SAN ANTONIO – Nearly 190,000 people in Bexar County already run a business on their own—no employees, no payroll, just an idea and a lot of hustle —according to U.S. Census Bureau data.
Add in the roughly 40,000 businesses with actual employees on payroll, and one thing becomes clear: San Antonio is a city built on small business. This entrepreneurial spirit is a driving force in the local economy, showcasing creativity, resilience, and innovation.
However, building a successful business isn’t easy. According to federal data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, only about one in three businesses that were established a decade ago are still operational today. This statistic highlights the challenges many entrepreneurs face in sustaining their ventures.
So, what does it actually take to succeed in this landscape—and where can aspiring business owners find the support they need?
Michelle Gimbel understands these challenges firsthand. After dedicating 15 years to a corporate IT career, she took the plunge into entrepreneurship by launching 3E AI Solutions, a company focused on providing artificial intelligence tools to small businesses that might otherwise lack access to such technology.
“Is it difficult? Yes,” Gimbel stated candidly. “If it wasn’t, everybody would be an entrepreneur. Is it worth it? Absolutely.” Her perspective emphasizes the rewarding yet challenging nature of entrepreneurship.
Gimbel attributes much of her early success to LaunchSA, a free resource center for small business owners in San Antonio. This initiative is a collaboration between the City of San Antonio’s Economic Development Department and Geekdom, aimed at fostering entrepreneurship within the community.
“LaunchSA has been a huge part of my business and getting it started,” she said. “It has helped me grow and stay on track.” This center provides invaluable resources, including business advising and networking opportunities.
For those contemplating the leap into entrepreneurship, experts suggest starting with some essential steps:
One of the primary hurdles new business owners encounter is securing funding. Matthew Espinosa, director of LaunchSA, notes that many first-time entrepreneurs underestimate the preparation required to obtain a loan or attract outside investment.
“It’s usually not a ‘Hey, I’m going to walk into the bank tomorrow and get a loan and I’ll be good and ready to go,’” Espinosa explained. “There’s usually a fairly extensive process. The more you learn about this process before you need it, the better prepared you’ll be.”
LaunchSA offers free one-on-one business advising sessions and weekly events, including a networking series called One Million Cups, where entrepreneurs present their businesses and connect with like-minded individuals.
For those still on the fence about starting their own business, Gimbel’s advice is straightforward yet profound: “Find an advisor, find a mentor, find a networking group — and begin talking to those people,” she encourages. “They’ll connect you with individuals who are doing something similar or who can help you along the way.”
In conclusion, while the path to entrepreneurship is fraught with challenges, the resources available in San Antonio, like LaunchSA, provide essential support for aspiring business owners. With determination, the right guidance, and a network of support, the dream of running a successful business can become a reality.
