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🖥️Building on Your Business Idea: Product Profiling & Development (WBC 05/01/25)

Get step-by-step guidance on how to turn your concept into a final product. This 1.5-hour session will walk you through the essentials of product development, profiling, and positioning, helping you define your product’s value, features, and understand who it’s for. By the end of the session, you’ll have a clear roadmap for transforming your idea into a market-ready product.

This class is open to all entrepreneurs.

Facilitator: Tara Cruz


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: wbc@, (415) 894-9779

📍Scaling for Success: How to Take Your Small Business to the Next Level (WBC 05/08/25)

Scaling for Success is a Small Business Week event designed to help San Francisco’s small and medium-sized business owners grow—from launch to mid-size and even enterprise-level. The conversation will explore how technology, mentorship, and community resources can drive sustainable growth. Join Comcast Business, the San Francisco Business Times, and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce for a dynamic morning of insights, connections, and practical advice from experts and entrepreneurs who’ve done it.

This event will give you actionable takeaways on:

· How to leverage technology to scale efficiently

· Where to find support and resources in the Bay Area

· What growth looks like from small business to enterprise

Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and leave with fresh ideas to grow your business. Complimentary coffee, light bites, and networking included.

Space is limited – REGISTER HERE

 

Disclosure: Your contact information will be provided to the Comcast team as part of this initiative.

 

FEATURED PANELISTS

· Comcast Business Representative

· Sharon Miller, CEO of the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

· David Harrison, Public Policy Director, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

 

Open to all entrepreneurs

 

 

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: wbc@, (415) 894-9779

📍How Visa Can Help Grow Your Business- Networking Reception (WBC 05/07/25)

Join Visa and Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to celebrate you- the small business owners and entrepreneurs that make San Francisco shine! Eat, drink, and learn how Visa products, tools, and partners can help you grow your business at this networking reception. Prizes* and giveaways throughout the evening.

*Small business owners and entrepreneurs attending the event are eligible to participate in a networking bingo game. Participants who check off their whole bingo card can enter their bingo card by 7pm for into a drawing for a chance to win a $200 dollar Visa gift card. Must be present to win. For details see drawing rules at reception desk.

Open to all entrepreneurs

 


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: wbc@, (415) 894-9779

📍Coffee & Community: Build LOCAL, Stay Strong (WBC 04/30/25)

Curious about how to build a sustainable, values-driven business right from your neighborhood? Join us for Coffee & Community, a 60-minute conversation focused on sourcing local from the start. Whether you’re just launching or looking to strengthen your supply chain, this session will offer actionable insights and real talk from an entrepreneur who chose to keep it local—and never looked back.

💡 What to Expect:

  • Why I Chose Local: Shafia gets personal about the inspiration, challenges, and growth that came with local sourcing.

  • Getting Started: How she found her first vendors, what to watch out for, and where to look (including tools like Faire and Abound).

  • Discuss ideas, sourcing challenges, and questions in a relaxed, community-driven setting.

  • Learn simple, cost-effective ways to manage suppliers and track your network.

You’ll walk away with practical tools and the confidence to start building a stronger, more resilient business rooted in your community.  There will be coffee.

Our class is open to all entrepreneurs

 

Facilitator: Shafia Nisa


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: wbc@, (415) 894-9779

🖥️Business Mastermind: Don’t Be Intimidated by AI (WBC 04/22/25)

In this engaging, beginner-friendly Business Mastermind, Anne, Founder and Managing Director of Simplify Digital AI, breaks down the basics of AI in a way that’s easy to understand and immediately useful for small business owners. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed or just curious, this workshop will help you shift your mindset, see AI as a supportive tool—not a threat—and explore simple, practical ways to start using it in your day-to-day business. No tech degree required—just a willingness to learn and experiment. Don’t let AI intimidate you—get inspired to take your first step!

Shift your mindset around AI—from intimidating to empowering—and discover how small, simple steps can make a big impact in your business.

Our class is open to all entrepreneurs

Facilitator: Anne-Cécile

 

Founder & Managing Director of Simplify Digital AI, Anne-Cécile channels her passion for problem-solving into empowering local small entrepreneurs to launch and grow their businesses online through expert guidance in the use of tools, SEO, social media, and marketplace platforms.

With 20+ years working with High Tech enterprise technology companies and a love for data, Anne-Cécile thrives on simplifying complexity and making the convoluted clear with straightforward, practical solutions tailored to your unique needs.

 

 


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: wbc@, (415) 894-9779

🖥️How to write a Business Plan (WBC 05/19/25)

A business plan is a roadmap for your business, outlining your vision, strategy, and steps to success. Whether you’re launching a startup or growing an existing business, a well-structured plan helps you STAY ON TRACK, focused, make informed decisions, and secure funding. Ready to get started? Join this 2.5-hour session to understand how to write a strong business plan, covering key components, strategies, and best practices to set your business up for success!

This class is open to all entrepreneurs.

Facilitator: Tara Cruz

Tara Cruz is a strategic business consultant with a passion for helping others chase their dreams. Her journey began when she left a high-profile management position in the Bay Area, diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship in 2017. Despite facing numerous challenges, Tara’s resilience and determination have led her to become a respected foundation setter for aspiring business owners.
In 2017, Tara took a leap of faith by restoring a 2,200 square foot building, transforming it into a thriving business space. This experience, coupled with her background in marketing, management, and startups, has equipped her with invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial process. Tara’s expertise lies in assisting clients with business alignment, marketing strategies, and branding.
As a strategic consultant, Tara is known for her ability to bring clarity and focus to business owners’ visions, aligning their goals with actionable plans for success. She creates safe spaces for creativity, futuristic thinking, and calculated risk-taking, playing a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of business development.
Throughout her career, Tara has demonstrated an ability to adapt and pivot, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her diverse skill set and experience in rebranding have made her an asset to businesses looking to navigate uncertain times and emerge stronger.
When she’s not guiding entrepreneurs towards success, Tara cherishes spending quality time with her three children and grand-dog, finding balance between her professional passion and personal life.


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: wbc@, (415) 894-9779

🖥️Mind, Body & Business: Launch Your Beauty, Health & Wellness Brand (WBC 05/13/25 – 05/20/25)

This 2 session series is designed for wellness entrepreneurs who rely on trust and practical results to grow their business, including Fitness Studios and Trainers, Wellness Spaces, Salons,Alternative Health Practitioners, Spas & Barbershops, and Other Beauty Services

What You’ll Learn:

  • Structuring wellness programs for sustainable, long-term income
  • Client retention strategies rooted in personal transformation
  • Building a trusted wellness brand that fosters loyalty and credibility
  • Generating passive income through courses, retreats, and digital products

This class is open to all entrepreneurs.

Facilitator: Angel Choy


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: wbc@, (415) 894-9779

🖥️How to write a Business Plan (WBC 04/24/25)

A business plan is a roadmap for your business, outlining your vision, strategy, and steps to success. Whether you’re launching a startup or growing an existing business, a well-structured plan helps you STAY ON TRACK, focused, make informed decisions, and secure funding. Ready to get started? Join this 2.5-hour session to understand how to write a strong business plan, covering key components, strategies, and best practices to set your business up for success!

This class is open to all entrepreneurs.

Facilitator: Tara Cruz

Tara Cruz is a strategic business consultant with a passion for helping others chase their dreams. Her journey began when she left a high-profile management position in the Bay Area, diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship in 2017. Despite facing numerous challenges, Tara’s resilience and determination have led her to become a respected foundation setter for aspiring business owners.
In 2017, Tara took a leap of faith by restoring a 2,200 square foot building, transforming it into a thriving business space. This experience, coupled with her background in marketing, management, and startups, has equipped her with invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial process. Tara’s expertise lies in assisting clients with business alignment, marketing strategies, and branding.
As a strategic consultant, Tara is known for her ability to bring clarity and focus to business owners’ visions, aligning their goals with actionable plans for success. She creates safe spaces for creativity, futuristic thinking, and calculated risk-taking, playing a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of business development.
Throughout her career, Tara has demonstrated an ability to adapt and pivot, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her diverse skill set and experience in rebranding have made her an asset to businesses looking to navigate uncertain times and emerge stronger.
When she’s not guiding entrepreneurs towards success, Tara cherishes spending quality time with her three children and grand-dog, finding balance between her professional passion and personal life.


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: wbc@, (415) 894-9779

🖥️Monetize Your Creativity: Turning Your Art into a Profitable Business (WBC 04/07/25 & 04/14/25)

This two-session training helps artists, artisans, fashion designers, photographers, DJs, musicians, dance studio and creatives build a sustainable business by focusing on sales channels, pricing strategies, and securing funding opportunities. It covers how to sell through galleries, online marketplaces, and commissions, while also addressing intellectual property protection, licensing, and collaboration opportunities with brands and retailers.

Recommended Business Stage:Established artists or creatives looking to turn their passion into a sustainable business

Key Learning Outcome:
– Develop effective sales channels and pricing strategies to grow your creative business.

– Understand intellectual property protection and understand licensing.

– Learn how to secure funding and collaborations to scale.

This class is open to all entrepreneurs.

Facilitator: Tara Cruz

Tara Cruz is a strategic business consultant with a passion for helping others chase their dreams. Her journey began when she left a high-profile management position in the Bay Area, diving headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship in 2017. Despite facing numerous challenges, Tara’s resilience and determination have led her to become a respected foundation setter for aspiring business owners.
In 2017, Tara took a leap of faith by restoring a 2,200 square foot building, transforming it into a thriving business space. This experience, coupled with her background in marketing, management, and startups, has equipped her with invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial process. Tara’s expertise lies in assisting clients with business alignment, marketing strategies, and branding.
As a strategic consultant, Tara is known for her ability to bring clarity and focus to business owners’ visions, aligning their goals with actionable plans for success. She creates safe spaces for creativity, futuristic thinking, and calculated risk-taking, playing a pivotal role in shaping the direction and success of business development.
Throughout her career, Tara has demonstrated an ability to adapt and pivot, particularly during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Her diverse skill set and experience in rebranding have made her an asset to businesses looking to navigate uncertain times and emerge stronger.
When she’s not guiding entrepreneurs towards success, Tara cherishes spending quality time with her three children and grand-dog, finding balance between her professional passion and personal life.


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: wbc@, (415) 894-9779

🖥️Start Capital Roundtable: For Established Businesses (WBC 04/22/25)

Are you at the stage where you’re ready to access capital and launch your business? Join us for our monthly session—Start Capital: Growth-Ready Business Roundtable.

This session is tailored for entrepreneurs who are prepared to launch or grow their business and ready to secure funding. If you’re still in the ideation stage or working to solidify your business plans, we encourage you to join when you’re ready for this critical step.

Securing capital can be challenging, especially with predatory loans and limited awareness of funding options. The right knowledge and guidance are critical. During this interactive session, you’ll have the opportunity to ask capital-related questions directly to Gwen Wright, an industry expert. Gwen will share her experiences, explore various funding options, and provide actionable advice specific to your business stage, helping you secure capital and fuel your growth.

Our training is open to all entrepreneurs

Not a Renaissance client? You can register here

Facilitator: Gwendolyn Wright.

Gwendolyn Wright is the Managing Consultant of The Wright Consultants. Her mission is to start and grow businesses, increase entrepreneurs’ access to capital, and improve their financial acumen. She has extensive experience, in e-commerce, retail, and wholesale to manufacturing and distribution, consulting, and coaching small and medium size businesses for over twenty years. She has earned a reputation for having a contemporary management style, combining finance, marketing, and project management skills with entrepreneurial vision and discernment. She works well with companies in various stages of development from start-up to planned growth. She is excellent at creating sales and business development strategies. Sweet spots of focus include the food industry (restaurants and cafes, specialty retailers, and small craft foods and beverages) and the fashion industry (designers and tech, apparel, and accessories- especially jewelry). Clients are located nationwide from San Francisco to New York City. International projects include Italy, Cambodia, and Australia. Continuous market research and trend analysis have taken her around the globe to London, Hong Kong, Beijing, Panama, Johannesburg, Accra, Paris, and Tokyo. She was awarded the Small Business Finance Advocate of the Year Award by the Small Business Administration and participated in a congressional trade mission to South Africa and Ghana with Congresswoman Barbara Lee. Education includes Bachelor of Arts, Antioch College, Yellow Springs, Ohio, Graduate study, Business Administration, Golden Gate University, San Francisco, Commercial Lending Graduate School, Corporate Banking Division, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. She is one of the best small business consultants and coaches in the industry!

 


It is a program created by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) to provide the tools and resources necessary for diverse small entrepreneurs in California to access financing opportunities and achieve success for their businesses.

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center participates in the SCALE program as a Resource Partner. Through this initiative, we will connect you with a wide network of partners who can provide all the resources necessary to prepare a loan application.


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 Business Center wbc@, (415) 894-9779.