Launch SA is a partnership between the City of San Antonio and Geekdom. It functions as a "coffee shop for entrepreneurs", a low-barrier entry point where founders can find mentorship, navigate city permits, and connect with a network of over 70 partner organizations.

📌Host:
Zac Brown: “The Non-Profit Guy” CEO of GiveKit
▸Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/
▸GiveKit Website: https://givekit.org/

📌Guest:
Matthew Espinoza, Director at Launch SA
▸Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewespinoza/
▸Launch SA Website: https://launchsa.org/

📌Find Us:
▸YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondGivingpod
▸Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy
▸Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427
▸Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoostChannel
▸Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

Key Takeaways
1. The "College Advisor" Model
Launch SA doesn't just hand out pamphlets; it provides Business Advisors who act as academic counselors. They help founders at all stages, from the "food phase" fundamentals to scaling a 10-year-old operation, by asking the hard questions that founders often overlook.

2. 1 Million Cups: The Entrepreneurial Town Hall
A cornerstone program mentioned is 1 Million Cups (a Kauffman Foundation initiative).
🔹What it is: A weekly Wednesday morning event where two founders pitch their businesses.
🔹The Goal: It’s not a shark-tank style critique; it’s a community Q&A focused on how the audience can help the founder.
🔹The Value: It forces entrepreneurs to step outside their blind spots and practice clear communication.

3. Beyond the "Checklist" Mentality
Matthew highlights a common pitfall: many new founders come in asking for a "simple checklist" for success.

"Small business ownership is a roller coaster... you almost have to be an expert at everything or figure out how to find the answer. It’s not about studying for a test; it’s about thinking differently."

4. Strategic Priority & Lifestyle Businesses
A major piece of advice Matthew offers is to define what success looks like early on.
🔹Are you building a lifestyle business (which is perfectly valid and successful)?
🔹Are you aiming for an IPO or high-scale exit?
Your priority dictates your strategy; receiving the "wrong" type of advice for your specific goal can lead to misalignment.

The Role of the City & Community
🔹A Public-Private Partnership: The City of San Antonio contracts this work to Geekdom to ensure the support is flexible and "expert-led" rather than purely bureaucratic.
🔹Accessibility: Launch SA is moving toward an "on the road" model, hosting events in local libraries across the north and south sides of the city to meet busy business owners where they are.

Resource Directory
🔹Physical Hub: Central Library, Downtown (Mon-Fri, 9–5).
🔹Launch SA Link: Online directory of 70+ partner organizations.
🔹Advising: 1-on-1 support for finance, legal, and operations.
🔹Website: LaunchSA.org
Use the "Request Assistance" form to connect.

Top Quote
"We may not have the answer, but someone in our network might... We’re here to ultimately bring the community together." Matthew Espinosa

Episode Summary

Founder Thomas James joins the show to discuss Zeo Infinite Robotics, a San Antonio-based nonprofit transforming STEM education through combat robotics. By engaging students in the "Tech Gladiator Challenge," Thomas is bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world manufacturing careers.

Host:

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guests:

Thomas James, Founder of Zeo Infinite Robotics

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeo-infinite-robotics/

Find Us:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

Key Highlights

🌟The Mission: Giving students a "first shot" at engineering roles by teaching CAD, mechatronics, and manufacturing before they even reach college.

🌟The Tech Gladiator Challenge: A multi-month program where students design, build, and battle robots, learning to troubleshoot mechanical and software errors under pressure.

🌟The Power of Teamwork: Thomas emphasizes that robotics is 10% hardware and 90% strategy and collaboration. Students must reconcile different perspectives to build a winning machine.

🌟The Pipeline: From Gunpla (Gundam model building) for elementary kids to high-stakes combat for high schoolers, the curriculum scales with the students' development.

Current Needs & Growth

Thomas is currently in the foundational "building block" phase and is seeking community support for:

🌟Board Recruitment: Specifically looking for a Treasurer and members with business or financial expertise.

🌟Sponsors & Grants: Funding for robot kits, materials, and travel costs to keep the program accessible.

🌟School Outreach: Introductions to districts in San Antonio (Northside/Northeast) and to underserved areas such as the South Side and rural South Carolina.

Connect with Zeo Infinite Robotics

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/zeo-infinite-robotics/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zeoinfiniterobotics
• Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/466679857200055/ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
• Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069503631464

Episode Summary

Drew, founder of Bridge, shares how his organization serves as a "startup starting startups" for democracy and justice initiatives across Texas. From his unexpected journey (farmer to sommelier to civic leader) to building a support system for early-stage nonprofits, Drew reveals what it takes to scale impact in the civic engagement space.

Host:

Zac Brown: “The Non-Profit Guy”

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guest

Drew Galloway - Founder & Executive Director, Bridge

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hdrewgalloway/

Impact (4 Years)

🟢36 organizations started/scaled

🟢$9M in new funding to Texas

🟢First state-based democracy startup accelerator in US

Bridge Programs

🟢Incubator: 15 weeks, $5K grant

🟢Accelerator: $50K funding + $50K+ fundraising campaign

🟢Rest Residency: Sabbaticals for burned-out founders

🟢Collective: Ongoing alumni support

Drew's Journey

Wine sommelier (10 years) → Experienced housing discrimination (2011) → White House intern → MOVE Texas ED (120K voters registered) → Founded Bridge

Key Insights

🟢Fundraising Reality

• "Fundraising problems" are usually identity/clarity issues
• Practice matters most: dedicate 10-20 hours/week
• Treat fundraising like organizing: "Do you want to join us?"
• Can't outsource donor relationships

🟢Leadership Evolution: Founders must shift from programmatic work to strategic/fundraising focus as organizations grow

🟢Money Mindset: Reshape your relationship with money to confidently ask for support

🟢Alternative Revenue: Nonprofits are experts, consider co-working spaces, consulting, event venues

Top Quotes

"Strong leaders build strong movements." "Fundraising is a full-time plus job." "All politics are retail."

Support Bridge

🟢Volunteer: Mentor founders (few hours/quarter)

🟢Websites: bridgeinfrastructure.org bridgemovements.org

🟢Social: @BridgeMovements

Takeaways

1. Clarify identity before fundraising
2. Block 10-20 hours/week for fundraising
3. Embrace strategic leadership transition
4. Explore ethical alternative revenue
5. Prioritize rest

When you think of an athletic trainer, you probably picture the sidelines of an NFL game or a college dugout. But what happens when you bring that same level of elite healthcare to a construction site, a warehouse, or a manufacturing plant?

In this episode, Susan from the Industrial Athletic Trainer Society (IATS) joins Zac to discuss the "Industrial Athlete", the American worker whose physical body is their paycheck. Susan shares how IATS advocates for proactive healthcare, shifting the focus from reactive "sick care" to preventative wellness that keeps workers healthy, mobile, and out of the ER.

Host:
Zac Brown: “The Non-Profit Guy”
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guests:
Susan Taah, President of Industrial Athletic Trainers' Society
Website: https://www.industrialats.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iatsofficial/

Find Us:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoostChannel
Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

Key Takeaways
What is an Industrial Athletic Trainer? Unlike nurses or EMTs who are often called only when something goes wrong, Athletic Trainers (ATs) are embedded in the workforce. They are there when workers are healthy, observing biomechanics and identifying risks before injuries occur.

The "Door to the Injury": Susan shares a fascinating story about how recurring shoulder injuries in beer delivery drivers weren't just a physical issue; they were caused by malfunctioning trailer doors. By fixing the equipment, they fixed the healthcare problem.

Beyond Musculoskeletal Care: Industrial ATs tackle everything from heat stress (a major risk in construction) to "Gen-Med" issues like gout, hypertension, and diabetes, often serving as the first point of medical contact for workers who haven't seen a doctor in years.

The "Fruit Tuesday" Success: Learn how a simple wellness survey led to a company-wide fruit delivery program, introducing workers to healthy nutrition and closing the gap between education and accessibility.

A Holistic, Zero-Cost Model: Because these services are typically funded by employers or through insurance premiums, they are free to the employee, allowing ATs to focus purely on the person rather than billing codes.

The Industrial Athlete's Health Hierarchy
Prevention: Ergonomic assessments and "warm-up" routines for the job.

Immediate Care: On-site response to acute injuries (e.g., concrete burns or heat exhaustion).

Treatment/Rehab: Getting workers back to full function without the need for expensive off-site physical therapy.

Wellness: Mental health support, financial education, and nutritional guidance.
Resources Mentioned

Industrial Athletic Trainer Society (IATS): www.industrialats.com
NIOSH WellBQ: A survey tool used to assess worker well-being.
Upcoming Event: The IATS Virtual Summit (Held annually in March).

Connect with IATS
LinkedIn: Industrial Athletic Trainer Society
Facebook/Instagram: @IndustrialATSociety
Website: industrialats.com

In this episode, we sit down with Connor and Greg from 10Bitworks Makerspace, San Antonio’s largest member-supported nonprofit makerspace. They break down what a makerspace actually is, why people join for the tools but stay for the community, and how mentorship makes big equipment like CNC routers, laser cutters, and 3D printers approachable and safe.

Connor shares how a shuttle bus conversion project led him to the space and how he learned metalworking from other members to build a custom solar roof rack. Greg shares how he found 10Bitworks Makerspace through a simple DIY project and now uses his marketing background to help keep the organization thriving, including fundraising and community outreach.

They also talk candidly about the realities of running a 100 percent volunteer organization, the need to move into a more comfortable space, and how supporters can help them reach a fundraising goal of up to $45,000.

Host:

Zac Brown: "The Non-Profit Guy"

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guests:

Connor Doherty: Board members at 10Bitworks Makerspace

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/omnipassion/

Greg Thibodeaux: Board members at 10Bitworks Makerspace

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregthibodeaux/

Website: https://10bitworks.com/

Find Us:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/50nKlDy81jHuoobIFLwiHy

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-giving/id1803474427

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/beyond-giving/

What you will learn

• What a makerspace is and why it works like a tool library and community workshop
• Why mentorship matters when members have access to powerful equipment
• What a CNC router is and what it can help you build
• How 10Bitworks Makerspace operates as a 501c3 and why that helps long-term stability
• Membership options and what 24-hour access means in real life
• What it takes to move a makerspace and why climate control is a big deal
• How volunteers can make a real impact beyond just using the tools

Membership and pricing mentioned

• Individual membership: $75 per month
• Household membership: $100 per month
• Business membership: $150 per month
• Access: 24/7 for trained members using tools they are cleared on

Support the move and equipment upgrades

They estimate the move at about $17,000 and are working toward a larger fundraising goal to cover moving costs, upgrades, and breathing room.

Donate: https://10bitworks.com/donate

Visit and tours

Weekends are best, generally Saturday and Sunday mornings through early afternoon. Members can also call ahead and leave a message if nobody picks up, and the team is responsive through the website.

About 10Bitworks Makerspace

10Bitworks Makerspace is a member-supported 501 (c) (3) makerspace in San Antonio offering access to tools and equipment like wood and metal shop tools, 3D printing, CNC routing, laser cutting, and more, supported by a hands-on, mentor-driven community.

On this episode, Zac sits down with the team behind Youth Business Services (YBS) — founder Joseph Treviño, education director Rosie Baumgartner, and bookkeeping lead Bernadette — to unpack how their eight-module, hands-on program is helping high schoolers and young adults turn ideas into real, sustainable businesses. They cover mindset (self-efficacy), financial literacy, legal compliance, presentation skills, and why asking better questions is the ultimate startup advantage. YBS is launching inside Comal ISD and building a statewide mentor network so students can learn directly from operators and founders.

Host:

Zac Brown: “The Non-Profit Guy”

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guests

• Joseph Treviño — Founder, Youth Business Services
  
  
• Rosie Baumgartner — Former educator (30+ years); Education Director, YBS
  
  
• Bernadette — Bookkeeping & accounting specialist; builds YBS’ financial literacy track
  
  

Top takeaways

• Belief → Behavior → Outcomes: Self-efficacy is the foundation students need before tactics will stick. (Rosie)
• Structure wins: YBS runs an 8-module curriculum covering operational plans, financial literacy, legal compliance, marketing, and presenting.
• Bookkeeping is non-negotiable: Debits/credits, P&L, AR/AP, and categorization are taught in plain language with daily practice — because funding, forecasting, and decisions depend on clean books. (Bernadette)
• Ask better questions: Students are trained in Socratic questioning and must prepare questions for panels and mentors. Curiosity drives alignment and progress.
• Pragmatic capital: YBS emphasizes non-dilutive paths (loans, grants, community funding, SBA) and mentorship over “raise first” mindsets.
• Whole-student support: Business skills + soft skills + mental health awareness for students — and, when possible, families.
• Fail = First Attempt In Learning: “END” = Effort Never Dies. “NO” = Next Opportunity. (Joseph)

Memorable quotes

• “Fail means First Attempt In Learning… ‘END’ is Effort Never Dies, and ‘NO’ is your Next Opportunity.” — Joseph
• “Belief in your capabilities, self-efficacy, is what unlocks everything else.” — Rosie
• “Clean books are the foundation. Loans, planning, decisions — they all start there.” — Bernadette

What YBS teaches (the 8-module spine)
🎯 Mindset & goal setting
📊 Market research & operational planning
💵 Financial literacy & bookkeeping fundamentals
🏷️ Pricing, costs, and unit economics
⚖️ Legal & compliance (EIN, LLCs, records)
🚀 Marketing & go-to-market basics
📈 Execution systems & tracking
📣 Pitching & presentation (with recorded feedback)


How to support or get involved
✅ Mentor a student (3–6 months), sit on a founder panel, or host a student group on-site to show the reality of operations.
✅ Offer non-dilutive support: grants, micro-loans, equipment, or services.
✅ Schools & districts: inquire about bringing the 8-module program to your classes.

In this episode of Beyond Giving, Zac sits down with Alix Mane von Broock from the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative (TFII) to explore how the organization is shaping the future of fashion in Texas.

Alex shares her journey from teen model and actress, mentored by Selena Quintanilla, to becoming a successful entrepreneur, salon owner, and now TFII’s Education Director and Fresh Faces Director. She delves deeply into her passion for helping new talent break into the fashion world and the importance of mentorship, professionalism, and perseverance in a challenging industry.

Host:

Zac Brown: “The Non-Profit Guy”

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guests:

Alix Mane von Broock: TFII’s Education Director and Fresh Faces Director

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thealixmane/

Texas Fashion Industry: https://texasfashionindustry.org/

Texas Fashion Industry LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/texasfashionindustry/

What You’ll Hear in This Episode

• Alex’s early beginnings in fashion and the pivotal role Selena played as her mentor.
  
  
• How her career in modeling and acting evolved into launching her own salon and beauty business.
  
  
• The mission of the Texas Fashion Industry Initiative and the programs they run to support creatives across the state.
  
  
• Inside the Fresh Faces program, designed to mentor aspiring models with no prior contracts or agency backing.
  
  
• How to handle criticism, rejection, and changing beauty standards in the fashion industry.
  
  
• The power of education, consistency, and adaptability in building a career.
  
  
• The community can get involved, including through mentorship, volunteering, or sponsorship.
  
  
• The role of AI and innovation in the future of fashion.
  
  

Why Listen

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how a nonprofit is strengthening Texas’s creative economy by empowering models, designers, and entrepreneurs. Whether you’re in fashion, beauty, or simply passionate about supporting creatives, Alex’s story offers inspiration on resilience, mentorship, and building opportunities for others.

Connect with TFII on social media.

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/texasfashionindustry/
• https://www.instagram.com/TexasFashionIndustry/
• https://www.facebook.com/TexasFashionIndustry
• https://twitter.com/TexasFashionInd

Subscribe to Beyond Giving for more inspiring nonprofit stories on the Boost Network.

In this eye-opening episode of Beyond Giving, Zac dives deep into how artificial intelligence is becoming more accessible and why nonprofit leaders, executives, students, and everyday people need to start paying attention. He’s joined by Mihir and Aryan, the dynamic duo behind Learn2AI, a San Antonio-based nonprofit on a mission to make AI literacy mainstream by 2030.

Host:

Zac Brown: “The Non-Profit Guy”

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zacjordanbrown/

Guests:

Guests: Mihir (Founder, Learn2AI) & Aryan (Co-Founder, Learn2AI)

Mihir LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihirshahh/

Aryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aryan-prajapati-783046369/

Learn2AI LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/learn2ai/

We talk about:

• What Learn2AI is and why it was founded
• How AI can empower non-technical users
• Real-world AI use cases for youth, executives, and businesses
• Ethical AI practices and data privacy
• Why prompt engineering is the key to unlocking AI's potential
• The difference between AI assistants and AI agents
• What their AI cohorts actually look like and who should join

Get Involved

Want to support or learn with Learn2AI?

• Trainers & Volunteers Needed: If you’re passionate about AI and education, reach out to help lead or support future cohorts.
• Schools, Orgs & Businesses: Host a cohort customized to your team or community's needs.
• Spread the Word: Recommend Learn2AI to anyone who could benefit — especially those afraid to ask.
  
  

Visit: https://learn2ai.org/

Follow on LinkedIn: Learn2AI

Host’s Take

Zac reflects on the importance of AI literacy for the nonprofit sector and opens the door to future collaborations between Nonprofits HQ and Learn to AI. He challenges listeners to volunteer and support the mission to make San Antonio the most AI-literate city by 2030.

“If you’re afraid of AI replacing your job, it might not be the AI — it’s the person who knows how to use it.” – Mihir

What’s Next for Learn to AI?

• A Demo Day next week where current cohort participants present AI agents they’ve built.
• Expansion plans into universities, schools, and businesses across Texas.
• New cohorts launching soon — stay tuned.

Subscribe & Follow for More:
Stay updated with Beyond Giving for more stories at the intersection of nonprofits, innovation, and impact.

🎙️ Beyond Giving – The Best Nonprofit Podcast on the Boost Network.