DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Alejandra Lopez
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: City-wide
SUBJECT: Creation of a Small Business Advisory Commission
SUMMARY:
On October 19, 2019, a Council Consideration Request (CCR) was submitted by Councilmember Adriana Rocha-Garcia regarding the creation of a new Small Business Advisory Commission to advise on policy issues that may affect small businesses.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Small businesses represent 97% of the businesses in San Antonio. This population is a driving force within the local economy and their challenges and capacity for growth differs substantially from larger companies. The Economic Development Department (EDD) provides a variety of resources and services to support small businesses, including a Loan Interest Buydown Program in collaboration with LiftFund which makes capital more accessible to small businesses, technical assistance through City's Mentor Prot?g? Program and LaunchSA, and the Small Business Development Fee Waiver Program, approved by City Council in 2018. Most significantly, our support for small businesses in our community has been through our procurement practices.
For over 30 years, the entity now referred to as the Small Business Advocacy Committee (SBAC) has advised the Mayor, City Council and staff on business issues related to the effectiveness of the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) Program and its previous iterations. The SBAC meets on a monthly basis and consists of 11 district-specific members appointed by the Mayor and City Council. The by-laws of the SBAC are specific and focused on recommending modifications to the SBEDA Ordinance and procurement procedures to promote the participation of small, minority and women-owned businesses on City contracts.
The CCR acknowledges the specific focus of the SBAC and calls for the creation of a Small Business Advisory Commission through which small businesses may provide feedback on City po...
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