Welcome to the Institute for Economic Development

IED Programs

Our Programs Institute Home Page The Institute for Economic Development's diverse programs facilitate economic, community and business development at the local, regional and national level. Click on a specific program for detailed information.			SBDC Rural Business Program Capacity building Community assessments Business advisory services Business planning SBDC National Information Clearinghouse Market research for SBDC counselors Online learning Industry research and trends Southwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center Eligibility criteria for trade adjustment assistance Advocacy for manufacturing and service firms Services in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana Gulf Oil Spill Assistance: GOSDAA Startech Technology commercialization Enterprise formation Access to capital
South-West Texas Border SBDC Network One-on-one business counseling Research and market analysis Business skills training Ten locations in South, Central and West Texas San Antonio Small Business Development Center Confidential, 1-on-1 business counseling Business planning Financial analysis Loan packaging assistance Leadership and business training	SBDC Contracting Resource Center Business contractor services Employer services Veterans services Networking opportunities Women owned small business program Energy Saving Solutions Program (eS2) Sustainable business services SBDC International Trade Center Global trade consulting Market research Global business skills training Trade platform: SBDCGlobal.com	MBDA Business Center Management training and consulting Market research and strategic planning Government contracting and minority certifications Center for Community and Business Research Impact and feasibility studies Economic development research Market research Sustainable Business Program Business practices Disaster resilience Mabufacturing Commercialization

IED Services

How do I start a business?: Workshops and training; Confidential business advising; Market research and analysis; Access to capital; Customized services for veteran-owned, minority-��owned businesses; Technology Commercialization

How do I grow my business?: Strategic planning; Leadership development; Import competition; Loan application assistance; Employee management; B2B networking; Emerging markets; International trade

How can I help my community improve our economy?: Community needs assessment; Sustainable business planning; Emergency preparedness; Rural business development; Economic impact studies; Retail trade analysis; Capacity building; Market research and analysis

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24 reasons to love us this month

Small business development centers hold two dozen workshops and events this February, each with a focus on small business success

Our February training calendar offers two dozen classes that small business owners will love.We HEART small business success. This month, our programs are offering a wide variety of free or low-cost classes and workshops for entrepreneurs of all levels. A comprehensive workshop and training schedule for the month of February can be found here. Fees vary and many workshops are absolutely free.

Get started or advance in government contracting by checking out the expert resources located at the SBDC Contracting Resource Center. Attend the popular monthly Supplier/Vendor breakfast (2/8), or learn all about GSA schedules (Feb. 23), responding to RFPs (2/14) and more. “Women-owned Small Business Roundtables" continue to deliver solid advice for economic success this month (2/15).

Want to get organized for tax season and beyond? Register for the step-by-step QuickBook Pro workshop series (2/10; 2/17; 2/24) and ace accounting and financial organization.

Need the basics and starting a small business? Check out the business startup, planning, and financials classes offered by the UTSA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) throughout this and every month. Business startup (Feb. 3; 21); Business Plan (Feb. 9; Feb. 16); Business Plan Financials (Feb. 22).

The February training schedule brings many opportunities to explore business sustainability. Attend the popular Green Bag Luncheon (Feb.8), hosted by the Sustainable Business Program. On Feb. 21, the SBDC International Trade Center highlights “High-Tech Green Energy Procedures in China (Feb. 21) as part of their continuing series connecting small businesses with the global market.

 Brand new from the SBDC: So appropriate this month, our Lunch-N-Learn on customer service focuses on cherish your customers. (2/16).

Visit our comprehensive calendar, call (210) 458-2460 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more details and registration. Registration strongly recommended as seating is limited.

Feb. 16 free trade conference features Colombia

Economic opportunities for American companies is focus of U.S.-Colombia Free Trade mini-conference organized by UTSA International Trade Center

The University of Texas at San Antonio’s International Trade Center in partnership with the U.S. Commercial Service, is holding a U.S.–Colombia Free Trade conference, which will provide information and advice for businesses who are interested in exporting goods and doing business with Colombia, is Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hotel Airport; The cost to attend is $65 ($50 before Feb. 6).

To register, call 210.458.2470 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Online registration is available: https://emenuapps.ita.doc.gov/ePublic/newWebinarRegistration.jsp?SmartCode=2Q4F

Learn from UTSA's small business experts

Quarterly small business workshop calendar features free or low-cost business planning, government contracting, international trade and sustainable business workshops, seminars; register online and save

Edward and Rosamaria Clukey, longtime SBDC clients, are owners of Valcour Casework in San Antonio (photo courtesy of UTSA/Patrick Dunn) The UTSA Small Business Development Center’s quarterly calendar (January–March 2012) features more than 40 classes and workshops designed to help small businesses start, grow and succeed.

Our classes meet at the UTSA Institute for Economic Development on the UTSA Downtown Campus or at Washington Place, 215 S. San Saba. Off-campus classes take place at United SA Federal Credit Union and Helotes City Hall. See our online calendar for specific locations, fees, and registration.

“Our business plan classes are helpful to both existing and start up businesses,” said Patrice McElfresh, senior business advisor with the UTSA Small Business Development Center. “Participants begin their plan in class and take home a jump drive with the information they’ve created, to continue working at home.”