"Grow West" Business Expansion Program
The "Grow
West" Business Expansion Program was established by the WDC
in the fall of 2008 to provide services to businesses based
in the Westside or planning to expand to the Westside.
Through the "Grow West" program, the WDC offers the
following services:
-
Business consulting (e.g. assistance in the navigation
of City processes, research of property for site
selection or acquisition, and referral of businesses to
community resources)
-
Assistance for businesses with financing opportunities
for growth and expansion, including low-interest loans
-
Marketing help to businesses via community profiles and
education on contract procurement
The WDC
seeks to help businesses see long-term sustainability
through assistance in growth and expansion plans. Businesses
assisted through the program are strongly encouraged to hire
residents of the Westside and pay a living wage (currently
$10.60/hour).
"Grow West" Accomplishments (as of April 2009):
-
Consulted with over 23 businesses regarding needs and
challenges for viability, growth, and expansion
-
Assisted over $2 million in growth, representing more
than 50 new jobs with an average wage of $11.30/hour
-
Helped
four businesses with property acquisition and marketing
property for sale/lease
-
Realized over $333,000 for Westside businesses from the
WDC's work (including marketing, recouping federal wage
credits, and creating business-specific job training
program)
Download the "Grow West" Brochure
If you
are interested in scheduling a "Grow West" meeting, please
contact Emma Hersh at 207-3916 or
emma.hersh@sanantonio.gov.