Launch SA “Re-Launch” Coming Soon to Help Small Business Owners
Published on September 14, 2023
San Antonio City Council Approves Agreement with Geekdom
SAN ANTONIO (September 14, 2023) – San Antonio City Council has approved a $1.7 million agreement with Geekdom that will help support local entrepreneurs and small business owners. The three-year agreement to manage the operations of Launch SA ushers in a new era for the organization, which was established in 2014 and serves as an anchor for San Antonio’s small business ecosystem. The collaborative startup community Geekdom will extend its expertise in entrepreneurial and small business programs, funding and networking to help the City of San Antonio strengthen and grow the impact of Launch SA. The three-year agreement has two, two-year renewal options for a total of seven years. LiftFund has managed Launch SA for the past ten years and served as a key contributor to its success.
“San Antonio is home to a vibrant business community and the City is proud to offer the resources available through Launch SA,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “Geekdom is a respected wealth of knowledge in business and entrepreneurship, and we look forward to the impact this partnership will create locally. Thank you to LiftFund for bringing Launch SA to where it is today.”
Situated in the heart of downtown, Launch SA has a 6,900 sq. ft. working space at the San Antonio Central Library, 600 Soledad. The Launch SA space will host tailored workshops for business owners, connect entrepreneurs to funding opportunities, provide educational resources, and assist in catapulting small businesses and entrepreneurs into success. Improvements to services include a greater role of Launch SA as a connector and leader of the small business ecosystem and a space upgrade funded by $300,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) dollars that includes new paint and lighting, updated technology and marketing efforts. The ARPA funding was designated in the ARPA Small Business Implementation Plan approved by City Council in June 2022.
“Managing Launch SA is an exciting opportunity for Geekdom. It aligns well with our expertise and our commitment to grow San Antonio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” said Charles Woodin, CEO of Geekdom. “We want entrepreneurs to experience Launch SA as the front door to the resources they need to grow their businesses. In partnership with the City of San Antonio, we want to do that for 750 small business owners over the next three years.”
“Small businesses and entrepreneurs are integral to prosperity in our community. Through the partnership with Geekdom, current and aspiring business owners will be connected with skills, networks and resources focused on helping them grow their business,” said City Manager Erik Walsh. “I want to extend a big thank you to LiftFund for its leadership of Launch SA for the past ten years.”
As the transition of leadership and improvements to the space take place, Launch SA will continue to offer services. An updated website with that information will be available by October 1. Through September 30, business owners should continue to reach out to LiftFund at LaunchSA.org or 210-598-6623. For more information about Launch SA services, contact Caitlin Cowart at caitlin.cowart@sanantonio.gov or 210-207-3996.210.