Breaking Barriers,
growing Businesses
Driving Social Impact and Innovation
San Antonio Venture Development Organization
Emerge and Rise helps established San Antonio businesses scale. We work with small and medium-sized enterprises and high-equity businesses that are past the startup phase and ready for what's next: growth, modernization, or expansion into new markets.
We provide hands-on, personalized support to help you adopt digital tools, strengthen your operations, access procurement and capital opportunities, and build long-term sustainability. Think of us as a growth partner that walks with you, not a one-time workshop.
Ready to take the next step?
SME Expansion Facilitator of the Year - 2025 Go Global Awards, International Trade Council
Who do we support
At Emerge and Rise™, we work with business owners who are already operating but didn't start with the usual access, connections, or funding. We meet them where they are and help them move forward with clarity.
Business owners preparing to hire, scale, or raise capital
Women-led companies driving innovation across industries
First-generation business owners and international entrepreneurs building in San Antonio
Veterans and transitioning service members ready to lead in business
Entrepreneurs navigating digital tools, funding, or new markets
How We Work With Businesses
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Business Growth Support
We work directly with small and mid-sized businesses to solve real operational and growth challenges.
- 1:1 advisory / consulting
- business strategy
- operations and systems
- digital adoption
- resource navigation
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Structured Programs
Our programs are designed for businesses that are ready to take the next step, not start from scratch. Built for existing businesses and operators. Not idea-stage.
Front Porch Program (roundtables)
Small Business 911
Entrepreneurship by Acquisition
Technical Assistance
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Workshops & Organizational Training
We deliver hands-on workshops and training for teams, organizations, and partners focused on innovation, strategy, and practical execution.
- Design Thinking
- Innovation Workshops
- Entrepreneurship / Intrapreneurship
- Ecosystem or Partner Training
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International Soft Landing
We support international companies entering San Antonio and Texas through market guidance, partnerships, and local integration. Designed for small and mid-sized international companies expanding into the U.S.
- market entry support
- local partnerships and connections
- business ecosystem navigation
- cultural and operational integration
- pilot and expansion support
Holistic Entrepreneurship
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Financial Literacy
We build financial skills into everything we do. Business owners and their teams learn budgeting, investing, and financial planning through hands-on workshops designed for real-world decision-making.
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Digital Literacy
We help businesses and their teams get comfortable with digital tools, from social media marketing and AI to e-commerce, so they can operate and grow in an increasingly digital world.
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Founder Wellness
We prioritize mental wellness through workshops on resilience, stress management, and work-life balance. We help entrepreneurs move past the self-reliance trap and learn to build strong teams and lead sustainably.
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Sustainability
We help small businesses integrate sustainability into their operations with practices that balance profitability, climate impact, and social good for long-term success.
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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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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World Affairs Council of San Antonio
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San Antonio Council for International Visitors
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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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National Coalition for Community Capital
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!
