Table of Contents
A Letter from Jackie Gorman
“Let me tell you a story, a story of growth and revitalization that has taken root across the Eastside of San Antonio.”
SAGE Grow Eastside Fund
“In 2016, the SAGE Grow Eastside Fund was fully capitalized and closed on its first loan for MEDWheels.”
2016 Events
“Taste the Dream, EBB Q1-Q4, HalloEast”
The Future is bright
“To keep focused on the long term strategic objectives of the organization, all of SAGE’s work will support one of these goals”
03
Dear San Antonio
A Letter from Jackie Gorman, CEO
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“Let me tell you a story, a story of growth and revitalization that has taken root across the Eastside of San Antonio.”
2016 was a very exciting chapter for the Eastside, one full of promise and opportunity. More developers have begun looking to the East as a viable option for growth and development. New businesses are coming in, and existing businesses are expanding and thriving. Through it all, San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) continues to champion the business community.
The tale unfolded throughout the year as SAGE hosted several events designed to spotlight the Eastside. One shining example was the sold out Eastside Developer Open House. All sixty-five seats were filled as SAGE showcased the opportunities and resources for development on the Eastside. Participants were encouraged to expand the horizons of moving small or large development projects from the realm of fairy tale to reality.
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Another bright spot was the 2016 Promise Zone to Entrepreneurship Conference, hosted by SAGE in conjunction with the Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance and Texas Workforce Commission. This was a budding new branch for 2016 and this initiative is planned to continue for the future. The conference aimed to encourage Promise Zone residents to embrace entrepreneurship as a path to economic independence or further connect existing entrepreneurs to available resources.
This was a new initiative for 2016 that will continue for years to come. Even as Promise Zone funding grants are set to expire, SAGE is as dedicated as ever to keep the momentum going.
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Events such as HalloEast and Soul Saturday set the scene for positive community engagement in 2016. For the HalloEast block party, SAGE partnered with the San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) and businesses around the New Braunfels corridor to close streets down, from Nolan to Burnet, and fill them with engaging family-friendly activities including a costume contest, a moon bounce, pumpkin painting, and more. Soul Saturday, co-hosted by District 2 City Councilman Alan Warrick II and BethanyEast PR, packed the Hays Street Bridge, drawing people to the Eastside for a celebration of good food, culture and expression.
2016 was also a year of continuance, as SAGE carried forward the work of previous years.
The finally fully capitalized Grow Eastside Fund closed one loan in 2016, for MEDwheels Inc. SAGE also forged ahead with the second annual Taste the Dream Gala, which was such a rousing success, that the event outgrew the venue, and will be held in larger locations moving forth. The sold-out soiree, again held true that “it is no ordinary gala,” boasting amazing food stations, dancing, and music which had everyone on their feet and moving.
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Another success of 2016 that deserves a feature, is a journey that first began in 2014 when SAGE held talks with the CEO and board members of ChildSafe about the possibility of locating their new campus on the Eastside. It took until 2016 to make it officially happen, but the announcement has been made and the 70,000-square-foot haven that serves families and children in need, will be built on Eastside soil. Beneficial to all, the more central location will especially help low-income families that depend on public transportation.
Looking to the future, SAGE will continue to partner and advocate for initiatives that sustain revitalization efforts for the Eastside.
The story is not over, the momentum will continue to grow and move forward, so stay tuned for the next chapter.
As always, we recognize that the key to long-term success lies is in coming together and maintaining strong partnerships with our Eastside business sector, partner organizations, board members and sponsors, and the City of San Antonio.
$99,451
In Store-Front Grants Awarded
& Growing Every Year
04
Voices of SAGE
$125,000
In Choice Façade Improvement Grants Awarded
05
Putting Your Best Face Forward
Store-Front Grant Program
To support the revitalization of Eastside commercial corridors, the SAGE Store-Front Grant Program provides qualified Eastside business owners with matching grants of up to $10,000 to improve the exteriors of their properties. Since 2010 SAGE has awarded 79 Store-Front Grants valued at $810,485.
In 2016, there were 17 active Store-Front Grants, 13 of which were newly awarded totaling $99,451. On-track to create 55 new jobs and 128 jobs were impacted.
| Awarded in 2015 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Lou Miller - State Farm Insurance | $13,722 | Exterior/Interior Renovations |
| W. Ewing Development, LLC | $20,000 | Exterior Signage |
| Law Office of Arlene M. Gay | $8,980 | Improve façade and parking lot, fence installation, landscape |
| James Lawnmower Sales and Service | $9,604 | Outdoor façade improvements, lighting, signage |
| Awarded in 2016 | ||
| Blue Line Corporation | $8,201 | Exterior painting, parking lot upgrades, installation of security cameras |
| Jarvis Moore, Inc. | $7,500 | Renovate Fencing |
| Eastwood Realty Solutions | $5,000 | Painting doors, resurfacing parking lot |
| Bullis House Inn | $7,500 | Exterior renovations to porch, awnings, carriageway, exterior painting and signage |
| Mesa Blanca, LLC | $5,000 | Renovations include painting, lighting, front door, driveway repair, landscaping and signage |
| Hayes Food Mart | $10,000 | Exterior renovations include parking lot improvements, painting and window replacement |
| Snap House | $10,000 | Exterior renovations include lighting, awnings, windows, masonry repair and signage |
| Corrine Group, LLC | $5,000 | Renovations include updating signage and repairing the roof |
| Acclaimed Insurance Strategies of Texas, Inc. | $8,500 | Renovations include exterior painting, lighting, windows and doors |
| Dry Coats Painting LLC | $5,750 | Renovations include parapet wall, siding, windows, parking lot, lighting, and landscaping |
| Perfect Cuts | $8,500 | Renovations include exterior painting, façade repair, signage, installation of security cameras |
| TASTE Inc. | $8,500 | Renovations include awning, windows, doors, signage, and exterior painting |
| In The Black | $10,000 | Renovations include parking lot improvements, exterior painting, signage, windows, doors, and landscaping |
128
Impacted Jobs
Through Store-Front Grants
06
Providing New Eastside Opportunities
SAGE Equity Fund
The SAGE Equity Fund operates like a venture capital fund, making equity investments in businesses that are expanding or locating in the Eastside Promise Zone. It was created in 2014 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Community Economic Development (CED) Program, as a new source of capital to support business development on the Eastside.
Equity investments made by the fund provide new opportunities for Eastside businesses and support job growth, a key goal of the HHS Community Economic Development Program. To qualify for the program, your company must commit to creating at least one new full-time job for every $10,000 SAGE invests in your business, with at least 75% of the jobs you create going to certified low-income individuals.
In 2016, the businesses that received equity investments from the SAGE Equity Fund created 23 new jobs.
| Company | Investment | Projected Job #'s |
|---|---|---|
| Indatatech | $102,000 | 10 |
| MEDWheels | $50,000 | 5 |
| Chelsea’s Catering & Bar Service | $288,998 | 29 |
| Total | $440,998 | 44 |
23
New Jobs Created
From Businesses That Received Equity Investments
07
An Engine for Economic Growth
SAGE Grow Eastside Fund
The SAGE Grow Eastside Fund is a $2 million revolving loan fund operated by SAGE in partnership with the National Development Council’s Grow America Fund, with additional funding provided by local bank partners. The goal is to spur economic development in the Eastside Promise Zone by offering below-market-rate loans to business that locate or expand within the targeted area. In 2016, the SAGE Grow Eastside Fund was fully capitalized and closed on its first loan ($550,000) for MEDWheels.
Partners
- City of San Antonio
- Wells Fargo
- Bank of San Antonio
- Texas Capital Bank
- Jefferson Bank
- Broadway Bank
- Bank of America
- Frost Bank
$550,000
Loan closed and capitalized
SAGE Grow Eastside Fund
08
Is Your Business Ready For A Facelift?
Choice Façade Improvement Grant
The Choice Façade Improvement Grant Program is a matching grant program managed by SAGE through funding from San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA) that can provide grants of up to $25,000 for façade improvement projects at Eastside businesses. All grant funds must be matched by a certain percentage with other funds depending upon location. Choice Façade Improvement Grants are awarded to property owners for property improvements located in the Choice Neighborhood Footprint. Since 2015 SAGE has Awarded 10 small business within the CHOICE footprint, façade improvement grants with a total investment $250,000.
In 2016 there were 5 active Choice Façade Improvement Grants totaling $125K. 25 Jobs were created and 33 Jobs were impacted.
$112,000
In Private Funds
Leveraged from Choice Façade Improvement Grants
Committees
2016 Grant Review Committee
- Richard Leal, Atlas Body Shop
- Juan Garcia, Dignowity Hill Neighborhood Association
- Porter Dillard, Dillard Architect Group
- Frank Pakuszewski, 1836 Asset Management
- JoAnn Sosa, Valla Design Group
- Yonnie Blanchette, Carver Cultural Center
2016 Special Event Committee
- Cristina Bazaldua, Univision
- Al Conyers, Joint Base San Antonio
- Joaquin “Joc” Arch, Arch Center
- Felicia Madison, The Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Maritza Quiroz, The CE Group
- Shokare Nakpodia, The MightyGroup
- Rob Wicall, Tracy Cleaning Systems
- Mark Wittig, Wittig Office Interiors
- Frank Pakuszewski, 1836 Asset Management
3
Unique Training Programs
Were Offered to Support and Encourage Entrepreneurs
11
Setting the Scene
2016 Events
Taste the Dream Gala | Saturday, January 16, 2016
The second annual Taste the Dream Gala, celebrating diversity through food was held at the Institute of Texan Cultures. This exploration of culinary classics and cultures from around the world featured the talents of Chef David Arciniega, Amaya’s Cocina; Chef Chris Ashford, Ed’s Smok-N-Q; Chef Jeff Balfour, Southerleigh; Chef Errol Graham, Tony G’s; Chef Elizabeth Johnson, Pharm Table; Chef Brian West, Smoke the Restaurant; and master caterer Chef Donald Mitchell, Chef Don’s Catering.
Eastside Economic Development Strategy Public Meeting | Tuesday, January 26, 2016 & May 17, 2016
SAGE hosted a community meeting about the Economic Development Strategy for the Promise Zone. The plan was presented and community members had a chance to offer their input and ideas, and find out how to be more directly involved.
Make Better Business Decisions: Business Class | Thursday, February 18, 2016
Cash Reigns Supreme: Tracking the Financial Results of your Business. This one half-day training course designed for small business owners taught participants the importance of financial statements and how they can be used to make better business decisions.
Eastside Business Briefing Q1 – Breakfast with the Mayor | Monday, March 28, 2016
The first quarterly Eastside Business Briefing of 2016 included a keynote address by Mayor Ivy Taylor where she stressed the increase in jobs (1300), new businesses (21), and graduates of workforce programs as positive EastPoint SA milestones achieved since 2014. “It is human capital that will ultimately change the narrative of the Eastside”. LiftFUND also announced $50,000 in funds for small business lending in a special presentation.
Eastside Business Briefing Q2 – Eastside Business Awards | Thursday, May 2, 2016
Award Recipients included:
Emerging Business | Sams Contracting Consulting & Training LLC
Business Role Model | MEDwheels
Change Maker | Terramark Urban Homes
Best Transformation | Chelsea’s Catering & Bar Service Community Partner – UTSA Small Business Development Center Eastside Pioneering Spirit | Beacon’s Clothing
Eastside Developer Open House | Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Participants learned about the state of the Eastside real estate market, development opportunities, and the types of public assistance available for small to large development projects. They also networked with other real estate professionals and posed questions to the panel of residential and commercial development experts moderated by Robert Rivard of the Rivard Report.
Eastside Business Briefing Q3 – State of the Eastside | Wednesday, August 10, 2016
The third quarterly Eastside Business Briefing of 2016 featured District 2 Councilman, Alan E. Warrick, II presenting an update on the exciting and interesting work going on throughout San Antonio’s Eastside.
Bank of America Grant | Wednesday, August 24, 2016
SAGE was awarded a $10,000 Bank of America Grant to continue with the Eastside Business Census and providing more technical assistance to Eastside businesses.
Eastside Business Briefing Q4 – Private Investment Update | Thursday, October 13, 2016
For the fourth quarterly Eastside Business Briefing of 2016, a private investment panel gave an update of investment in the area. Panel members included Ken Lowe, MLK Garden Homes; Efraim Varga, Varga Endeavors; Tim Cone, NRP Group; and Charlie Turner, Terramark Urban Homes.
HalloEast: Community Block Party | Sunday, October 30, 2016
The streets were filled with engaging family-friendly activities including: a costume contest, moon bounce, haunted house, games for all ages and entertainment. FREE giveaways included: pumpkins, books, and various delicious treats for all who attend.
Promise Zone to Entrepreneurship Conference 2016 | Saturday, November 5, 2016
In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Small Business Assistance and Texas Workforce Commission, SAGE hosted the free, one-day “Promise Zone to Entrepreneurship” conference aimed at encouraging Promise Zone residents to embrace entrepreneurship as a path to economic independence.
Eastside Holiday Bazaar | Saturday, December 10, 2016
The Eastside Holiday Bazaar gave community members a chance to shop local and patronize up-and-coming Eastside businesses and merchants. Councilman Alan E. Warrick, II and Teach for America San Antonio also provided an on-site Mobile Food Pantry that fed roughly 400 families.
25
Jobs Created
33 Were Impacted
12
Here We Grow Again
Eastside Impact
In 2016 the work of SAGE focused on four broad strategic goals
1. Catalyzing Eastside developments and investments
2. Engaging stakeholders and marketing the Eastside
3. Expanding SAGE’s capacity
4. Developing and empowering neighborhood leaders
Accomplishments for 2016 include: 13 Store-Front grants awarded valued at $99,451; these grants leveraged over $250,000 in private funds; the grants impacted 128 jobs; and grant recipients were on-track to create 55 new jobs. Five Choice Façade Improvement grants awarded valued at $125,000; these grants leveraged over $112,000 in private funds; the grants impacted 33 jobs; and grant recipients were poised to create 25 new jobs.
In addition to our grant programs, the SAGE Grow Eastside Fund was fully capitalized and closed on its first loan ($550,000). The businesses that received equity investments from the SAGE Equity Fund created 23 new jobs.
Sixty-five developers and investors attended the first annual Eastside Investment Summit to learn about development opportunities in the community.
Three unique training programs were offered to support and encourage entrepreneurs:
1. Cash Reigns Supreme, designed to help business owners understand financial statements; 2. Promise Zone to Entrepreneurship Conference, a 1-day conference to connect existing and budding entrepreneurs to technical assistance providers and potential customers; and 3. SBA Business Smart Toolkit, a seminar to help new and aspiring entrepreneurs launch a business idea and understand the steps to building a business that is credit ready.
SAGE also hosted two community events on the New Braunfels corridor with area businesses and community organizations. HalloEast was a Halloween street party for area children; the Eastside Holiday Bazaar was a street fair with vendors designed to showcase local artisans. In 2016 SAGE had over 600 technical assistance contacts with area businesses. SAGE also provided TA to area neighborhood associations.
$250,000
In private funds
Leveraged from Store-Front Grants
13
Promise Zone
SAGE was awarded $500,000 grant from the Economic Development Administration to develop a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Promise Zone. This grant allows SAGE to analyze the economy, define specific economic development goals, and determine project opportunities with economic feasibility scenarios for the development of mixed-use, transit oriented development projects within the Eastside Promise Zone area. In addition to the plan, there were two other deliverables: an on-line property inventory to assist developers and potential development scenarios for 9 sites in the Promise Zone. SAGE convened a Strategy Committee of local stakeholders to outline the scope of the plan. SAGE contracted with HR&A Advisors to develop the plan basics, 4 Community meetings were held throughout the process to get community input and feedback. The Final report including the CEDS and all deliverables were submitted to and accepted by EDA in July 2016.
Adding New Chapters
The Future is Bright
To keep focused on the long term strategic objectives of the organization, all of SAGE’s work will support one of these goals: catalyzing Eastside developments and investments, engaging stakeholders and marketing the Eastside, expanding SAGE’s capacity and developing and empowering neighborhood leaders.
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