UTSA Small Business Development Center

UTSA Small Business Development Center We are a leading economic development network recognized for excellence in service to the small busi

Provide business advising and workshops to entrepreneurs in Bexar County and ten surrounding counties.

A Buzzworthy BusinessFounder Charlie Agar discovered beekeeping in 2013 through an introductory course like the one he n...
09/11/2026

A Buzzworthy Business

Founder Charlie Agar discovered beekeeping in 2013 through an introductory course like the one he now offers at Charlie Bee. What started as a hobby quickly grew into a full-scale operation. Today, Agar manages hundreds of honeybee colonies across Central Texas, helping landowners qualify for Ag valuation, producing honey, and performing humane live bee removals that safely relocate wild colonies to the Charlie Bee homestead, where they are nurtured and reintegrated into managed apiaries. His ability to serve this unique community won him the 2026 SBA San Antonio District Office Rural Small Business of Year.

Through the help of the University of Texas at San Antonio's Small Business Development Center (UTSA SBDC), Charlie Bee Company became a hub for beekeeping education and community engagement. At the beekeeping school and retail shop, aspiring beekeepers receive hands-on training, expert guidance and essential equipment. The shop also serves as a gathering place for local beekeepers and offers interactive bee encounters.

Agar lauds the SBDC as empowering him to accomplish the growing number of achievements he can claim including Beekeeper of the Year by the Texas Beekeeper's Association Annual Conference in 2022 and serving as Past Area Director for the Texas Beekeepers Association and the Vice President of the Texas Association of Professional Bee Removers. He is also a volunteer and mentor with Hives for Heroes - a nonprofit organization connecting combat veterans with beekeeping mentors.

Agar has also expanded to a national TV program on PBS, the docu-follow series, Charlie Bee Company, now in its second season. The documentary-style series follows Charlie and his team as they remove wild honeybee colonies, share the wonder of pollinators, and highlight the importance of honeybees. A true steward of the earth, Charlie attests that not only his hard work and consistency have steered his success, but his long-standing relationships with farmers, landowners and the agricultural community have helped him steadily grow and prosper.

Start or Grow Your Own Small Business Success: Call UTSA SBDC Today at 210-458-2460.

READ MORE:

https://legacy.sba.gov/success-story/buzzworthy-business

Photo Credit: SBA

09/11/2026

Have a business idea but aren’t sure where to start? Already in business and wondering what your next move should be? Maybe you have a challenge you’ve been trying to figure out on your own.

You don’t have to figure it out alone.

The UTSA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) team is here to help you move forward. Our experienced business advisors bring real-world knowledge and expertise to the table, offering no-cost, confidential advising based on your business, your goals, and where you are right now.

Whether you’re:

- Getting started: We can help you develop your idea, understand the steps to start, and build a solid plan.

- Building your business: We can help with marketing, strategy, operations, and opportunities for growth.

- Taking your business to the next level: We can help you work through challenges, improve profitability, prepare for expansion, and plan for what’s ahead.

Our team also includes advisors with specialized experience who can help with unique business needs, including Veterans and Business Cooperatives. Spanish-language advising is also available.

You don’t need to have all the answers before you call. Bring us your questions, ideas, or challenges. We’ll help you figure out the next step.

Ready to talk through your business?

Call the UTSA SBDC at 210-458-2460 to schedule your no-cost advising appointment.

Let’s talk about where you are, where you want to go, and how we can help you get there.

09/09/2026

Trainings Next Week – UTSA SBDC:

SEO in 2026: How Small Businesses Can Get Found on Google, AI Search & Local Results - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/17/2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44185

Start Smart - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/17/2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44294

Marketing Research - How to find business opportunities for your company in the public and private sectors - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/17/2026
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44245

The Federal Reserve’s 2026 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and we are a partner in this effort.Your voice shap...
09/09/2026

The Federal Reserve’s 2026 Small Business Credit Survey is now open, and we are a partner in this effort.

Your voice shapes the policies and programs that affect your business. Owners and key financial decisionmakers of for-profit businesses, share your recent operational and financial experiences, about whether and how you use debt, and more.

Answers to these questions contribute to data that directly inform the Fed, federal government agencies, service providers, policymakers, and others—a public good ultimately benefiting your business and others like yours.

The survey is open to businesses currently in operation, those recently closed, and those about to launch. All responses are confidential. Take the 12-minute survey now.

To take the survey: https://fedreserveboard.gov1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_38k9xZy8ayEERue?orgID=SBDC_SanAntonioNetwork

The survey closes November 13, 2026. Questions about the survey? Contact Hal Martin at [email protected].

09/04/2026

The Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA), in cooperation with the Small Business Administration (SBA), is now accepting applications for the 2026 State Trade Expansion Program (STEP), a grant opportunity designed to help eligible Texas small businesses expand into international markets and increase export sales.

Deadline to apply online on TDA-GO: Thursday, September 10th, 2026, before 5:00pm.

The STEP Program provides reimbursement funding to support export-related activities such as international trade shows, foreign trade missions, export training, market research, translation services, international marketing, e-commerce initiatives, and other approved export development efforts.

Funding Parameters

Up to $20,000 for businesses pursuing Market Expansion (ME) opportunities.
Up to $10,000 for businesses that are New to Export (NTE).
Company matching requirement (See Requests for Grant Applications).
Key Eligibility Requirements

Be a Texas-based, for-profit small business.

Be organized and operating in the United States.
Export U.S.-origin products or services (or products containing at least 51% U.S. content).
Have been in business for at least one year.
Maintain an active SAM.gov registration and possess a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI).
Be entering a new international market or expanding into a new market segment.
Apply Early

Businesses must submit applications through TDA's online grants management system, TDA-GO. Applicants are encouraged to create a TDA-GO profile 48-72 hours before applying, and businesses that do not already have a UEI or SAM.gov registration should allow additional time to complete those requirements.

Learn More & Access Application Materials

Visit the STEP Program webpage to review eligibility requirements, download the full Request for Grant Applications, and access application instructions:

https://texasagriculture.gov/Grants-Services/STEP

We encourage eligible Texas small businesses that are ready to grow their international sales to take advantage of this opportunity.

For questions regarding the program, please contact the Texas Department of Agriculture Grants Office at [email protected] or 833-380-8282.

We look forward to supporting Texas businesses as they expand into global markets.

For more information:

Bradine (Bray) Griffiths| Grant Specialist
Trade & Economic Development
Texas Department of Agriculture | 1700 N. Congress Ave. | Austin, Texas 78701
[email protected] | 512-463-2496

09/01/2026

Trainings Next Week - UTSA SBDC:

Stop Guessing at Your Marketing: The Simple Framework to Know What to Do, What to Drop, and How to Decide - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/10/2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/43754

Building a Brand That Feels Like You - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/10/2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44313

UTSA SBDC Closure Notice:

The UTSA SBDC will be closed on Monday, September 7, 2026, in observance of Labor Day.

Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, September 8, 2026.

CLIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHTCapturing Moments, Building a Business: Love the Moment Photo BoothPhoto provided by: Love the M...
09/01/2026

CLIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT

Capturing Moments, Building a Business: Love the Moment Photo Booth

Photo provided by: Love the Moment Photo Booth LLC

Sometimes a business begins with a simple idea and the desire to create something meaningful for others. For Carolina Calvo, that idea became Love the Moment Photo Booth LLC, a woman-owned business focused on helping people celebrate, connect, and create memories they can keep.

Carolina connected with the UTSA SBDC in December 2025, where UTSA SBDC Business Advisor Lorna Adams provided guidance on sales tax, business planning, market and competitive analysis, and setting up business operations.

With that support, Carolina moved from idea to action. Love the Moment Photo Booth launched its business and is now growing its team, with plans to add four jobs.

Carolina brings a service-focused background in healthcare to her business. That experience has shaped her commitment to preparation, attention to detail, and creating a positive experience for every client and guest.

Today, Love the Moment Photo Booth offers stylish and seamless photo booth experiences for celebrations and professional events, including company milestones, networking events, conferences, grand openings, galas, holiday parties, and branded activations.

Carolina has also made the journey a collaborative one, bringing family members and co-workers into the business as she builds and grows her company.

Looking back on her experience with the UTSA SBDC, Carolina shared: "What started as an idea became reality, thanks to Lorna's guidance and expertise every step of the way."

Carolina's story shows what can happen when a good idea is paired with planning, guidance, and the willingness to take the next step.

Have a business idea of your own? The UTSA SBDC offers no-cost business advising to help entrepreneurs move forward with confidence, whether you are just getting started or ready to grow.

Your success story could be next. Call 210-458-2460 to connect with an advisor today.

CLIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHTFrom Startup Planning to Community Impact: AAspiring WellnessWhen Angela Monique McCree, U.S. Na...
08/25/2026

CLIENT SUCCESS SPOTLIGHT

From Startup Planning to Community Impact: AAspiring Wellness

When Angela Monique McCree, U.S. Navy Veteran and Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, connected with the UTSA SBDC in November 2024, she was building the foundation for her solo counseling practice, AAspiring Wellness PLLC.

With guidance from UTSA SBDC Business Advisor Lorna Adams, Angela received support with calculating startup costs and developing a marketing plan. That early advising helped position her business for a successful start and provided a strong foundation for continued growth.

Today, AAspiring Wellness is expanding its impact beyond traditional counseling. Through The Healing Advocate Framework™, Angela is developing and delivering educational programs, professional training, and resources focused on trauma-informed education, emotional intelligence, leadership development, and community engagement.

Her recent accomplishments include publishing two guided journals, Spilling the Tea: Nervous System Conversations for Women Learning to Heal Out Loud and Protection for the Protector: A Healing Companion for Men. She has also launched The Relationship Room™, a social-emotional learning experience designed to encourage self-awareness, healthy communication, and deeper connection.

Angela's veteran-owned practice provides trauma-informed mental health services and educational resources to individuals, couples, families, first responders, active-duty military personnel, veterans, and communities seeking meaningful, sustainable change.

Reflecting on her experience with the UTSA SBDC, Angela shared: "Lorna has been excellent, very thorough and supportive."

Angela's journey is a reminder that every successful business starts somewhere. Whether you are developing an idea, preparing to launch, or looking for ways to grow your existing business, the UTSA SBDC is here to support your next step.

Your small business success story could be next. Connect with the UTSA SBDC for no-cost business advising and take the next step toward your goals.

Call 210-458-2460 to get started today.

Photo provided by: AAspiring Wellness

08/24/2026

Trainings Next Week – UTSA SBDC:

SPANISH - Start Smart - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/1/2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44260

Building a Business Plan with LivePlan - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/1/2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44477

Social Media for Small Businesses - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/2/2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44312

Unlock the Path to Sustainable Business Growth — Virtual Preview Event - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/2/2026
Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44474

Busting Myths to Small Business Financing - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/3/2026
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM (CDT)
No fee to attend
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44261

Small Business Social Media Workflow: Plan, Post, Profit, Repeat - Webinar via Zoom
Date: 9/3/2026
Time: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (CDT)
Fee: $25.00 per person
Register: https://utsa.ecenterdirect.com/events/44165

08/21/2026

Whether you are exploring your first business idea, building an established business, or preparing for your next stage of growth, the UTSA Small Business Development Center SBDC is here to support you.

Our experienced business advisors provide no-cost, confidential advising for entrepreneurs at every level. You do not have to be an expert to get started, and you do not have to navigate entrepreneurship alone.

For beginning entrepreneurs, we can help you understand the steps to start a business, develop your business idea, create a strong foundation, and build a plan for success.

For intermediate entrepreneurs, we can help you strengthen your business and marketing strategies, explore funding opportunities, improve operations, and identify opportunities for sustainable growth.

For advanced entrepreneurs, we can help you address complex business challenges, improve profitability, plan for expansion, and develop strategies for long term success.

Our support is designed for entrepreneurs at every stage and with a wide range of experience, backgrounds, industries, and business goals. Whether you are just getting started or looking to take an established business to the next level, our advisors can provide practical guidance individualized to your needs.

We also have advisors with specialized experience who can support entrepreneurs with specific needs and business models, including Veterans and Business Cooperatives.

Spanish advising services are also available for Spanish speaking entrepreneurs.

Wherever you are in your entrepreneurial journey, our goal is to meet you where you are and provide practical guidance that fits your needs and goals.

Schedule your no-cost advising appointment today.

Call 210-458-2460.

We look forward to helping you take your next step toward achieving your business goals.

Address

San Antonio, TX

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12104582460

Website

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