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Category: News

Renaissance Named Non-Profit of the Year at the 2024 Ebbie Awards

Posted on by chrisb

We’re proud to announce that Renaissance earned Non-Profit of the Year at the Ebbies, the Chamber’s annual awards. This honor affirms our commitment to supporting Bay Area small businesses and entrepreneurs.

For over 35 years, we’ve led efforts to provide resources, training, and support for entrepreneurs bringing ideas to life. This award honors the hard work of our clients, team, and partners. We are all united by the belief that business ownership should be within everyone’s reach.

The Ebbies Awards celebrate the resilience and contributions of San Francisco’s business community. We’re proud to stand with the city’s innovators and advocates, all committed to creating an opportunity-rich future.

You can find out more about the Ebbies and this year’s honorees on the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce’s website. For a look back at the night and the powerful stories shared, watch the event recap video here.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey. This award strengthens our passion for opening doors, removing barriers, and nurturing the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our community forward.

To learn more about Renaissance programs and ongoing initiatives, visit our website and connect with us on LinkedIn and Instagram to stay updated on our work.

Here’s to the power of small businesses, the dreams they build, and the communities they transform.

City of San Francisco Declares Sharon Miller Day

Posted on by chrisb

This past September, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center experienced a day filled with pride and gratitude as we honored our CEO, Sharon Miller, a leader who’s transformed lives, empowered entrepreneurs, and redefined what it means to lead a community organization. In a remarkable tribute, the City of San Francisco declared September 26th as “Sharon Miller Day,” a title that symbolizes over 25 years of Sharon’s commitment to uplifting small businesses and building strong community bonds. Sharon’s legacy at Renaissance isn’t just about her work; it’s about her presence—connecting with each client, showing up for local businesses, and leading by example.

This honor is made even more special by a heartfelt message from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who took a moment to recognize Sharon’s impact. Watch Nancy Pelosi’s tribute here to witness this memorable acknowledgment of Sharon’s dedication to our mission.

Maribel Aguilar accepting an award at the Renaissance Small Business Big Impact Gala.
Maribel Aguilar accepting the Entrepreneur of the Year award.

A Celebration of Entrepreneurs and Community at Our Annual Event

The day’s celebrations flowed into our annual fundraising event, bringing together Bay Area leaders, funders, and champions of small business for a night of connection and celebration. The energy in the room was undeniable, as we shared stories of resilience and growth, showcasing the accomplishments of our three Entrepreneurs of the Year—each one embodying Renaissance’s spirit of creativity and perseverance. From community vendors to honorees, these small business owners showed us how they turn passion into progress, with Renaissance’s support to help fuel their dreams.

To get a closer look at the event’s highlights, watch our recap video here and experience the joy and pride of that night.

Tallios Coffee speaking to a customer at the Small Business Big Impact Gala
Tallio’s Coffee speaking to a customer at the Small Business Big Impact Gala

Honoring Local Entrepreneurs and Recognizing Their Impact

The heart of the event lay in honoring local entrepreneurs who’ve turned their challenges into successes. These honorees and vendors stand as powerful examples of how entrepreneurship not only transforms lives but strengthens our communities. Each one represents what’s possible with the support of programs like Start Smart, which helps individuals lay strong foundations in business training and financial literacy. Our work is about walking with them every step of the way, so they feel equipped and confident to build something that lasts.

For a full recap of the night, including photos, awardee stories, and introductions to the incredible vendors who joined us, visit our event page here.

Thank You for Supporting Renaissance’s Mission

We are endlessly grateful for every guest, donor, and supporter who joined us to celebrate. Each of you plays a part in making this work possible. Together, we’re building a future where small businesses have the strength to grow, serve, and become pillars within their neighborhoods. Thank you for being part of Renaissance’s journey.

Stay connected to discover more stories and see how we’re empowering entrepreneurs across San Francisco and beyond.

Forbes Magazine: A Food Lover’s Guide To Bayview

Posted on by chrisb

Bayview Views from Scenic trail

When it comes to San Francisco neighborhoods, Bayview often gets overlooked and misjudged. Those who have spent time there, however, know it’s a hidden gem. It’s home to a vibrant culture that’s embraced its diversity and uniqueness as a historically significant hub of eclectic street art, purpose-driven restaurants, small business with heart and a community of creative, passionate people who love this city.

Bayview is not only the sunniest neighborhood in San Francisco, but also features sweeping views of the bay, natural beauty home to countless migratory birds, and peaceful walking paths and parks ideal for escaping the hustle and bustle of the city.

As a born and raised San Franciscan, my favorite way to explore any neighborhood is through its food scene. And with that here’s a guide to spending the perfect day eating and drinking your way through Bayview.

 

Renaissance Opens Small Business Center in Half Moon Bay

Posted on by chrisb

Renaissance small business resource center opens in Half Moon Bay
Renaissance small business resource center opens in Half Moon Bay

Local officials, workforce development leaders and entrepreneurs celebrated the opening of the new Opportunity Center of the Coastside in a ribbon cutting ceremony on Half Moon Bay’s Main Street on Thursday evening. The center’s main goal is to provide job training, host informational sessions for small businesses and incubate potential startups in the coast.

In the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, small businesses that relied on regular foot traffic and tourism struggled on the Coatside when they were forced to shut down. 

Half Moon Bay City Manager Matthew Chidester, who grew up in the Coastside, said in a speech that during the recovery from COVID-19, he knew it was time to diversify the community, the economy and become more resilient. 

“Working with our partners in the community, we started the Coastal Recovery Initiative,” said Chidester. “We brought in a group of fabulous residents from all across every sector, every community, every background to really help shape what we hope will become the future of the coastal economy and quality of life for our residents.”

What culminated in the Coastal Recovery Initiative was a report that had a series of actionable recommendations to start changing the future. The first item was to build a center where someone could getjob seeker support, business development support and entrepreneurial support.

 Luckily, San Mateo County had opened an Economic Opportunity Center in South San Francisco and Redwood City. Each center has their own style since each center is meant to reflect their community.

“We were at the county trying to figure out how best to invest these dollars, we wanted to help communities and families get back on their feet after all of the disruptions of the pandemic, especially on the coastside,” said Justin Mates, a deputy executive with the San Mateo County. “But we also wanted to find ways to maybe get us better and put us in a better place than we were before the pandemic.”

$2.5 million dollars in pandemic relief funds are supporting programming at the Opportunity Center. Organizations that will be functioning in the center include the Half Moon Bay Coastside Chamber, Renaissance Entrepreneur Center, JobTrain and Coastside Venture Studios. 

At the end of the speeches from leaders that included Renaissance CEO Sharon Miller,  obTrain CEO Barrie Hathaway, American Energy President Eric Vettel (who oversees the business incubator at Coastside Venture Studios), representatives of the office of US Rep. Anna Eshoo and San Mateo County District 3 Supervisor Ray Mueller, Half Moon Bay Mayor Joaquin Jimenez announced that he is a client of the services provided by the center. 

“Last year I actually became a client of the Renaissance Center – I started my own business,” said Jimenez. “JobTrain, I have to learn about them. And as I read, I became interested – ‘let me see if I have the qualifications to take that job’ and I became the regional director for JobTrain.”

Renaissance among small business leaders pushing state lawmakers to preserve critical program

Posted on by chrisb

Nonprofit organizations that help small businesses, like Renaissance, are speaking out alongside small business owners as they make a plea to state lawmakers to preserve vital services. 

As California’s Small Business Assistance Services faces a potential 50% budget cut, these programs, which provide essential support, mentorship, and resources to entrepreneurs, are more critical than ever. Without these services, thousands of underserved entrepreneurs may lose access to the tools they need to start, sustain, and grow their businesses. Renaissance remains committed to advocating for the preservation of these crucial programs.

Photos: ‘Taste of Bayview’ celebrates district’s culinary delights

Posted on by chrisb

Chef Dontaye Ball has been cooking delicious gumbo for the Bayview for the last five or so years. One time, he served a guest for free when they couldn’t afford a bowl; that guest came back three years later to express their gratitude, Ball said.

It’s Ball’s favorite memory from running Gumbo Social, formerly a pop-up operation but now a brick-and-mortar restaurant located at 5176 Third St. He loves hearing from people who have tried his gumbo, he said, because he loves “leaving a lasting food impression on people.”

14 Destination Restaurants in Bayview and Hunter’s Point

Posted on by chrisb

14 Destination Restaurants in Bayview and Hunter’s Point

14 Destination Restaurants in Bayview and Hunter’s Point

San Francisco’s east side is slept on, full stop. The Bayview and Hunter’s Point sometimes don’t get their shine. The neighborhoods were once known as Butchertown, and during World War II the Navy’s use of the area’s shipyards contaminated the ground with radiation. That history is honored today by many of the businesses working to keep the Bayview lively and vibrant. Old Skool Cafe has held it down for a decade, fixing locals up with jobs in a swanky jazz club. Gumbo Social is a newcomer to the neighborhood, bringing a second-line band down Third Street upon moving in. There’s something for everyone in this historic area, so long as one is willing to peel back the layers and get to the neighborhood’s delicious core.

It’s Finally Gumbo Go Time in San Francisco

Posted on by chrisb

Chef Dontaye Ball, better known as Mr. Gumbo, couldn’t tell you exactly how old he was the first time he tasted gumbo at his grandmother’s house in the Fillmore District. His grandmother always said eight years old. His mom believes it was more like four. But either way, to him, gumbo tastes like Christmas. Ball remembers the whole family elbowing into the kitchen and arguing about exactly what goes into the pot.

For a long time, good gumbo was hard to find in San Francisco. But thankfully, as we slog through this wet winter, San Francisco seems to be approaching peak gumbo. Brenda’s always made a serious bowl brimming with chicken, andouille, and okra. Boug Cali will be coming to the Ferry Building this year, bringing jars of seafood gumbo ready to grab and go. Meanwhile Gumbo Social opened in the Bayview last summer, where Ball dives deep into the iconic dish.

Share the Spirit: How to succeed in small business — meet the organization that helps make it happen

Posted on by chrisb

For almost seven years, Lilia Vizcaino handled janitor duty at a coffee shop near UC Berkeley, cleaning up at closing time. But Vizcaino, who came to the U.S. from Mexico and now lives in Albany, wanted something better for her family.

“I wanted stability, and I needed to do something else for the future,” she said.

Today Vizcaino no longer mops floors at a coffee shop. She owns her own, El Tiny Cafe in Berkeley. It’s a cute neighborhood joint that offers Americanos and iced horchata lattes, made with coffee beans sourced from women-owned farms in Mexico. The kitchen serves sandwiches, overnight oats and avocado toast with eggs and salsa macha — and boasts five stars on Yelp.

Wooden Table Baking: Argentinian Treats Made from Scratch with Love

Posted on by khateam

Wooden Table Baking Co. is an Oakland-based, certified LGBT Business Enterprise (LTGBTBE) bakery, dedicated to crafting the finest Argentinian treats. They make alfajores, conitosand bonbons from scratch with high quality, all-natural ingredients.

Wooden Table Baking sought counseling from two of the Bay Area’s Women’s Business Centers along the way. Andreas [Ozzuna, Owner and Head Baker] took classes at Women’s Initiative, and her wife Citabria Ozzuna, Director of Marketing, later took classes at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

At Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, Citabria took the Business Planning class where she wrote a comprehensive business plan. Paul Terry, a counselor and teacher at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, was a particularly supportive mentor.

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