City Allocates Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds to Strengthen Businesses

Published on April 06, 2023

Economic Development

City Allocates Federal COVID-19 Relief Funds to Strengthen Small Businesses and Increase Long-Term Resiliency


SAN ANTONIO (April 6, 2023) – Today, City Council approved five partnership agreements to support San Antonio small businesses. The services to be provided through these agreements, will help local small businesses increase resiliency and address issues highlighted throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Local small businesses are the backbone of San Antonio and we are proud to support new programs to promote their longevity and growth,” said City Manager Erik Walsh. “These new federally funded programs will increase access to capital, support services, web presence, and other assistance for our local small businesses.”

Through targeted investments and strategic partnerships, San Antonio small businesses will have improved access to the following services:

  • Business owner development and coaching for growth stage companies
  • Low or no fee microlending to increase access to capital
  • Reduced-cost support services including legal, human resources, and accounting
  • Assistance to establish a commercial web presence
  • Additional networking and professional support through a personalized outreach program

The funding and priority areas are guided by the $30.95 million American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Small Business Implementation Plan approved by City Council in June 2022. Partners were selected through a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. The total of these awards is $5.05 million.
Announced awardees include:

  • Herospace Digital Consulting
  • LISC San Antonio on behalf of the Business Development Organization Alliance
  • Maestro Entrepreneur Center
  • Prosper West San Antonio
  • San Antonio for Growth on the East Side (SAGE)

These contracts follow last year’s emergency COVID-19 Impact small business grants funded by $17 million in ARPA State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds.

Contracts take effect in April 2023 and run through November 2025.