National Entrepreneurship Week arrives at a time when starting a business has never been easier, yet growing one has never been harder. Record new business filings contrast with rising costs, shifting policies, and a widening innovation gap facing entrepreneurs in 2026.

The SBA’s January 2026 guidance introduces a race-neutral, evidence-based eligibility standard for the 8(a) Program. Admissions were already down to 65 new firms in 2025, and the new rules make entry even more selective. Here’s what contractors must prepare for now.

Black-owned businesses are growing faster than the national average, but capital gaps, legal pressure on DEI, and uneven market access still shape outcomes. This article examines the data, the risk, and the long-term support required to strengthen Black entrepreneurship beyond February.

Congress passed two bipartisan bills to help small businesses adopt AI and strengthen innovation programs. This article explains what the legislation does, why it matters, and how it may shape the future of small business competitiveness, including in San Antonio.

Congress passed H.R. 5100, extending the SBIR and STTR programs through 2026. These federal programs fund early-stage innovation for small businesses nationwide. This article explains why the extension matters, what it means for Texas, and how founders can prepare now.

Small businesses ended 2025 with weak sales and low confidence, according to NFIB’s December data. But early 2026 shows a small rise in optimism. This article explains what the shift means for Texas and San Antonio, and how owners can prepare for the year ahead.

Texas businesses face a wave of new laws taking effect in December 2025 and January 2026. Some tighten oversight. Others expand reporting. This article breaks down what the changes mean for small businesses, and how owners can prepare now.

Founder dependency limits sustainability across small businesses and nonprofits. The Owner Independence Framework offers a research-informed, adaptable model for reducing reliance on individual leaders by strengthening internal systems, human capacity, and community engagement. Designed for broad use, the framework supports organizational resilience, long-term impact, and generational value across diverse contexts.

The House passed the INVEST Act of 2025, a bill designed to modernize federal data on entrepreneurship and strengthen support for new founders. This article explains what the legislation does, why it matters, and how it could reshape small business ecosystems nationwide.

Texas is scaling back key supports for women- and minority-owned firms, and San Antonio has removed its 30% subcontracting goal without public discussion. This article explains what these changes mean and why small businesses must build new capacity to stay competitive.

San Antonio’s delegation to Mexico City offered a clear view of how regional trade, policy, and supply chains are shifting ahead of the 2026 USMCA review. With meetings across key economic institutions, the trip highlighted what Texas SMEs need to compete in a volatile cross-border market.

Design thinking helps companies solve problems with clarity and speed, yet many teams remain stuck in old habits. This article explains why design thinking matters, why innovation training is essential, and how organizations can build real capacity for change.

Small Business Saturday highlights why local shops matter, but one weekend is not enough. Modern consumers want convenience and experience, and small firms must adapt with e-commerce, technology, and year-round support. Here’s what San Antonio businesses can do next.

Emerge and Rise won the 2025 Go Global Awards “SME Expansion Facilitator of the Year” in London. This recognition highlights San Antonio’s growing role in global trade and validates our hands-on work supporting SMEs, international soft-landing, and business growth across Texas.

Texas Proposition 5 proposes a tax exemption for retail animal feed, giving small feed stores and ranch-focused retailers new relief from rising property costs. This article explains how the measure works and what it could mean for San Antonio’s business community.