UTSA Center for Government Contracting enhances support for small businesses

JULY 2, 2025 — The government is one of the biggest customers in Bexar County, spending an estimated $9 billion or more each year on goods and services. However, small local businesses are not always equipped to secure government contracts to capture that potential revenue.

The Center for Government Contracting, which is dedicated to empowering small businesses to compete in the public procurement market and bring government dollars back to San Antonio, recently restructured to provide a broader range of services that reflects changing needs in the region.

Part of the UTSA Small Business Development Center (SBDC) Network, the reorganized CGC is designed to deliver higher-impact, results-focused advising and training, helping regional businesses to more effectively compete for and secure government contracts. The center has also taken on the services previously offered by the APEX Accelerator program and will continue to guide young businesses aiming to grow.

“We remain committed to supporting all businesses with a renewed focus on readiness and results.”

Susannah Munro

This transition reflects UTSA's long-term vision to elevate service quality, increase client outcomes and better align with emerging national and state-level priorities in government contracting. The center’s broadened services include human resources assistance, government contracting and now cybersecurity support through the statewide initiative that helps small businesses strengthen their cybersecurity preparedness.

"This new chapter brings even greater impact to our business community and a sharper focus on high-value, how-to advising and training programs," said Susannah Munro, director of the CGC. "We are committed to expanding our reach and helping more businesses succeed in government contracting through focused programs like the TSBCAC."

The center began providing cybersecurity support to small Texas businesses last year when they launched the TSBCAC with a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration. TSBCAC provides no-cost cybersecurity support to small businesses across Texas, including expert advice and compliance help, tailored cybersecurity strategies, cyber hygiene assessments and up to 40 hours of vCISO (Virtual Chief Information Security Officer) services.

In addition to its cybersecurity support, the center will provide targeted advising, training and engagement to innovation-driven industries such as advanced manufacturing and defense.

To provide more comprehensive and streamlined service, the center has bolstered the onboarding and qualification process for clients. Business owners seeking one-on-one advising must demonstrate at least two years of revenue to qualify and must complete select on-demand trainings prior to receiving advising, including the foundational course, “Ten Steps to Government Contracting.”

“Our enhanced training library and strategic partnerships offer greater value than ever before,” Munro said. “We remain committed to supporting all businesses with a renewed focus on readiness and results."

Businesses are encouraged to reach out to the UTSA SBDC Center for Government Contracting at cgc@utsa.edu.

— Audrey Gray