Our impact in our community
Our Impact Since 2021
68
Companies Started
670+
Hours Invested in Mentoring
192
Entrepreneurs Impacted
27
Small Businesses Served
Our Impact (without funding)
Empowering Local Entrepreneurs
Emerge and Rise's Lotus Program has been a game-changer for local entrepreneurs, helping turn dreams into thriving businesses. In just over a year, from October 2022 to June 2025, the program has nurtured 18 individuals across three cohorts, resulting in 16 unique businesses.
Success Stories
A startup ventured into the tech space, focusing on mental health, with promising prospects across two countries.
One business is seeking a larger space to accommodate rapid growth.
Another participant is ready for the accelerator program due to its booming success.
A participant completed their business plan, registered their company, and secured a major contract.
A duo launched a business together and landed a significant deal with a local theater.
Inclusive Approach
The program has been inclusive, with 90% of participants being women and 10% men, demonstrating a commitment to supporting entrepreneurs from all backgrounds.
Ongoing Support
Emerge and Rise's support doesn't end with the program. They continue to provide guidance and advice for 18 months post-graduation, ensuring long-term success for their participants.
A Proven Investment
These success stories are more than just feel-good narratives; they are tangible proof of the program's effectiveness. Investing in Emerge and Rise means backing a future where every aspiring entrepreneur receives the necessary support to turn their ideas into reality. Together, they are building this future, one success story at a time.
Why this work matters
San Antonio runs on small businesses. The metro has the highest share of family-owned businesses in the country, with about 34% of all small businesses here held in family hands (U.S. Census Bureau, 2023 Annual Business Survey). When those businesses do well, the whole community feels it. The regional economy is growing fast, with output up 40% over the past decade against a national average of 28%. But growth on paper does not reach every owner. Many of the people building these businesses, especially women, first-generation owners, and founders without access to capital, are doing it without the guidance and connections that growth requires. That gap is the work. It is why we exist.
Some of Our previous Cohort Members
Sean Boyd, Emerge and Rise Cohort 1
Stephanie Lopez, Emerge and Rise Cohort 2
Daniel Morales, Emerge and Rise Cohort 2
Candice Bryant, Emerge and Rise Cohort 2
DeAnna Brown, Emerge and Rise Cohort 2
Kimberly Sauceda, Emerge and Rise Cohort 2
Crystal Calderon, Emerge and Rise Cohort 2
Jason Meek, Emerge and Rise Cohort 3
Nuria Diallo Padro, Emerge and Rise Cohort 3
Eddie Alarcon, Emerge and Rise Cohort 4
Nicole Harris, Emerge and Rise Cohort 4
Sandra Cieluch, Emerge and Rise Cohort 4
BriAnna Martinez-Brooks, Emerge and Rise Cohort 5
Danielle Trudeau, Emerge and Rise Cohort 5
Jeanie Murphy, Emerge and Rise Cohort 5
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!