San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside

Supporting small business: Sage assists and provides grants to small businesses for them to thrive on San Antonio's Eastside. the back office program offers business support, access to educational opportunities, resources, and technical assistance. the store front grant program helps qualified property owners with grants of up to 10,000 to improve their property's exterior and facade. Since 2010, the organization has awarded over 200 storefront grants totaling more than 1,800,000. Sage also collaborates with community partners to improve and enhance the financial literacy, branding, and marketing of Eastside businesses. Sage is a resource and catalyst for small businesses operating or desiring to move to San Antonio's growing and redeveloping Eastside.

Sustaining the Eastside: Sage serves as the collective impact coordinator for activities in the Eastside promise zone. As coordinator, Sage connects city agencies, non- profit organizations, and local businesses/corporations engaged on the Eastside to further enhance and sustain economic development and community reinvestment efforts. the key areas of responsibility are cataloging investments and communicating impact, community engagement, capacity- building for community-based organizations, neighborhood marking, and sustainability/rescue development. As a resource to the Eastside community, Sage hosts Eastside business briefings which provide an opportunity for area small businesses to connect and learn about current events and programs. Sage also supports residential stakeholders through various housing programs designed to assist qualified homeowners. Sage's effective use of both traditional and social media with over 4,600 facebook followers, 6,300 newsletter subscribers and 1,400 instagram followers helps improve the image and desirability of the Eastside. Sage-produced brochures and other cooperative advertising pieces highlight small businesses and notable business leaders who share how they motivate and support the Eastside of San Antonio.

Championing Eastside community: the Eastside community is one to be acknowledged and celebrated. Sage supports several special events aimed at bringing the community together. Halloeast, is celebrated annually and is a free halloween community celebration that allows for a safe space in which the community can gather and where vendors can showcase their products and services. Each year, the event draws over 700 attendees, more than 50 vendors, and an increasing number of community sponsors. As the Eastside community grows and diversifies, Sage actively participates in its Growth and development through corporate partnerships to support networking and connecting opportunities. Community partners include, but are not limited to, the city of San Antonio, San Antonio business development organizations (bdos), greater: satx, the university of Texas at San Antonio, alamo colleges, bexar county, and many banking institutions. Sage is also keen on recognizing and maintaining the Eastside's rich history, culture, and accomplishments, with programs such as the significant marker program.