Forget the fluff—this session is for founders who want to learn how to use generative AI tools in real, strategic ways. Whether you're still shaping your idea or scaling up, we'll show you how to use AI to streamline, validate, and accelerate your business model. This isn't about hype—it's about practical tools and smarter workflows that can save time, cut costs, and give you an edge.

Veterans: Get Your LLC for FREE

Texas Veterans Two-Step®️ saved Veterans over $54,000 in state filing fees!

If you’re an honorably discharged Veteran with at least 6 months of active federal service, you may qualify.

🔗 Learn more: texasveterans2step.org/faq

This hands-on monthly lab is for aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, and side hustlers who want to build a real business that solves problems in areas like climate and clean energy, access to healthy food, mental health and wellness, education, transportation, affordable services, or community safety.

Whether you care about the environment, your neighborhood, or making life better for others, this lab helps you turn that into a business you can start with just $500.

Founders, this one’s about setting realistic expectations for your startup journey in San Antonio and beyond. No fluff, just honest advice from those who have been there. Whether you're building something highly technical or something that uses tech in creative ways, we’re going to have an open conversation about the highs and lows of building a business that thrives.

Start your month with intention. Mindful Mornings is a casual, drop-in experience designed for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members who need space to breathe, reset, and reconnect.

Welcome to the Emerge and Rise Open House!

☕ Tea, Coffee, Snacks – and New Possibilities Await!

Come experience the heart of Emerge and Rise — a collaborative space built for San Antonio’s dreamers, doers, and community builders.

Whether you’re building, buying, funding, or scaling—your money mindset matters.

The Financial Lab is your monthly open space to get real about money—credit, capital, investing, funding, franchising, taxes, and more. We bring in financial pros, entrepreneurs, and advisors ready to break it all down and help you take the next step with confidence

Come with a goal or just curiosity—we’ve got you.

Digital First Fridays is your open, come-and-go lab session designed for small business owners, freelancers, creatives, and anyone looking to get unstuck or level up in tech. Whether you’re trying to launch your website, set up a booking link, fix your Google Business Profile, learn AI tools, or just need someone to show you how to do that one thing—we’ve got you.

BYOB + Unwind at Emerge and Rise

​Let’s pause the hustle for a minute.

​Join WINC Circle for a relaxed evening designed for real connection — nothing formal, just a warm space to recharge, reflect, and vibe with women walking their own paths.

Got a big idea? Let’s make it real—fast! This workshop will walk you through how to take your idea and break it down into a workable MVP (Minimum Viable Product) that you can test and iterate. It’s not about building a fully polished product; it’s about laying the foundation for something that works and can be improved. You’ll leave with the clarity on how to move forward with the next step in your startup journey.

Learn practical tools to set goals, manage performance, and lead conversations with confidence. Limited seats.

This hands-on monthly lab is for aspiring entrepreneurs, creatives, and side hustlers who want to build a real business that solves problems in areas like climate and clean energy, access to healthy food, mental health and wellness, education, transportation, affordable services, or community safety.

Whether you care about the environment, your neighborhood, or making life better for others, this lab helps you turn that into a business you can start with just $500.

Welcome to the Emerge and Rise Open House!

☕ Tea, Coffee, Snacks – and New Possibilities Await!

Come experience the heart of Emerge and Rise — a collaborative space built for San Antonio’s dreamers, doers, and community builders.

Whether you’re building, buying, funding, or scaling—your money mindset matters.

The Financial Lab is your monthly open space to get real about money—credit, capital, investing, funding, franchising, taxes, and more. We bring in financial pros, entrepreneurs, and advisors ready to break it all down and help you take the next step with confidence

Come with a goal or just curiosity—we’ve got you.

Start your month with intention. Mindful Mornings is a casual, drop-in experience designed for entrepreneurs, creatives, and community members who need space to breathe, reset, and reconnect.

Digital First Fridays is your open, come-and-go lab session designed for small business owners, freelancers, creatives, and anyone looking to get unstuck or level up in tech. Whether you’re trying to launch your website, set up a booking link, fix your Google Business Profile, learn AI tools, or just need someone to show you how to do that one thing—we’ve got you.

FI SA Mentors, this one’s for you! Join us to learn how you can make a real impact by supporting the next wave of San Antonio’s founders. This session will walk you through the expectations, roles, and the unique ways you can engage with FI’s pre-seed accelerator program. After the discussion, stick around for a laid-back mixer where you can connect with fellow mentors and future entrepreneurs.

At Facilitation Lab San Antonio, facilitators and collaborative leaders come together to experiment, refine, and grow through real-time practice and role-play – because we believe that learning by doing is the best way to develop our facilitation muscle!

We are launching a new home for San Antonio’s entrepreneurs and small businesses—on Earth Day!

We’re committed to helping entrepreneurs grow sustainably while building a stronger community. Our new space will host workshops, networking events, and resources designed specifically for local businesses and startups.

Connect with community leaders, innovative thinkers, and local change-makers. Come experience how we support small businesses—and why doing good business also means doing good for our planet.

Join us and become part of San Antonio’s sustainable growth story!

imani unfolded

A journey through the layers of culture, creativity, and community at Imani Collective.

Join us in our first-ever immersive experience.

After years of dreaming about bringing our impact to life for all of our supporters and those we have yet to meet in the States, we are so excited to invite you to Imani Collective’s first-ever immersive experience: Imani Unfolded.

#MilCityMeetUp

A Military Community Career Centered Meet Up & Networking Group. Powered by the people - for the people.

April Networking

Emerge and Rise is proud to be part of the We Are For Good ImpactUp series at the San Antonio Local Meetup of San Antonio. Join us for an evening of connection, meaningful conversations, and exploring how changemakers stay grounded and drive impact during times of rapid change. Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with fellow nonprofit leaders and strengthen our community.

Have a startup idea but unsure how to bring it to market? Ignite & Launch: San Antonio Startup Idea Bootcamp will help you evaluate, validate, and position your business idea for success. Learn from industry experts in marketing, social media, branding, and sales as they share go-to-market strategies that turn ideas into action. Whether you're building your first startup or refining an existing concept, this session will equip you with the tools to identify your audience, craft your message, and ignite your launch. Join us for an interactive session with marketers, social media strategists, photographers, and sales specialists to give your startup the competitive edge it needs!

Private Event for our local HVAC association.

Vision Board – Her Circle Social Hour

Join your WINC Founders circle for a relaxed evening creating vision boards for your 2025 goals. We’ll reconnect, share aspirations, and craft our intentions visually.

Bring along any supplies you have on hand—magazines, stickers, quotes, or anything else inspiring. We’ll have extra materials ready, plus snacks and plenty of good company.

Come dream, chat, and create alongside women who get you.

Join us for Founder Night Out! If you’re building a startup or looking to expand your network in San Antonio, this in-person event is for you. Connect with founders, mentors, and advisors from the Founder Institute network, meet potential co-founders, and get plugged into the local startup scene—all in a laid-back setting. Whether you have a startup idea, a growing company, or are just exploring, come network, socialize, and have fun! Learn more & RSVP.

Join Lina Rugova, President of Emerge and Rise, and Daisy Cantu Morin, President of TWFG Daisy Cantu Morin Insurance, for an insightful workshop on Risk Management Planning for 2025. In this interactive session, we'll dive deep into the importance of scenario planning and risk management strategies for small businesses. Stay ahead of the curve by learning the latest insights, emerging trends, and policy changes that could impact your business in the new year. Whether you're looking to safeguard your business or stay prepared for the unexpected, this workshop is a must-attend for small business owners in 2025!

ImpactUp is the quarterly gathering of the We Are For Good Community. We gather virtually by day to start convos + by evening to activate together in local meetups around the world. Join us for in person viewing party!

Come one - come all and bring pop corn…

One day. One theme. One bigger convo. To activate together. And grow an Impact Uprising.

Vision:

To build a stronger San Antonio by prioritizing mental health in leadership, leading to thriving businesses and communities. This symposium will focus on enhancing emotional intelligence, fostering inclusive environments, and promoting sustainability, ensuring that well-being and responsible leadership are central to our collective success.

Mission:

This symposium will guide San Antonio’s small business owners and leaders through a journey of personal and professional growth. By integrating mental well-being, emotional intelligence, and responsible governance into their leadership practices, participants will be equipped to drive meaningful change within their organizations and the broader community.

Emerge and Rise™ will be at Brooster's Backyard Icehouse, hosted by Norm Velez and April Monterrosa from Live from the Southside. Join us for "Business Hour with Advisor," a Q&A session designed to provide expert insights and guidance on all things entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting out or looking to grow your small business, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with experienced advisors, ask your pressing questions, and gain valuable advice. We look forward to empowering your business journey in a relaxed and supportive environment!