The Helotes Economic Development Corporation (HEDC) is embarking on an exciting venture to renovate and expand its office space, introducing a cutting-edge Visitor and Business Center to the thriving community. In line with a long-term strategy outlined in 2021 and consistently endorsed by the city council, the HEDC’s visionary plan includes the creation of the Helotes Visitor and Business Center that includes incubator space for small businesses. The center will serve as a hub for residents, visitors, and local small businesses providing a one-stop-shop for a variety of community and business services.
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To address challenges posed by limited available real estate and escalating commercial market costs, HEDC Executive Director, Glenn Goolsby proposed a strategic solution.
“I proposed the idea to lease the adjacent vacant space next to our current office and undertake renovations to enhance the overall office environment. The HEDC board and city council have enthusiastically approved this forward-thinking plan,” said Glenn Goolsby.
Construction of the Visitor and Business center is a significant milestone for the HEDC. With the increasing number of visitors to Helotes, the HEDC recognized the need for a dedicated space that would serve as a resource for visitors seeking information about the area. The visitor center will feature Historical Society of Helotes exhibits, informative displays, and other information for all who visit.
The business center area will house the HEDC, Helotes Chamber of Commerce and a variety of small businesses who will lease offices from the HEDC. This center will support and promote business development with a major goal of growing Helotes small businesses.
Office space is virtually non-existent within the Helotes city limits for a variety of reasons. Most of the available vacant commercial spaces are configured and priced for retail sales-type businesses. Those spaces are often cost prohibitive for small businesses with no consumer facing product or service. The business center will offer several options including dedicated private offices, shared and virtual offices, video conferencing booths and a large conference room for meetings or workshops.
Goolsby emphasized the growing demand for smaller private office spaces within the community, a sentiment echoed by numerous small businesses over the year. “The expansion project addresses this need and aligns with our commitment to fostering a dynamic business environment,” he added.
Completion of the renovation is expected in August 2024. Prospective tenants and businesses interested in leasing office space are encouraged to contact ggoolsby@helotes-tx.gov for detailed leasing options and further information.
About the HEDC
The City of Helotes Economic Development Corporation (EDC) was created in 2003 after the citizens of Helotes voted for the imposition of a 1/2 cent 4B sales tax. The EDC Board of Directors meets regularly on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at Helotes City Hall, 12951 Bandera Rd., Helotes, Texas 78023.
The HEDC’s mission is to promote, encourage, and enhance the creation of jobs, the expansion of the local tax base, and our quality-of-life through projects that assist in the retention and expansion of existing employers, and which attract new employers and aid in their development and growth.
The HEDC works with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the UTSA Small Business Development Center, the National Association for the Self-Employed, the Helotes Area Chamber of Commerce, Alamo Workforce Solutions, and numerous other governmental units and entities.