SAN ANTONIO — The Small Business and Entrepreneurship Department (SBED) of Bexar County epitomizes the great combination of economic development and entrepreneurship. Since 2001, SBED has been a driving force behind creating an environment where small businesses can flourish, paving the way for a sustainable economic future for Bexar County.
At the heart of SBED’s mission is its administration of the Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (SMWBE) Program and the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program. These initiatives aim to boost the participation of small, minority, and women-owned businesses in county projects and procurement opportunities. Additionally, SBED oversees compliance with United States Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Title VI regulations as they pertain to Bexar County’s federally funded highway projects, ensuring equity and fairness.
Commitment to Inclusion
Led by director Renee Watson, SBED is an action-oriented team dedicated to connecting small, minority, women-owned, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned businesses to opportunities that promote success in both the public and private sectors. The department recognizes these businesses as vital to the economy, often referred to as the backbone of the free enterprise system.
“We are linking businesses to opportunities for acceleration. That is what we strive to do,” Watson said when asked about the department’s mission.
With about 53,000 small businesses in Bexar County providing products and services to the San Antonio community, these enterprises also provide employment for a significant portion of the workforce.
Enhancing Opportunity Through Programs and Outreach
Through the SMWBE and DBE programs, SBED ensures that small businesses have a fair chance to compete for Bexar County contracts. The department’s efforts extend beyond procurement, as they actively engage the business community through a variety of outreach initiatives. One of the most important events hosted by SBED is the Bexar County Business Conference, which takes place on Dec. 11, 2024. This annual gathering serves as a platform for networking, learning, and fostering collaboration among business owners, government entities, and private sector representatives.
Watson says there are trillions of dollars in procurement opportunities at the business conference with over 160 exhibitors and 30 workshops that provide important information about how to start or grow a business.
“The major general contractors in the building that are looking to do work, not only in San Antonio but throughout Texas and the United States, are looking for subcontractors.”
Additional events spearheaded by the county include the SBED Meet the Buyers events, supplier breakfasts, and other innovative programs designed to connect businesses with resources and opportunities.
County Resources
The SBED team has served as advocates for the growth of SMWBE/DBE firms by introducing several helpful resources.
“We start with navigation and understanding by providing a listening ear of what the needs and services of businesses are, and those with ideas. Because of our partnership with the Bexar County Clerk’s Office, when businesses file for their DBA, the team with the county clerk’s office refers them to our office as well,” Watson explained.
In the last six months, the county has opened a Small Business Opportunity Center, where appointments can be scheduled online, and walk-ins are welcomed. For the last 24 years, SBED has also had a virtual business center.
“As businesses are looking to expand and grow, our highest priority is to get them to visit with Bexar County. If they sell something that Bexar County can buy, we want to have that conversation and get them signed up as a vendor and train them on how to use our supplier portal. Once that contract is executed, we have a compliance team that does the follow-up to make sure there aren’t any payment or delivery issues. If there are, the businesses can talk to us about that.”
Supporting Economic Growth
By prioritizing inclusivity and innovation, SBED plays a pivotal role in ensuring the economic vitality of Bexar County. Its initiatives not only encourage the success of small businesses but also strengthen the local economy, ensuring that the county remains competitive and continuously thriving.
“Through 2018, we have spent $1 billion with businesses out of procurement opportunities we have at Bexar County. We are looking at producing that report in early January for the 24 years of this conference,” Watson said. “We look at a report of each agency’s spending. It’s not just about bringing people through the door—we want accountability to see if these agencies are actually spending money with small businesses.”
A Look Ahead to 2025
Some of the department’s goals for 2025 include bringing more procurement opportunities to the county and launching a podcast called ‘The Prep Zone’ to share ways businesses can develop.
“In our new Small Business Opportunity Center, we have a podcast studio and we’ve already recorded some videos. We will be having guests such as Subcontractors USA’s Keith ‘Mr. D-MARS’ Davis, Sr. to talk about the real issues that are facing small businesses from a procurement standpoint, in addition to how to grow your business while looking for opportunities.”
Through its unwavering commitment to fostering an environment where small businesses can thrive, SBED continues to lay the groundwork for a brighter economic future for Bexar County.
If you are a business owner looking to maximize your opportunities with Bexar County, visit SBED’s official website at https://www.bexar.org/129/Small-Business-Entrepreneurship-Dept to schedule a meeting and stay updated on programs, events, and resources.
