San Antonio, December 10, 2025
San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) has been awarded an $800,000 federal grant to bolster economic development on the Eastside. This funding will help provide low-interest loans to local entrepreneurs, enhancing job creation and community stability. The initiative aligns with SAGE’s ongoing efforts to support small businesses and preserve the area’s cultural heritage. This grant follows previous funding for urban development and community projects aimed at revitalizing the economically challenged region.
San Antonio, Texas – Nonprofit SAGE Secures Federal Grant to Boost Eastside Economic Development
San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE), a nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing San Antonio’s Eastside, has been awarded an $800,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. This funding aims to support small businesses in the area by providing affordable capital and tailored assistance to locally owned enterprises that are vital to the community’s fabric.
The grant will enable SAGE to offer low-interest loans to Eastside entrepreneurs whose businesses align with the community’s priorities, such as job creation, expanding access to essential services, and enhancing community stability. The commitment to fostering a thriving environment for small businesses reflects a determination among local entrepreneurs to overcome challenges and drive economic growth.
This development follows a series of recent federal grants awarded to SAGE, including a $2 million planning award from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Program. This grant is designated to explore capping and reimagining portions of the Eastside’s highway system as green, community-centered spaces, a move that could enhance local aesthetics and usability. A further funding of $150,000 will facilitate the creation of a new public market complex, supporting local business incubation, grocery access, and cultural gatherings.
Addressing Economic Challenges
Historically, the Eastside has faced challenges related to disinvestment and concentrated poverty. SAGE’s initiatives aim to address these issues by fostering economic development and preserving the area’s rich cultural heritage. By advocating for strategic investments and support for small businesses, SAGE helps local entrepreneurs gain momentum, directly countering the effects of past neglect.
Revitalizing Community Heritage
In the 1920s and 1930s, St. Paul’s Square was a thriving center for the Black community, hosting a concentration of Black-owned businesses, including doctors, lawyers, and restaurateurs. SAGE’s efforts seek to restore and enhance this legacy by supporting local entrepreneurs, ensuring that the community’s historical roots are woven into its economic future. This strategy not only promotes entrepreneurship but also fosters a sense of pride and ownership among community members.
Federal Grant and Its Impact
The recent $800,000 federal grant will empower SAGE to implement significant changes. By providing low-interest loans to Eastside entrepreneurs aligned with community priorities, these funds will contribute to job creation and the accessibility of essential services. Such financial support underlines the importance of creating a resilient economic environment, which is specifically beneficial for small business owners struggling with access to traditional funding mechanisms.
Future Outlook
Through these federal grants and ongoing initiatives, SAGE continues to play a pivotal role in transforming San Antonio’s Eastside. By focusing on small-business development and community engagement, SAGE is helping to pave the way for a more vibrant and economically stable future.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is SAGE?
San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting economic development and cultural vitality on San Antonio’s Eastside. Founded over 25 years ago, SAGE focuses on supporting local businesses, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering community growth.
What is the purpose of the $800,000 federal grant awarded to SAGE?
The $800,000 federal grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is intended to support small businesses on San Antonio’s Eastside. The funding will provide affordable capital and tailored assistance to locally owned enterprises, including low-interest loans to entrepreneurs whose businesses align with community priorities such as job creation and expanding access to essential services.
What other federal grants has SAGE received recently?
In addition to the $800,000 grant, SAGE has received a $2 million planning award from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Reconnecting Communities Program. This grant aims to explore capping and reimagining portions of the Eastside’s highway system as green, community-centered spaces. Additionally, a $150,000 economic development planning grant will support the creation of a new public market complex to serve as a hub for local business incubation, grocery access, and cultural gathering.
What is the historical significance of St. Paul’s Square on the Eastside?
In the 1920s and 1930s, St. Paul’s Square was a thriving center for the Black community in San Antonio. It hosted a concentration of Black-owned businesses, including doctors, lawyers, and restaurateurs. SAGE’s efforts aim to restore and enhance this legacy by supporting local entrepreneurs and revitalizing the community.
How does SAGE plan to use the federal grant funds?
SAGE plans to use the federal grant funds to offer low-interest loans to Eastside entrepreneurs whose businesses reflect the community’s priorities. This includes creating jobs, expanding access to essential services, and contributing to community stability. The funding will also support the development of a new public market complex to serve as a hub for local business incubation and cultural gathering.
Key Features of SAGE’s Initiatives
| Initiative | Description | Grant Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Grant for Small Businesses | Provides affordable capital and tailored assistance to locally owned enterprises on the Eastside. | $800,000 | Support small businesses, create jobs, and enhance community stability. |
| Reconnecting Communities Program | Explores capping and reimagining portions of the Eastside’s highway system as green, community-centered spaces. | $2 million | Transform infrastructure to benefit the community. |
| Public Market Complex Development | Supports the creation of a new public market complex to serve as a hub for local business incubation and cultural gathering. | $150,000 | Foster local entrepreneurship and community engagement. |
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