UTSA named a finalist for two 2024 APLU Innovation & Economic Prosperity awards

“The Carlos Alvarez College of Business strives to build connections within our community that contribute to the San Antonio business ecosystem,” said Jonathon Halbesleben, dean of the College of Business. “Our SURE program provides a valuable service to both small business owners as well as our students who benefit from the experiential learning opportunity. We look forward to growing the program in the future.”

UTSA’s Valdez Institute for Economic Development coordinates 10 public service centers aimed at strengthening the economies of San Antonio and South-Central Texas. This comprehensive institute offers training, advice, mentoring and support for entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses across a 79-county region along the Texas-Mexico border.

 In 2023, the institute served over 40,000 clients, facilitated 545 new business launches, supported 900 expansions and helped secure over $200 million in new financing and investment. These and other institute efforts generated a $2.6 billion windfall for the state’s economy in 2023. for the state’s economy in 2023.

“The UTSA Valdez Institute for Economic Development was founded over 40 years ago and is committed to growing the local economy through entrepreneur and business development,” said Rod McSherry, UTSA associate vice president for innovation and economic development. “UTSA is excited about the economic opportunities in San Antonio and Bexar County, and we thank the APLU for recognizing our campus-wide efforts to support and serve our community.”

UTSA’s Westside Community Center is situated in the heart of San Antonio’s historic West Side, which is renowned for its Mexican and Tejano cultures. The center serves as a collaborative hub where students, faculty and staff partner with local organizations, civic leaders and businesses to develop impactful community services.

Key initiatives include addressing digital literacy and the digital divide in this historically underserved area. The center has helped more than 200 families acquire clear legal titles to their homes and helped small businesses with mentoring and advising services. 

To be eligible for an IEP award, an institution must first earn the IEP designation from the APLU, which recognizes institutional commitment to regional economic development. UTSA received this designation in May 2023. The designation process requires that universities conduct a rigorous self-study of their economic engagement activities that includes input from external stakeholders. Each institution identifies areas for growth and improvement within its economic region and develops an improvement plan. This work demonstrates a commitment to continuous learning and improvement in this kind of engagement, which is vital to universities and their regional partners.

Award applicants use the APLU’s Economic Engagement Framework  to measure and communicate the institutions’ collaboration with public and private sector partners in their respective states and regions to promote economic growth, competitiveness and opportunities through a variety of efforts across three IEP categories.

“Congratulations to our 2024 IEP Awards finalists on their outstanding efforts to support talent development, drive innovation and spur place-based development,” said APLU President Mark Becker. “We’re excited to spotlight the exemplary work of our IEP Award finalists in driving innovation and prosperity across their regions.”

UTSA is a designated Hispanic Serving, public research university with a longstanding commitment to powering the Texas economy and building bold futures for students and members of the broader community. Over 7,000 students graduate from UTSA each year, 90% of whom stay and contribute to the Texas workforce.

UTSA’s expanding Downtown Campus serves as a cornerstone of San Antonio’s revitalization. Established to address a critical need for higher education in the community, the university has grown exponentially since its founding in 1969. The Downtown Campus has been instrumental in expanding access to higher education for underserved populations. With new buildings, public art and infrastructure improvements, UTSA is transforming the urban landscape and fostering a stronger, more connected community.

At the same time, the university’s commitment to collaboration with the city and local businesses is driving economic development and enhancing the overall quality of life for San Antonio residents. Last week, UTSA announced its plans to purchase One Riverwalk Place, which will complement its existing downtown footprint.