In its latest meeting, San Antonio's City Council addressed small business growth and inclusion, with District 3 Councilmember Phyllis Viagran advocating for a focus on minority- and women-owned businesses. During the Council A Session, a 7-4 vote was passed to amend the Small Business Economic Development Advocacy (SBEDA) ordinance. The amendment has drawn attention due to its potential impact on local entrepreneurs, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups. Viagran noted the disparities in business ownership, pointing out that while Hispanic and Black residents make up a significant portion of the city's population, their representation in business ownership is lower.
Hispanic and Black residents, who make up 60 percent and 9 percent of the area's population, respectively, own just 25 percent and 3 percent of employer small businesses. This reflects a disparity in business ownership within the community. "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," Viagran stated, according to a recent news release. The District 3 Councilmember pointed to the 2023 Disparity Study, reinforcing the notion that racial and sexual discrimination are still persistent barriers to equal contracting opportunities.
Furthermore, the City Council is set to receive an update on the messaging of the amendments in March 2025, a step forward in gauging the impacts specifically on women-owned businesses. Viagran articulated her vision for a more inclusive economy that not only mirrors the diversity of the community but also paves the way for the thriving success of small and minority businesses. "We cannot afford to ignore this reality," she added, emphasizing the elimination of race- and gender-conscious evaluation preference points for minority and women-owned businesses as a necessary, albeit challenging, step to foster progression in the city, according to the city's release.
Looking ahead, a southern small business meeting is being organized through coordination by Viagran and other Council members. The objective is to develop an economic ecosystem that provides marginalized groups with opportunities for success, not just participation. Viagran's focus on economic diversity highlights the ongoing challenges related to economic equality in San Antonio, as reflected in the data on business ownership.
