BRIDGE TO 550

In May 2008, the San Antonio Economic Development Department (EDD) 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.

Bridge to 550 is comprised of a series of outreach opportunities, including a television program, monthly newsletter and tradeshow. Each component will be interrelated, with the overall mission of educating small, minority- and women-owned businesses about the vast opportunities available with the newly approved bond improvements. The EDD hopes to educate the community that although general and subcontracting companies comprise a large portion of the vendor prospects, there is also a need in many instances for supporting work for the various subcontractors, such as accounting and clerical work, marketing for the companies and a myriad of other business services.