Texas’ Small Business Champion: How Renee Watson is Reshaping Economic Opportunity in San Antonio

In the heart of Texas, where the Alamo City stands as both a historic landmark and a modern economic powerhouse, few figures have shaped the trajectory of small business success more decisively than Renee Watson.

As the longtime Director of Bexar County’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department (SBED), Watson has emerged as a transformational leader, driving policies and initiatives that have opened doors for thousands of small, minority-, women-, and veteran-owned businesses. With her sharp intellect, unyielding commitment to equity, and a reputation for hands-on leadership, Watson has earned the title of the 2025 Small Business Champion of Texas, a distinction awarded by the U.S. Small Business Administration’s San Antonio District Office.

Building an Inclusive Economic Engine

At a time when national debates rage over access to capital, supplier diversity, and the role of government in local economies, Watson has positioned Bexar County as a model for what intentional, equity-driven leadership can achieve.

Since 2000, she has overseen SBED’s transformation from a modest office into a critical hub driving the region’s economic inclusion strategy. Her team administers the Small, Minority, and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (SMWBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) programs — frameworks designed to ensure small businesses have a fair shot at public contracts and growth opportunities.

Watson’s impact can be measured not just in dollars or contract counts but in the stories of business owners whose dreams became realities because someone in power refused to let the status quo stand.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s San Antonio District Office put it simply:

“Today, Cindy Solano and Georgia Gabriella from SADO met with Renee Watson, Director of the Small Business Opportunity Center in Bexar County’s Small Business & Entrepreneurship Department. Their new facility at 8200 Perrin Beitel is as impressive as Ms. Watson’s long and steadfast career and commitment to small business.”

Nationally Recognized Leadership

Watson’s resume reads like a roll call of national, state, and local honors:

• 2025 SBA Small Business Champion
• Leaders & Legacies Award, NBA San Antonio Spurs & Coca-Cola
• Advocacy Award, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Champion for Diversity & Inclusion, San Antonio Business Journal
• Athena Leadership Award, North San Antonio Chamber of Commerce
• Freedom Award, Ford Tribute to Women Business Leaders
• Patriot Award, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Each award points to a career marked by consistent excellence — but more importantly, to a woman who has made it her mission to lift others as she climbs.

A Career Forged in Public Service

Watson’s journey began long before her Bexar County leadership. She previously served as Chief of Staff to Texas State Senator Rodney Ellis and San Diego Councilman George Stevens, roles that sharpened her political acumen and gave her a front-row seat to the intersection of policy, community, and opportunity.

She holds a Master of Public Administration in Urban Planning and Rural Economic Development from Baruch College, CUNY, and a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is also a certified Master Contract Compliance Administrator (MCCA), reflecting her technical expertise in government contracting and compliance.

Powering the Future of Small Business

Watson’s influence stretches beyond Bexar County. She is a sought-after speaker, mentor, and advisor, actively participating in leadership programs like Leadership Texas, the Master Leadership Program San Antonio, and the PhD Project, which promotes diversity in corporate academia.

In a recent interview, Watson underscored the importance of sustained momentum:

“Equity isn’t a moment — it’s a movement. We have to embed these principles into the DNA of how we do business, how we govern, how we invest in our communities. That’s the only way we build an economy that works for everyone.”

Looking Ahead: Honoring a Legacy of Excellence

This May, Watson’s career will be celebrated on one of San Antonio’s most prestigious stages.

The 2025 San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame Gala is scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025 — a glittering evening recognizing 15 extraordinary women whose achievements have left an indelible mark on the community. Beyond honoring these leaders, the gala serves a higher purpose: raising funds for scholarships that empower young women to follow in the footsteps of trailblazers like Watson.

For Watson, the Hall of Fame induction is not just a personal milestone but a moment to reflect on the power of collective progress. As the San Antonio Women’s Hall of Fame continues to shine as a beacon of inspiration, it reminds the entire city — and the state — of the profound contributions women leaders make in shaping a stronger, more inclusive future.

For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, visit the official website at sawomenshalloffame.org.

About the Author
Teresa Chavarria, Editor-in-Chief, River Walk Magazine

Teresa Chavarria is San Antonio’s renowned Beauty Guru and the visionary behind The Beauty Spot and Evolve TX Med. With over 27 years of experience as a licensed esthetician, educator, and innovator, Teresa leads the conversation on skincare, noninvasive beauty, and wellness. As Editor-in-Chief of River Walk Magazine, she brings her passion for beauty, empowerment, and transformation to every page.

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