As part of AUS's transformative Journey With AUS expansion program, the airport’s concession program is actively seeking innovative, diverse, and dynamic small businesses ready to bring their brands to one of the fastest-growing airports in the country.
“We’re building the future of AUS, and we want small businesses to help shape that future,” said Ghizlane Badawi, AUS Chief Executive Officer. “This is a moment to elevate local brands in front of a global audience.”
This is more than a business opportunity — it's a chance to become part of a thriving travel community that reflects the culture, creativity, and spirit of Austin. With millions of passengers traveling through AUS each year, the new concession spaces present a unique platform for small businesses to gain major visibility and grow in an environment that celebrates local flavor and entrepreneurial energy.
And the numbers speak for themselves: in 2024, AUS travelers purchased over 1 million tacos and more than 100,000 pounds of brisket. Retail also played a strong role, with over 9,000 Tyler’s t-shirts and 7,000 Keep Austin Weird shirts sold —a reflection of how deeply travelers connect with the local culture and spirit of the city.
"Our upcoming series gives small, local, and diverse businesses a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the Airport Concessions business from industry experts,” said Edward Campos, Director of SMBR. We’re equipping our community of small businesses with the tools, connections, and confidence they need to secure a successful takeoff at AUS."
Interested businesses are encouraged to attend upcoming informational sessions to learn how to navigate the airport’s concessionaire opportunities.
The Gateway 2 Concessions Prep Course Series includes:
Gate 1, Understanding the ACDBE Program, Sept. 3: This virtual workshop provides a foundational overview of the Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE) program, including goal setting, certification steps, and the broader role this program plays in upcoming opportunities at AUS.
Gate 2, A Real Look into Concession Opportunities, Sept. 10: Hear directly from an experienced concessions operator and industry expert on what it takes to run a business in the airport—from day-to-day logistics to contract terms and long-term development.
Guest Speaker: Cassandra Boseman, Principal Owner, ONE Enterprise Group
Gate 3, Business Concepts and Revenue Contracts, Sept. 17: This course will discuss understanding your business capabilities, ensuring you are certified in the correct NAICS codes and knowing what questions to ask prior to proposing on concession opportunities. This discussion will be led by one of the airport industry's top ACDBE managers in aviation procurements.
For more information about the Journey With AUS Expansion Program and upcoming improvements, visit Austintexas.gov/AUSJourney.
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Information for Media The AUS Public Information Office aims to make it simple and easy for media to access and cover the airport. View our media guide here for information and resources. Prior to arriving to the airport, please call the on-call PIO at 512-715-4287 or email us at AUSMedia@FlyAustin.com to arrange to park in media parking. All vehicles in media parking will require a brief security inspection prior to leaving the vehicle unattended.
About Austin-Bergstrom International Airport Owned by the City of Austin and operated by the Department of Aviation, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is one of the fastest-growing airports in the United States. Austin-Bergstrom is also an economic engine in Central Texas, supplying over 74,000 direct and indirect jobs in the Central Texas region.
For the latest news, real-time flight information, careers information, and details on the many services provided at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport visit FlyAustin.com. You can also follow Austin-Bergstrom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
About SMBR
The Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) champions equity by promoting opportunities for small, minority-owned, women-owned, disadvantaged, and airport concession businesses (ACDBE) on City of Austin contracts.
About Journey With AUS Journey With AUS is the Austin-Bergstrom Airport Expansion and Development program. The program is a strategic, phased approach to guiding construction and improvement projects, including select 2040 Master Plan projects and near-term improvements to address record-breaking growth at AUS. Journey With AUS projects will improve the passenger experience and meet the rising demand for air service at AUS through optimizing the Barbara Jordan Terminal through improvements that accommodate forecasted demand and enhance operations; expanding infrastructure to increase gates; constructing a new midfield concourse, and connecting tunnel. Driving regional economic recovery and supporting Austin’s growth is a primary goal of the program. The expansion program will make ~$400 million in funding available for small businesses.
