District 3 Prioritizes Small Businesses in San Antonio

Published on December 06, 2024

SAN ANTONIO (December 5, 2024) – While the San Antonio City Council voted 7-4 to amend the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) ordinance in today’s Council A Session, District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran supported prioritizing minority- and women-owned businesses. 

While Hispanic and Black residents account for 60 percent and 9 percent of San Antonio’s population, they own only 25 percent and 3 percent of employer small businesses, respectively. 

The District 3 Councilmember said, “This stark disparity underscores the need for stronger tools, improved coordination, and more inclusive practices to ensure fair and equal access to contracting opportunities with the City of San Antonio. The 2023 Disparity Study confirms what we have long known: Race and sex discrimination remain persistent barriers to equal contracting opportunities. We cannot afford to ignore this reality. 

“It is vital that we give small and minority businesses not just a seat at the table but a genuine opportunity to thrive and succeed in our city. Eliminating race- and gender-conscious evaluation preference points for minority- and women-owned businesses presents a challenge, but that change is needed to continue moving the city forward.”

During A Session, it was decided that the City Council would receive an update in March 2025 regarding the messaging of the amendments, aiming to assess how much women-owned businesses would be affected.

The District 3 Councilmember plans to coordinate with other Councilmembers to hold a southern small business meeting, and aspires to build a more inclusive economy that reflects the diversity and potential of San Antonio’s residents.