Two years after the woman behind a small lipstick business enrolled in a Maestro Entrepreneur Center program, she's expanded products, her customer base and sales.

Even established, profitable small businesses run into obstacles and need to hit the refresh button. The Maestro Entrepreneur Center is accepting applications from second-stage businesses for a program designed to help them evolve and grow. The deadline is the end of August.

Belinda Grace Torres is in the business of blessing others. Taking senior citizens out to lunch, shopping, or just helping around the house is all in a day's work.

It’s a stretch to imagine that Darronnette Curtis, with her perfectly polished makeup, hair, and fashion, grew up a tomboy.

"12 On Your Side" is KSAT's weekly consumer round-up dedicated to providing the information that can better your life, written by award-winning journalist and KSAT consumer reporter Marilyn Moritz.

Tia Rodriguez is hoping to whet some appetites and grow her small business by cooking up plant-based soul food.

In a partnership with the City of San Antonio, the Maestro Entrepreneur Center is giving 10 select minority business owners training, guidance, support and access to grant money so they can grow.

The U.S. Navy veteran became the first of eight small business owners who will be randomly selected by the Maestro Entrepreneur Center every week through Sep. 23. Even if you dont win the $500, I really recommend you register because you can win so much more than that, said Mariangela Zavala, Maestro Centers executive director. Maestro Entrepreneur Center teaches, supports small business ownersZavala said not only does a small business increase its visibility through its directory, they also can access invaluable resources critical to its survival during the pandemic. It's a place where we can meet people, network, get to know each other and listen to other people that have been successful as business owners," Segovia said. Zavala said any programs to help do that should be similar to what the Maestro Center is doing.

SAN ANTONIO The building housing the Maestro Entrepreneur Center is also where Teresa Garcia and Jacob Hurrell-Zitelma run their respective small businesses. She said the resources it provides small business owners are needed now more than ever in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Grow SA.Zavala said she urges owners to register their small business profile for potential customers to find. She also pointed out that much of the information Maestro provides is in English and Spanish. We have taken the lead and were the only business organization to provide those trainings in Spanish, Zavala said.