Why You? Why Now?
If you’re a first- or second-generation young person in the U.S., especially in Texas, you’ve probably heard it all:
🔹 “It’s tough out there.”
🔹 “Starting a business is risky.”
🔹 “You need to know the right people to make it.”
But let’s get something straight—you have the fire inside you. Your family’s journey, your struggles, and your ambition have already shaped you into someone strong, adaptable, and hardworking.
Now, it’s time to take control of your future. Whether you dream of running your own business, leading a movement, or becoming a respected figure in your community, you need to develop the skills that separate successful entrepreneurs from the rest.
And here’s the best part: San Antonio is full of opportunities for young entrepreneurs like you. The key is knowing how to use them.
Let’s break down the must-have skills that will help you succeed—not just in business, but in life.
1. Vision: See the Future Before Anyone Else
Great entrepreneurs see opportunities where others see obstacles.
Think about companies like Tesla, Uber, or even a small family-run taco shop that turned into a city-wide chain. They all started with a vision—a clear idea of what they wanted to create.
✅ How to Develop This Skill:
Ask yourself: What problem do I want to solve? What business idea excites me?
Create a vision board with images and words that represent your goals.
Talk to people in your community—what are their needs? What businesses are missing in San Antonio?
🔹 San Antonio Example: Many local businesses are embracing digital tools, but some are still behind. If you’re tech-savvy, you could create a business that helps small Latino-owned shops go online.
2. Resilience: Bounce Back from Setbacks
Entrepreneurs fail. A lot. But the best ones never quit.
Imagine this: You start a business, but it doesn’t go as planned.
What do you do?
✅ Learn from your mistakes.
✅ Adjust your strategy.
✅ Keep going.
💡 Real-Life Story: Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, started with an online bookstore. He faced multiple failures before building the empire we know today.
✅ How to Develop This Skill:
Adopt a growth mindset—failure is a lesson, not the end.
Read about successful people’s failures (trust me, they ALL failed at some point).
Build a support system of mentors, friends, and fellow entrepreneurs.
🔹 San Antonio Example: The Pearl District was once an abandoned brewery. Now, it’s a thriving area filled with restaurants, shops, and businesses. That transformation happened because of resilience.
3. Leadership: Influence and Inspire Others
Your business is only as strong as your leadership.
A true leader doesn’t just tell people what to do—they inspire action, solve problems, and bring out the best in others.
✅ How to Develop This Skill:
Join leadership programs or workshops in San Antonio.
Learn from local leaders—attend community events and meet business owners.
Practice leading in small ways—volunteer, organize a group project, or mentor someone.
🔹 San Antonio Example: Mayor Ron Nirenberg came from a diverse background and worked his way up to leading the city. Leadership starts at the community level!
4. Financial Literacy: Master Your Money
You can’t grow a business if you don’t understand money.
✅ Key Financial Skills for Entrepreneurs:
Budgeting: Know where every dollar goes.
Investing: Put your money to work.
Pricing: Charge what you’re worth.
Smart Spending: Differentiate between needs vs. wants.
✅ How to Develop This Skill:
Take a personal finance course (UTSA and community centers offer free ones!).
Read books like Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.
Start small: Manage your own finances before handling business money.
🔹 San Antonio Example: Programs like LiftFund offer business loans for young entrepreneurs. If you understand finances, you’ll make the most of these resources.
5. Networking: It’s Not Just What You Know—It’s Who You Know
Opportunities often come from the people you meet. Successful entrepreneurs know how to connect with mentors, customers, and investors.
✅ How to Develop This Skill:
Attend networking events in San Antonio (many are free!).
Join organizations like the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Follow up with people—send a message after meeting someone new.
🔹 San Antonio Example: Many small businesses get contracts with city programs because of connections. Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
6. Marketing & Branding: Get People to Notice You
If people don’t know about your business, they can’t buy from you.
✅ Essential Marketing Skills:
Social Media: Learn to use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook for business.
Storytelling: Share your WHY—people love personal stories.
Branding: Create a logo, colors, and a name that people remember.
✅ How to Develop This Skill:
Take free marketing courses (Google offers them online!).
Study big brands and how they advertise.
Test your ideas on social media and see what works.
🔹 San Antonio Example: Many small restaurants go viral by using TikTok and Instagram reels—this is free marketing!
7. Time Management: Work Smarter, Not Harder
Entrepreneurs don’t waste time—they use it wisely.
✅ How to Develop This Skill:
Plan your day the night before.
Use productivity tools like Google Calendar.
Focus on what matters most—don’t get distracted.
🔹 San Antonio Example: Business owners who manage time well are able to expand faster—you’ll see them open multiple locations within a few years.
8. Problem-Solving: Find Solutions, Not Excuses
Every business faces problems. The question is: Can you solve them?
✅ How to Develop This Skill:
Train yourself to think of solutions instead of excuses.
Look at problems from different angles.
Surround yourself with problem-solvers.
🔹 San Antonio Example: Many local businesses had to change strategies during COVID19. Those who adapted (offering online orders, delivery, etc.) survived.
San Antonio Needs Leaders Like You
San Antonio is full of opportunities—but you have to take action. You already have the grit, intelligence, and determination to succeed. Now, it’s time to sharpen your skills and build the future you deserve.
🚀 Next Steps:
✅ Take one skill from this list and start working on it today.
✅ Connect with local entrepreneurship programs in San Antonio.
✅ Believe in yourself—because we believe in you.
Your success isn’t just about you—it’s about your family, your community, and the next generation looking up to you. Be the leader they need.
🔥 If you’re ready to build your future, share it and let’s go!
Comments