Breaking Barriers,
Building Businesses
Driving Social Impact and Green Growth for San Antonio's Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
San Antonio Venture Development Organization
Business success and sustainability
At Emerge and Rise™, we prioritize long-term sustainability—not just growth. Our work is grounded in green practices, eco-conscious solutions, and a deep commitment to addressing the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) that shape our community. As a San Antonio–based nonprofit, we support small businesses that care about people, planet, and purpose. By integrating social innovation and sustainable entrepreneurship, we help build a more resilient and inclusive local economy.
Our work aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals to drive local change in San Antonio and beyond.
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Who do we support
Emerge and Rise™ is dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to build strong and sustainable businesses. Our focus includes:
Women-Owned Businesses: Providing mentorship and support tailored to female founders.
Business Owners from Diverse Backgrounds: Offering programs designed to address unique business needs.
Veteran Entrepreneurs: Helping veterans apply their skills to business ownership.
Latino and Hispanic Business Owners: Creating opportunities to strengthen and grow their enterprises.
Entrepreneurs from Global Communities: Supporting those navigating new markets and business landscapes.
With a dedicated workspace and a strong network, we help entrepreneurs turn ideas into thriving businesses.
emerge and rise framework™
One of the biggest issues we see in small business ownership is the “Owner Reliance Trap”—where the founder wears every hat and the business can’t function without them.
Our framework exists to break that cycle.
Through delegation, system design, and wellness-centered growth, we help entrepreneurs build businesses that don’t burn them out—or break when they step away.
Outer Ring: The 4 Anchors – Our Approach
These are the pillars that guide how we serve our entrepreneurs:
1. Empower = Build the human
→ Mindset, confidence, mental health, and healing
2. Equip = Provide the tools
→ Processes, capital access, delegation, infrastructure
3. Educate = Teach the skills
→ Financial/digital literacy, resilience, planning
4. Elevate = Amplify the work
→ Visibility, storytelling, exit readiness, leadership
Middle Ring: The 12 Building Blocks
These are the real-world components an entrepreneur needs to thrive.
From mental health and systems to storytelling and co-creation, this layer reflects what actually builds sustainable businesses, especially for founders from marginalized or underestimated communities.
Inner Ring: The Process – Based on the CESI Model
This ring reflects how we do our work.
It’s based on the Community Engagement & Social Innovation (CESI) model:
Observe + Identify the problem
Integrate + Engage the community
Assess + Innovate solutions
Evaluate + Disseminate impact
This ensures that everything we do is community-driven, inclusive, and evidence-based.
Holistic Entrepreneurship
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Financial Literacy
We emphasize financial literacy across all our programs, infusing key financial principles into our services, and resources. Entrepreneurs gain insights through workshops that cover essential topics such as budgeting, investing, and financial planning, fostering the skills necessary to navigate the economic aspects of business with confidence.
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Digital Literacy
Digital literacy is integral to our offerings, ensuring entrepreneurs are adept in the digital realm. Through our workshops and community initiatives, business owners explore the use of digital tools and strategies, from social media marketing, AI, and digital tools to e-commerce, enhancing their ability to operate and grow their businesses in an increasingly digital world.
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Mental Health Wellness
At Emerge and Rise™, mental health wellness is a priority within our entrepreneurial support framework. Our workshops and resources focus on building mental resilience, managing stress, and achieving a healthy work-life balance, empowering everyone to thrive both in their businesses and personal lives.
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Sustainable Practices
We help small businesses integrate sustainability into their operations, focusing on practices that balance profitability with environmental and social impact. Entrepreneurs learn how to adopt eco-friendly operations, drive social change through impactful strategies, embrace innovation, and position their businesses for long-term success in a changing world.
Emerge and Rise™: Empowering San Antonio's Entrepreneurs and small businesses
At Emerge and Rise™, since 2021, we’ve been helping small businesses succeed while making a meaningful impact in their communities. Our focus is on social impact, innovation, and sustainable growth, giving entrepreneurs the tools and support they need to build businesses that benefit both the economy and the community.
We connect business owners with mentors, resources, and local leaders to help them grow and create lasting change. Our goal is to build a thriving community where businesses don’t just grow—they also improve lives and strengthen San Antonio as a whole.
Join us in supporting small businesses that are shaping a better future for our city.
Our Focus Areas
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Providing necessary tools and knowledge for innovation and financial management, digital skills, and overall business acumen. Promoting new ideas and business models through our programs.
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Facilitating connections between entrepreneurs, mentors, and community leaders to strengthen the business ecosystem. Ensuring that a wide range of perspectives and ideas are heard and integrated.
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Offering targeted education and resources in financial and digital literacy, essential for building sustainable businesses and achieving economic independence and generational wealth.
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Connecting members with mentors, opportunities, and community pillars, including influential leaders and foundational institutions, to help small businesses thrive and implement change.
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Encouraging innovative thinking and adaptation through our tailored Corporate Small Business Programs, aimed at fostering a culture of innovation within larger organizational structures and the broader community.
“I found something truly special, beyond just my art business, I found a like-minded community.”
— DeAnna Brown
AFFILIATIONS
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San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (SAHCC)
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National Association for Latino Community Asset Builders (NALCAB)
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Grow with Google Impact Partner
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NATIONAL DIGITAL INCLUSION ALLIANCE
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GLOBAL CYBER ALLIANCE
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PRO LITERACY
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NTEN (Nonprofit Technology Enterprise Network)
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Annual DreamWeek Summit
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National Coalition for Community Capital
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Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW)
Blog posts, News, and Media Press
Empower Dreams: Join Us in Building Business Futures
Every donation fuels the journey of aspiring entrepreneurs in our community. Your support enables Emerge and Rise to provide essential resources, mentorship, and training to those who need it most. Together, we can transform potential into success. Invest in a brighter future today—every contribution makes a difference!