About the IED

Who we Are

The Institute is directed by Associate Vice President for Economic Development, Robert McKinley. He serves under the University's Vice President for Extended Services, Dr. Jude Valdez, and is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the operations of ten programs. The Institute's programs serve 79 counties in Southwest Texas and the Border Region and three states—Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana. Some specialized services are provided on the national level.

Each program within the Institute is funded through various state and federal programs, and respective service areas differ according to that particular program's mission.

What we Do

The Institute for Economic Development (IED) provides ongoing consulting, training, technical, research and information services, in tandem with University-based assets and resources, and other state, federal and local agencies, to facilitate economic, community, and business development throughout South Texas and the Border Region.

Our Expertise

 IED Business Advisors offer their clients the benefits of practical experience and proven ability in many areas, including accounting, agribusiness, economic development, finance, human capital, international business, legal issues, management, marketing, manufacturing, non-profit organizations, procurement, and technology. Our advisors meet the highest ethical standards of confidentiality with their clients.

Our Partnerships

The Institute works on the basis of partnerships with federal, state, local, business, and higher education organizations that share the mission of economic and community development. Major resource partners include:

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
• Economic Development Administration (EDA), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce
• Minority Business Development Agency, part of the U.S. Department of Commerce
• University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
• U.S. Agency for International Development (US AID)
• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Business partners include:

• Banks
• Contracting Agencies
• Chambers of Commerce

Our Home

Economic development has been an integral component of UTSA for over 20 years, highlighted by the Economic Development Administration's (EDA) partnership with UTSA. The EDA supported the University's first community economic development programs, which became the base for the UTSA Institute for Economic Development (IED.) The Institute currently comprises 10 programs, serving over 25,000 clients annually, and offering a variety of business and economic development services.

The new Institute building, located at 501 West Durango Boulevard on UTSA's Downtown Campus, enables UTSA to advance another step in its efforts toward Flagship status, providing excellence in teaching, research, and public service. Since UTSA has always been involved in community service, the new building will merge the Institute's commitment with the University's mission, enabling the Institute to continue its success for years to come.