About Us
The South Austin Business Association (SABA) was started in 2008 when a group of merchants near far South Manchaca Road got together to meet with local government officials about the construction of road and utility improvements in that area. The group met after hours at local restaurants to hear updates and provide feedback to county and TxDot officials.
The small group of business owners quickly saw the benefit to building relationships and “knowing your business neighbors,” and with the road project completed, continued meeting as a business network.
The association incorporated as a non-profit organization in 2010. Led by founders Lety Johnson, a Farmers insurance agent, and Ken Vargas, publisher of the Slaughter Creek Reporter, the group settled on a weekly breakfast meeting format at the Casa Garcia’s Restaurant located at Manchaca Road and William Cannon.
In that time the vision has evolved from networking to a South Austin chamber of commerce-style group that supports the friendly, people-first attitude found in this part of the city.
Board of Directors
Programs
SABA is committed to presenting a variety of programs that cover issues that affect our group both as small business owners and community members.
Each week we spend 30 minutes on informal, open networking. After that, our discussions rotate weekly between educational topics, non-profit speakers, speed networking, and member spotlights.
SABA also celebrates new business openings with ribbon-cutting ceremonies, hosting local candidate forums, and education programs for its members and guests.
If you would like to suggest an educational topic that would be useful to our members, please reach out to our programs chair at programs@southaustinbusiness.org. Please note priority will be given to SABA members.
Philanthropy
From the very beginning, SABA has had a philanthropic mission, first giving donations to Manchaca-area families during Christmas, then Toys for Tots, and now raising money for projects that serve the South Austin community. In 2014, we purchased iPads for each student in the Crockett HS Special Needs program. In, 2016 SABA began a tradition of giving grants to local programs that support South Austin.
SABA continues to place a great deal of emphasis on giving back to our community. We want to build our businesses while also making our world a better place.
One of the highlights of the SABA weekly meetings is our Sunshine Jar announcements. A tradition where members can donate money to Sunshine Jar to thank others for referrals, ask for help, or share good news (personal or business-related) with the room. The money from this jar funds grants to the local community. Thanks to the generosity of our members, SABA has been able to make a difference to several non profits.
We also like to hear from a variety of charitable organizations throughout the year to learn how we can help. If your local organization would like to be considered to speak to our group, please email programs@southaustinbusiness.org.
Join the strongest referral network in South Austin
The South Austin Business Association is looking for
small business owners like you!
Join the strongest referral network in South Austin
The South Austin Business Association is looking for
small business owners like you!
