New Program to Provide Essential Business, Financial, and Digital Literacy Resources for South San Antonio Businesses
April Monterrosa
Live From The Southside, led by April Monterrosa, is excited to announce a new partnership with Emerge and Rise, Inc., founded by Lina Rugova. This collaboration will introduce the Shop Local SA campaign, a significant initiative to promote and support local entrepreneurs and small businesses across San Antonio, with a beta program on the Southside. The partnership will also provide essential business, financial, and digital literacy resources alongside increased visibility through weekly business insights, co-hosted events, and joint promotional efforts.
“I’m glad to host Emerge and Rise and Live from the Southside at Brooster’s. Bringing these resources to our Southside community will benefit local entrepreneurs and strengthen our neighborhood’s business landscape.” — said Norman Velez, owner of Brooster’s Backyard Icehouse.
Lina Rugova
The collaboration starts with a special event on September 27th from 6 PM to 8 PM at the recently reopened Brooster’s Backyard Icehouse at 815 Pleasanton Road. This event, hosted by Norman Velez, the venue’s owner, will introduce the partnership, the Shop Local SA campaign, and various entrepreneurial initiatives led by Emerge and Rise. “Norman, April, and I have exciting and empowering things planned for the Southside business community,” said Lina Rugova, CEO of Emerge and Rise. “This partnership is rooted in our shared vision of inclusivity and economic growth.”
April Monterrosa added, “This partnership is about truly uplifting the community we both care so deeply about. I’m thrilled to bring these resources to our community’s small businesses, helping them thrive.”
The partnership will feature ongoing cross-promotional efforts, showcasing each other’s work across platforms and reinforcing their mutual commitment to fostering community growth and business success throughout San Antonio.
Join us on September 27 to celebrate this exciting new chapter for the Southside and the entire San Antonio community!
Norman Velez
Brooster’s Backyard Icehouse, located at 815 Pleasanton Road, is a kid and pet-friendly open-air venue owned by Norman Velez. Known for its relaxed atmosphere, it serves as a community gathering spot on the Southside of San Antonio, offering a welcoming environment for families and friends.
Live From The Southside is a San Antonio-based women-owned lifestyle and travel publication rooted in the Southside community and launched in 2020. Initially, I focused on showcasing the culture of Southside San Antonio, which has grown into a platform that connects the Southside community to opportunities and a national audience.
Emerge and Rise Inc. is a nonprofit venture development organization that empowers local entrepreneurs and small businesses in San Antonio. Through various programs, it provides essential business, financial, and digital literacy resources, and mental health empowerment, fostering economic growth and inclusivity across the city.
Emerge and Rise Inc. Board of Directors with April Monterrosa
