will provide an  opportunity for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and other Small Disadvantaged Businesses to enhance their business practices with Army and Air Force Contracting agencies within the Greater San Antonio area and beyond. To register and for more information, visit  www.medcomsbconf.com.


For more dates please visit our small business event calendar.


GUIDE TO STARTING YOUR BUSINESS

First Point 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.


BRIDGE TO 550

The San Antonio Economic Development Department (EDD) recently launched a new program, Bridge to 550, to raise awareness about the multitude of city government contracts available as a result of the 2007 bond improvements that were approved by voters. A total of $550 million will be awarded over the course of five years, and the City hopes to increase participation among small, minority and women-owned businesses.
DOWNLOADS
 
Studies and Reports
pdf icon Aug 2008 Demographic and Economic Indicators Report Summary
pdf icon Aug 2008 Demographic and Economic Indicators Report Summary - ABRIDGED
pdf icon Aug 2008 Demographic and Economic Indicators Full Report
pdf icon Aug 2008 International Economic Report
pdf icon Economic Impact of the US Department of Defense in San Antonio, 2006
pdf icon  The Arts: Beyond the Standard Economic Impact
pdf icon Impact of the Arts in San Antonio
Office of Military Affairs
pdf icon Army Corp of Engineers - BRAC Storyboard: San Antonio Military Construction Program Outlook
 
Incentives
pdf icon City of San Antonio Economic Development Incentive Guide
pdf icon Tax Phase-In Guidelines
pdf icon Tax Phase-In Application
 
Small Business
pdf icon Contracting Insider - September 2008
pdf icon Contracting Insider - August 2008
pdf icon Small Business Economic Development Advocacy Ordinance
 
 P.O. BOX 839966   SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS   78283-3966   PHONE/TTY: 210.207.8080   FAX: 210.207.8151