Application Closed
Application opens June 1, 2026.
The Vendor Development Academy is a City of San Antonio initiative designed to support small, local, and diverse businesses by offering opportunity for free training and business development help. Plus, the notable mentor pairing portion of the program has been an impactful advantage to past cohorts. One cohort member shared,
“Just the time they took every month to talk to me and direct me—she has put me in front of all the right organizations and all the right people. If you don’t have anyone who can give you a good reference, everything will go out the window.
My mentors have good reputations in San Antonio, and people are able to reach out to them and ask about my business. My mentor company will vouch for me and say, ‘He was in our program—why don’t you give him a shot?’ That's one of the most unique things about this initiative."
Requirements
- Must be certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) by Supply SA.
- Must be headquartered in the San Antonio Metropolitan Statistical Area (Atascosa, Bandera, Bexar, Comal, Guadalupe, Kendall, Medina, and Wilson).
- Commit to full participation in the 1-year program.
- Attend all required sessions and complete all required courses and electives within the duration of the program and actively engage with their assigned mentor.
- Complete all required surveys and progress reports.
Benefits
- Strengthened Business Competencies
- Builds foundational skills in key business functions to enhance operational effectiveness and competitiveness.
- Increased Contract Readiness
- Prepares businesses to confidently navigate procurement processes and compete for contracting opportunities.
- Access to Expert Guidance
- Provides direct support from industry professionals and program staff to address challenges and apply best practices.
- Expanded Professional Network
- Connects participants with peers and partners, fostering collaborations and long-term business relationships.