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📍Start Smart (WBC 07/08/25 -07/29/25)

This class will meet for 2 hours IN-PERSON once a week for four weeks.
If you are ready to start a small business or are very new to business, this class is for you! Start Smart is a four-week course where you will learn the basic tools and business fundamentals needed to start up successfully. You will work with a Business Model Canvas (a visual hands-on tool) to get your ideas down on paper, test, refine and confirm concepts, and adjust your conclusions about customer needs.

Outcomes:

  • Learn how to define your vision
  • Create a mission statement
  • Assess your skills, passion, and resources
  • Craft a business strategy to match your reality
  • Test the viability of your products and services

Class Ground Rules

As a Start Smart participant, you agree to:

  • Complete all required readings and submit assignments between classes
  • Select ONE business idea for which you will complete all course assignments
  • Submit a Business Model Canvas by the last class and conduct a short presentation
  • Tuition: No cost.

Noted: Our services and programs are open to all entrepreneurs. All Renaissance WBC/SOMA programs and services are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis.

Instructor: Erika

Ericka Scott is the current Director of District Projects with the San Francisco African American Arts & Cultural District (SFAAACD). Ericka is a San Francisconative and has served in various capacities in the area of economic development
throughout the San Francisco Bay Area. Ericka studied American Studies with an emphasis in Urban Development at UC Berkeley.
Ericka is a graduate of the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and has been a consultant and Entrepreneur instructor for 19 years, supporting over 200 entrepreneurs to develop their business plans, build business strategies and
perfect the art of business presentations. In 2018, Ericka founded Honey Art Studio, a business that uses art to build relationships, provide creative ways to explore social justice, a healing space and a safe atmosphere for ‘non-creatives’ to tap into a fun and relaxing form of self-expression. Throughout her many endeavors, Ericka’s primary mission is to provide resources and tools to bridge communities, empower and inspire others.


All clients must register for classes via your client portal account. Here’s how you can do it.
Already a Renaissance Client? 

Log in to your client portal and access the calendar at the top of your screen

New to the Renaissance Community?

Get started by filling out a client interest form and attending an orientation.

*All clients must complete an interest form and attend orientation before signing up for classes.*

 

 

Renaissance WBC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, conclusions, or recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the SBA. All SBA programs or cosponsored programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested, at least 2 weeks in advance. Contact: Women’s Business Center at wbc@rencenter.org, (415) 348-6227.

 

🖥️Women’s Entrepreneurship Program (Bayview) (4/16/25-6/4/25)

This 8-week personal empowerment program for women includes business training, peer support, mentoring, and networking, providing the basic tools you need to start a business.

What will this program entail?

Entrepreneurial mindset | Business Canvas Model | Financial Management | Get Your Business Straight | Peer Support & Group Mentoring

🖥️2 Part: Launch Your Food Business (Bayview) (3/18/25 & 3/20/25)

Launch Your Food Business: A Blueprint for Success (2-Day Workshop)

Are you dreaming of turning your culinary passion into a thriving business? This comprehensive
workshop will equip you with the essential tools and knowledge to plan and launch a successful
food venture.

What You’ll Learn:

  •  Effective Planning: Develop a solid foundation for your food business by learning about market research, menu development, and operational planning.
  • Multiple Revenue Streams: Discover strategies to diversify your income and create a sustainable business model.
  • Food Costing and Pricing: Master the art of calculating food costs and setting competitive prices that ensure profitability.
  • Cash Flow Management: Understand the importance of cash flow and learn effective strategies to manage your finances.
  • Proven Success Strategies: Gain insights from industry experts on marketing, customer acquisition, and operational efficiency.

Who Should Attend?
✔️ Aspiring food entrepreneurs
✔️ Individuals looking to start a food truck, catering business, or food-related venture
✔️ Existing food business owners seeking to improve their operations and profitability

 

📍Building Strong Credit (Bayview 3/13/25)

Note: This is an in-person workshop!

Join us to learn about establishing or increasing your credit score, creating a budget, how to read a credit score, and what can be done to correct errors that may negatively affect your credit rating.

Topics:

  • How to build a strong credit profile
  • Reduce your debt
  • Increase your FICO credit score

Location: FacesSF, 1099 Sunnydale Ave. San Francisco, CA 94134


Register Here: https://forms.gle/L2CmPnpajF7ENoqV8

Boost Your Sales & Grow Your Business (Bayview 2/19/25)

Boost Your Sales & Grow Your Business!
A Virtual Sales Workshop for Small Business Owners
Struggling to Make Sales? You Are Not Alone!
Many small business owners face challenges in attracting and converting customers.
This interactive workshop is designed to give you practical sales strategies to close
more deals, increase revenue, and grow your business confidently.

What You’ll Learn:

  • Setting SMART Goals
  • How to Identify Your Ideal Customers
  • Lead Generating Strategies
  • Proven Sales Techniques to Overcome Customer Objections
  • Follow-Up Strategies That Keep Customers Coming Back

Who Should Attend?
✔️ New and existing small business owners
✔️ Entrepreneurs struggling with sales
✔️ Anyone looking to improve their selling skills and confidence

 

Surety Bonding & Cash Flow For Contractors (Bayview 1/15/25)

Note: This is an in-person workshop!

Start the New Year Right – Get Your Bonding & Cash Flow in Place!

Surety bonding is a must for all contractors – it provides financial security and assurance to project owners that contractors will perform the work as specified and will pay subcontractors, laborers and materials suppliers as agreed. You can’t grow
your business without proper bonding!

Topics to be covered during this free in-person seminar include:
• Most common surety bonds for contractors
• What is needed from the contractor to establish a bond program
• What a surety underwriter looks for when establishing a bond program
• What an underwriter looks for when reviewing a bond request
Co-hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and the City and County of San Francisco’s Contractor Development Program (CDP), who will address surety bonding basics, the different types of bonds, the application process and how to
overcome potential challenges.

Having sufficient cash flow is also key to taking on public works projects. The San Francisco Contract Monitoring Division will discuss the Contractor Accelerated Payment Program (CAPP), a contract-based financing assistance program which
provides working capital for eligible local, small and diverse contractors.

Location: Southeast Community Center, 1550 Evans Ave, San Francisco, CA 94124
Light refreshments will be served. Come join us and get 2025 off to a great start!


Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/surety-bonding-cash-flow-for-contractors-tickets-1110785763119?aff=oddtdtcreator

Green Business Info Session (Bayview 1/14/25)

GET UP TO $1,000 FOR GREEN PURCHASES!

SAVE MONEY, ATTRACT CUSTOMERS, AND CONSERVE RESOURCES
Join the San Francisco Green Business Program! Prebates (purchases of products or services that are made directly by the Green Business Program) and rebates (reimbursements) up to $1,000 are available for green purchases or upgrades for businesses that complete the recognition process, such as:
• LED lighting
• Ventilation system upgrades
• Water efficient plumbing fixtures
• Purchase of 100% renewable energy

• Compostable or reusable foodware
• Cleaning and disinfecting products
• ENERGY STAR® equipment
• Recycled content paper products

This program is made possible through a partnership between the San Francisco Environment Department,
the California Green Business Network, and the California Environmental Protection Agency.

ELIGIBILITY
• Prebates and/or rebates are available on a first-come first-served basis for newly recognized San Francisco Green Businesses
• Must meet one of the following criteria:
• Business/organization has an annual revenue of under $250,000/year , OR
• Is a non-profit organization, or a fiscally sponsored project of a non-profit organization, OR
• Is located in one of the following zip codes: 94102, 94103, 94107, 94108, 94109, 94110, 94112, 94115, 94116, 94118, 94121, 94124, 94127, 94130, 94132, 94133, 94134

 


Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUqcO6ppzooHN2n3tiIk24DsZYDrdOieULC#/registration

Questions? Contact Jmorton@

2-PART SERIES: NBA All-Star Weekend AI Powered Innovation Strategy For Bayview Small Businesses (Bayview 1/13/25 & 1/27/25)

Note: These workshops are IN-PERSON. 

The 2025 NBA All-Star Game at San Francisco’s Chase Center is a big opportunity for Bayview’s small businesses to attract more customers and grow. This training will show you how to use simple AI tools to save time, create better ads, and bring in more business during this exciting weekend.

LAPTOP REQUIRED!!

 

Interested? Please fill out this form here: https://forms.gle/RKFUNswTD29RQMNV8


JANUARY 13TH & 27TH | 4:00PM – 6:00PM
SOUTHEAST COMMUNITY CENTER
ISLAIS CREEK ROOM
1550 EVANS AVE. SAN FRANCISCO, CA 94124

 

Questions? Contact Jmorton@

Forbes Magazine: A Food Lover’s Guide To Bayview

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.

 

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

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.”