Volunteer Board of Advisors (San Antonio)

Role Overview

Emerge and Rise is building a volunteer Board of Advisors to help guide our growth and support the small and medium-sized businesses we serve across San Antonio. This advisory group brings real-world expertise, community knowledge, and mentorship to our members while helping us strengthen our programs, partnerships, and long-term sustainability.

Advisors are not a governing board. This is a volunteer, service-driven role focused on offering experience, guidance, and networks that help our organization and our members move forward.

What Advisors Do

Advisors play two roles : supporting Emerge and Rise as we grow, and serving as mentors and partners to the SMEs in our community.

1. Support Emerge and Rise

Advisors help us stay aligned with the needs of the regions small and medium-sized businesses by offering :

• Practical insight on programs, services, and strategic direction
• Guidance on partnership development and funding pathways
• Introductions to industry, civic, and ecosystem leaders
• Feedback on new initiatives, research, and community needs
• Support in shaping our soft-landing and SME readiness programs

2. Mentor and Partner with Our Members

Advisors are matched with members based on skills and industry. They offer :

This mentoring is structured, but flexible, respecting each advisors time.

Time Commitment

We keep this simple and realistic.

Who Were Looking For

People who :

Why This Matters

San Antonio has more than 68,000 small businesses, most operating without guidance, connections, or technical support. Many fall behind because they dont know where to turn. Emerge and Rise fills that gap through hands-on help, resource navigation, and capacity building.

The Board of Advisors strengthens that work.

Your insight, your network, and your presence directly impact the success of our members and the long-term health of our local economy.

What Advisors Receive

This is a volunteer role, but it comes with tangible value :