About Us

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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About Us

Who We Are

Since 1979, UTSA’s economic development programs have been building the economy, one business at a time.

The University of Texas at San Antonio’s Institute for Economic Development currently hosts 13 centers and programs that facilitate economic, community and business development at the local, regional and national levels. These programs serve the entrepreneur who is just starting a business to the experienced business owner looking for new markets to communities seeking to improve their economic health.

The Institute’s diverse program portfolio is directed by Robert McKinley, UTSA Associate Vice President for Economic Development. Within UTSA’s institutional structure, we are housed in the Office of the Vice President for Community Services, which is lead by Vice President Jude Valdez.

For a complete list of our centers and programs, click here .

What We Do

The UTSA Institute for Economic Development is dedicated to creating jobs, growing businesses and fostering economic development. Our 13 centers and programs provide professional business advising, technical training, research, market analysis, and strategic planning for entrepreneurs, business owners and community leaders. Last year, we served over 35,000 clients.

Our programs serve San Antonio, the Texas-Mexico border area as well as regional, national and international stakeholders. Together with federal, state and local governments, and private businesses, the UTSA Institute for Economic Development fosters economic and community development in support of UTSA’s community engagement mission.

Our Expertise

Our experienced Business Advisors offer 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 History

Economic development has been an integral component of UTSA for over 30 years, highlighted by the Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) partnership with UTSA. The EDA supported UTSA’s first community economic development programs, which have developed into the UTSA Institute for Economic Development. Our executive offices and most of our programs are headquartered on the UTSA Downtown Campus. The institute is a core program in UTSA’s advancement toward a Tier One university, providing excellence in teaching, research and community engagement.

Our Partnerships

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