“We promote San Antonio’s economic growth and encourage nationwide participation.” – Renee Watson
Renee Watson, the Director of The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department (SBED), orchestrates the convergence of economic development and entrepreneurship in Bexar County. Facilitating programs for Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (SMWBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Watson ensures compliance with US DOT Title VI Regulations for Federal Highway funded projects. As a liaison, she promotes equal access, holding a position on the County Manager’s Executive Leadership Team.
With the upcoming 2023 Bexar County Business Conference, Watson highlights statewide opportunities. “We attract national attention due to the opportunities we present. Whether relocating to San Antonio, growing your business, or hiring local talent, we highly encourage it.”
The SMWVBO Conference serves as a pivotal platform for Small, Minority, Women, and Veterans Business Owners, aligning strategically with year-end evaluations, budgeting cycles, and the onset of the first quarter. Established in 2001, the event has evolved to include private sector certification agencies and garnered support from the City of San Antonio.
Unique in its approach, the conference actively engages SMWBOs as attendees rather than exhibitors, fostering interactions between them and procurement officials. It caters to a diverse audience, offering networking opportunities and access to technical or financial assistance. Watson emphasizes, “The conference fosters meaningful interactions between SMWBOs and procurement officials, nurturing partnerships that extend well beyond the event.”
The primary goal is to connect SMWBE/HUB/DBE businesses with procurement opportunities across sectors. The SBED has undergone significant changes, including revisions to procurement processes and the introduction of programs supporting small business recovery and growth.
Addressing the conference’s distinctiveness, Watson states, “This is your exclusive opportunity to engage with Federal, State & Local Agencies, along with private companies eager to forge partnerships with you! Seize this unique chance for growth and collaboration—don’t miss out on what promises to be a transformative experience for your business.”
What Makes This Conference Different from Other Similar Events Held by Local Chambers?
Unlike typical chamber trade shows, the Business Conference prioritizes SMWVBOs as attendees rather than exhibitors. The open invitation to exhibitors, supported by Bexar County and sponsors, makes it accessible and cost-effective. It encourages meaningful interactions between SMWVBOs and procurement officials, fostering partnerships beyond the event.
Why Should a SMWVBO Attend?
The conference caters to a diverse audience, providing a platform for networking, gaining technical or financial assistance, and staying informed about opportunities and assistance. It is inclusive of established business owners, those seeking capacity-building support, individuals transitioning from private to public sector opportunities, and aspiring entrepreneurs.
Have Any New Changes, Systems, Procedures, or Programs Been Implemented to Help the Small Business Community?
SBED has undergone significant changes, including revisions to procurement processes, compliance measures, certification procedures, and the introduction of programs supporting small business recovery and growth. Bexar County is implementing a more robust race and gender-neutral program based on findings from the Griffin & Strong, P.C., 2021 Disparity and Availability Study. The SBED’s relocation to an expanded space in March 2024 aims to better accommodate business owners.
What Are the Goals/Desired Outcome As a Result of the Conference?
The primary goal of the Business Conference is to connect SMWBE/HUB/DBE businesses with procurement opportunities across federal, state, local, and private sectors.
Please Give Us a Quote About This Year’s Conference That Really Relays the Message You Want to Push When It Comes to Encouraging Small Businesses to Attend.
“Join us as we celebrate over 23 years of ‘Linking Small Minority, Women, and Veteran Business Owners to opportunities.’ This is your chance to meet with Federal, State & Local Agencies, plus private companies eager to do business with you! Don’t miss out on a unique opportunity for growth and collaboration.”
For more information about Bexar County and its opportunities, go to www.bexar.org.
