(May 18, 2016 – San Antonio) – The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) received the “Community Partner Award” from San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) during the quarterly Eastside Business Briefing on May 12, 2016.
SAGE is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization charged with the revitalization of the Eastside. Their mission includes championing development that benefits the individuals, families, neighborhoods and businesses on San Antonio’s Eastside. The UTSA SBDC was selected as the recipient of the “Community Partner Award” for ongoing efforts to support business growth on the Eastside. These efforts include helping start new businesses and spurring economic growth.
“The UTSA SBDC and SAGE have partnered in a number of ways,” Crystal Darby, Senior Business Advisor, UTSA SBDC, says. “We act as referrals to each other in order to benefit our clients. SBDC advisors offer support on business plans and financial statements so that SAGE grant and equity fund applicants are able to present their businesses in the best light possible.”
The UTSA SBDC has advised various aspects of business for many SAGE clients including: Tony G’s Soul Food, The Broadnax Place, Fernando’s Bail Bonds, Appliance Liquidation Outlet and MedWheels.
“The Eastside is truly a melting pot. It has a rich history and culture and the opportunity to be an economic generator for the city as a whole,” Darby shares. “Working with businesses in an area that is experiencing the kind of growth has been extremely rewarding.
“I worked at a nonprofit in the area a decade ago, and I am thrilled to see the commerce that is taking shape,” Darby continues. “SAGE is the driving force behind that growth. It’s an honor to work with the dedicated folks there. The partnership we have with SAGE means that more businesses will be able to access the services from both of our organizations, resulting in jobs and capital.”
“Our working relationship with SAGE exemplifies the collaborative partnerships we seek. The UTSA SBDC and SAGE bring together the strengths of both organizations to meet the needs of small businesses and communities we serve,” says Morrison Woods, Director of the UTSA SBDC.
The SBDC is a center within the Institute of Economic Development at UTSA that serves Bexar and 10 surrounding counties including a satellite office in serving New Braunfels and Seguin. To find out more about the UTSA SBDC, please visit our website at www.sasbdc.org or contact Morrison Woods, Director, UTSA SBDC, at: morrison.woods@utsa.edu or call: 210-458-2460.
Connect online with the Institute for Economic Development at https://www.facebook.com/UTSAEconomicDevelopment or https://twitter.com/EconDevUTSA.
About the IED
The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute for Economic Development is dedicated to creating jobs, growing businesses and fostering economic development. Our 12 centers and programs provide professional business advising, technical training, research, and strategic planning for entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders. Our programs serve San Antonio, the Texas-Mexico border area as well as regional, national and international stakeholders. Together with federal, state and local governments, and private businesses, the UTSA Institute for Economic Development fosters economic and community development in support of UTSA’s community engagement mission.
About UTSA
The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) is an emerging Tier One research institution specializing in health, energy, security, sustainability, and human and social development. With nearly 29,000 students, it is the largest university in the San Antonio metropolitan region. UTSA advances knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. The university embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property – for Texas, the nation and the world.
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