Alamo Colleges, City of San Antonio Celebrate Vendor Development Academy Graduates

The Alamo Colleges District, in partnership with the City of San Antonio, proudly celebrated the graduation of eight small business owners from the Vendor Development Academy during a ceremony held on December 11.

Launched in 2011, the program, formerly known as the Mentor-Protégé Program, has supported the growth of small and emerging businesses across San Antonio by pairing business owners with experienced mentors and providing targeted professional development. 

Since its inception, the program has graduated 103 participants who have completed 24 hours of coursework and engaged in a two-year mentorship designed to strengthen business capacity and long-term sustainability.

This year’s cohort represented industries including construction, professional services, and goods services, and completed 83 professional development courses, receiving 156 hours of mentorship. 

Graduates from the academy typically report an average 150% increase in revenue and 200% growth in employment.

The program is a free one-year training program designed to support small and emerging small businesses. Details about the application process will be released in February 2026. 

The program is also actively seeking experienced business leaders interested in serving as mentors and supporting the next generation of local entrepreneurs.

Through programs like the Vendor Development Academy, the Alamo Colleges District and the City of San Antonio continue to invest in small businesses, economic mobility, and a stronger regional economy.