Bexar County continues to build on its reputation as a driving force for small business growth and innovation. As local entrepreneurs, public agencies, and major industry players prepare to come together for this year’s Bexar County Small Business & Entrepreneurship Conference, the conversation around opportunity, inclusion, and community development is more relevant than ever.
From major public investments reshaping San Antonio’s business landscape to ongoing efforts ensuring fairness and access in contracting, the County’s initiatives are setting the stage for a stronger, more inclusive local economy.
We sat down with Renee Watson, Director, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Liaison Office, Bexar County Small Business & Entrepreneurship, to discuss what attendees can expect from this year’s event — from new opportunities emerging through recent development projects to how the County is evolving its policies to support small and local businesses in a changing legal and economic environment.
RENEE WATSON Q & A
Are there any big changes to this year’s event? New opportunities because of the very successful passage of the County venue tax allocation for redevelopment of the Coliseum grounds being led by the SA Rodeo and the investments to support the city of San Antonio in the new development of a downtown arena for the SA Spurs ($2B)-.
What do you think people attending should be most excited about?
The speakers, exhibitors and workshop presenters are dedicated to providing opportunities and information.
What about those who have a booth, like primes, agencies, etc. what should they be excited about?
It’s a forum for business owners to develop relationships, acquire knowledge and access opportunities that exist with public and
private sector entities for the procurement of construction, professional services, goods and other services. It is also an
opportunity to further enhance the knowledge of procurement staff of the availability and ability of firms with the desire to do
business.
With the recent efforts to dismantle anything “DEI,” how are you handling your dedication to inclusion?
The conference is designed to meet the needs of those in several areas: A person who owns a business that is available and has
the capacity to do business with the public and private sector. A person who owns a business that is available but needs
help building the capacity to do business with the public and private sector. A person who owns a business that is performing
work in the private sector but has not sought public sector opportunities (and vice versa). A person who owns a business
and needs help by getting technical or financial assistance. A person who has the desire to start a business and would
like to be prepared, know what opportunities and assistance exist. A person may be working a day job but would like to start
a business one day in the future. A person who would like to network with other business owners, public and private sector
staff, and leaders, to enhance their development and overall
quality of life.
What would you say to those coming to the event that are nervous about their gender/race certification status?The Bexar County Business Conference is an opportunity for the Purchasing Departments and resource organizations to make
direct contact with vendors. Business owners can get their questions answered and meet the buyers who make decisions
daily to solicit or recommend awards that will directly impact their business. It also provides a place for other agencies,
departments and offices to provide information regarding their services or programs.
- 1) Find out what qualifications and/or vendor registration process in lieu of being on a certification directory are
required to do business with the exhibitor. - 2) Be prepared to talk about what you bring to the table to consider your company.
- 3) Attend workshops to learn, network, and gain valuable insights from industry experts
- 4) Pass out your business cards and collect others to grow your network
- 5) Discover who your competitors are while visiting the exhibitors and gain a deeper understanding
Is there anything else you would like me to add?
Bexar County is currently reviewing and considering a substantially revised Bexar County Administrative Policy 8.0,
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) and Local Business Enterprise (LOBE) Policy. This comprehensive revision represents a
significant step forward in strengthening the County’s SBE/LOBE outreach and development framework and ensuring
continued compliance with both state and federal law.
The most substantial revision addresses the clear separation of functions between the Small Business and Entrepreneurship
Department (SBED) and the Purchasing Department. While the two offices should continue to work collaboratively, their
roles are now distinct under the Policy and non-overlapping to preserve accountability, transparency, and compliance with
Texas procurement statutes.
UNDER THE REVISED POLICY:
- SBED is responsible for program administration, data management, reporting, and outreach related to SBE and
LOBE participation. SBED will monitor compliance, prepare participation reports, and coordinate with the SBE/LOBE
Advisory Committee. - Purchasing remains solely responsible for procurement execution, solicitation management, contract award, and enforcement
of purchasing procedures consistent with Texas Local Government Code Chapter 262 and Administrative Policy 8.1. - Both departments collaborate to ensure accurate reporting and data integrity, but SBED’s role is advisory
and programmatic, while Purchasing’s authority remains operational and transactional.
This Policy revision is carefully being developed to ensure that Bexar County’s SBE and LOBE framework remains fully
consistent with applicable state and federal law, including the constitutional and statutory limitations governing the
consideration of prohibited classifications in governmental contracting, funding, or expenditures. The language is being
updated to reflect the current legal environment following recent judicial developments and to maintain the County’s
commitment to equal opportunity, lawful inclusion, and nondiscriminatory public contracting practices.
Together, these revisions reaffirm Bexar County’s dedication to fairness, integrity, and transparency in procurement, while
providing a legally defensible framework for promoting local and small business participation.
With major developments on the horizon and updated policies designed to strengthen transparency and opportunity, Bexar
County is taking meaningful steps to support a thriving business ecosystem. The upcoming Small Business & Entrepreneurship
Conference serves as both a reflection of that progress and a blueprint for the future of equitable economic development in the region.
For full details and registration information, visit www.bexar.org/sbed
