Luis Rodriguez, President & CEO, San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

In an interview with Invest:, Luis Rodriguez, president and CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, highlighted San Antonio’s strategic growth, strong cybersecurity sector, and increasing international connectivity as key economic drivers. “San Antonio’s best days are ahead,” he noted, pointing to infrastructure investments and a thriving startup ecosystem.

What initiatives have you prioritized to advance the chamber’s mission since assuming the role of president and CEO?

It has been almost a year since I was honored to become CEO of the San Antonio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. This isn’t a new space for me — I worked here from 2010 to 2017 under Ramiro Cavazos, who is now the president and CEO of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Our mission is clear: we are the leading resource and advocate for Hispanic businesses and professionals. San Antonio is unique, with 65% of Bexar County’s population identifying as Latino, making it a city that reflects the future demographic and economic landscape of Texas. The state’s trajectory significantly influences the national economy, which is why our chamber plays a critical role in advocating for Hispanic entrepreneurs, business leaders, and professionals.

We are proud to be the first Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in the United States, established in 1929. Additionally, we hold a five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, a distinction achieved by fewer than 100 chambers nationwide. Our focus remains on continuing our 96-year legacy of advocacy, ensuring that San Antonio remains a strong and prosperous city for Hispanic businesses.

What makes San Antonio an ideal location for businesses to relocate, expand, and thrive?

San Antonio has long been a hidden gem, but that secret is getting out. The city offers an exceptional quality of life, making it a great place to work, raise a family, and enjoy cultural and recreational activities.

One of the key advantages San Antonio has over other rapidly growing cities, such as Austin, is that our growth has been intentional and strategic. While Austin experienced rapid expansion that led to affordability challenges for long-time residents, San Antonio has managed its growth in a way that prioritizes infrastructure, sustainability, and community development.

Additionally, we have invested in public transportation and infrastructure, with leaders like John Gary Herrera, the new CEO of VIA, and board chair Laura Cabanillas ensuring that transit remains a priority. These strategic efforts make San Antonio a prime location for businesses seeking long-term growth in a well-planned urban environment.

San Antonio also benefits from its position along the San Antonio-Austin corridor, which continues to develop as a major economic region. Looking ahead, we anticipate increased connectivity with Monterrey, Mexico, further strengthening our regional economic ties.

What are the major economic drivers fueling growth in the region?

San Antonio has long been known as “Military City, USA,” with multiple military bases and a strong defense industry presence. Even bases that have closed, like Brooks City Base, have been successfully redeveloped for economic growth.

One of our fastest-growing industries is cybersecurity, thanks in large part to our partnership with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA). Outside of Washington, D.C., San Antonio employs the most cybersecurity professionals in the country. With increasing investment in this sector, we are positioning ourselves as a national hub for cybersecurity innovation.

Higher education is another key economic driver. Institutions like UTSA, St. Mary’s University, Our Lady of the Lake University, Trinity University, and the Alamo Community Colleges are all actively preparing the next generation of talent. Workforce development programs ensure that we can sustain economic growth while meeting the needs of emerging industries.

How would you describe the business climate for Hispanic-owned businesses in San Antonio? 

San Antonio has a long history of supporting Hispanic-owned businesses. In the early 1990s, the Hispanic Chamber led efforts to ensure that the city allocated a significant portion of its budget to minority- and women-owned businesses. Thanks to these efforts, more than 50% of city spending now goes to these businesses, many of which are Hispanic-owned.

As a result, we have seen many Hispanic businesses reach critical growth milestones, including surpassing the $1 million, $5 million, and even $10 million revenue marks. One of the biggest success stories is Toyota’s manufacturing facility in San Antonio. When Toyota chose to build here, the city had no prior automotive manufacturing experience. However, due to our strong network of Hispanic entrepreneurs, we were able to support the industry’s growth. Today, several of Toyota’s Tier 1 suppliers in San Antonio are Hispanic-owned, including Santana Group, founded by Rosa Santana, which became the first Latina-owned Tier 1 supplier for Toyota worldwide.

While these achievements are significant, we still have work to do. With nearly 70% of San Antonio’s population being Hispanic, we must continue advocating for equitable opportunities and ensuring that Hispanic businesses remain central to the city’s growth.

What key challenges do Hispanic-owned businesses face today?

One ongoing challenge is navigating changes in administration and policy. As a nonpartisan chamber, we work with all levels of government to advocate for policies that support Hispanic businesses.

For example, recent discussions about tariffs on Mexican imports have had the potential to significantly impact San Antonio. Many of our local businesses, including Toyota suppliers, rely on cross-border trade. While the threat of tariffs has been put on hold, we continue to advocate for policies that protect and strengthen our economic ties with Mexico.

Our chamber was present for the signing of the USMCA trade agreement, and we remain engaged in ensuring that San Antonio businesses have a voice in shaping trade policies that impact their operations.

How is the chamber working to improve funding opportunities for its members?

Access to capital is a persistent challenge for Hispanic entrepreneurs, largely due to generational wealth disparities. Many lack the financial backing from family or networks that can provide initial startup funding.

At the chamber, our approach is twofold. First, we focus on education and financial literacy by providing resources to ensure that entrepreneurs understand business finances, bookkeeping, and loan application processes. Financial readiness is crucial for securing funding. Second, we build relationships with financial institutions, working closely with banks, venture capital firms, and organizations like LiftFund and PeopleFund to connect Hispanic entrepreneurs with funding opportunities. We want to make sure that when our members are ready to scale their businesses — from $1 million to $5 million or beyond — they have the financial knowledge and support needed to succeed.

What key programs or initiatives is the chamber leading to support its members?

Our chamber focuses on five core pillars. Small business development remains a top priority, providing access to capital, marketing strategies, and resources to help businesses grow. Economic development ensures Hispanic businesses have a seat at the table in major projects, including the recruitment of new companies to San Antonio. International trade strengthens binational relationships, particularly with Mexico and Latin America, through trade missions and direct investment opportunities. Leadership development is supported through programs like the Alexander Briseño Leadership Development Program and the Latina Leadership Institute, which empower emerging leaders to take on key roles in business, politics, and community service. Lastly, education and workforce development ensure that San Antonio’s workforce is prepared for the evolving job market through strategic partnerships with local colleges and universities. 

Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of San Antonio?

There is incredible energy in San Antonio right now. The mayoral transition is historic, as our next mayor will serve a four-year term — the first time in city history following a shift from two-year terms. Additionally, four new city council members will be elected, bringing fresh leadership to key policy discussions.

San Antonio’s international airport is undergoing a major transformation, adding a third terminal and positioning itself as a regional hub for global connectivity. Port San Antonio continues to grow as a center for cybersecurity and aerospace innovation. Our startup ecosystem is expanding, with events like San Antonio Startup Week drawing more attention to the city’s potential.

Beyond that, we’re seeing significant investments in infrastructure, culture, and sports. Plans for a new downtown baseball stadium and a potential expansion of the Alamodome area could bring more economic vibrancy to the city. Through all this growth, we are committed to preserving San Antonio’s unique identity. The city’s deep-rooted culture is what makes it special, and as we continue expanding, we must ensure that our progress remains inclusive and sustainable. San Antonio’s best days are ahead, and I’m excited to be part of its transformation.