🖥️ Start Smart (East Bay) (1/14/25-2/4/25)

Learn the business fundamentals to starting a business. Register now- to understand your business strategy and see if you have a viable business or service.

Discover 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

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

Already a Renaissance Client?

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.*

🖥️Reporte Obligatorio para Propietarios de Corporaciones y LLCs (Beneficial Ownership Information) (WBC 12/10/24)

ATENCION EMPRESARIOS CON LLC Y CORPORACIONES! Evite Multas por no haber procesado el BOI

Los invitamos a que se unan a nuestro seminario en linea para aprender sobre la Nueva Regulacion del Gobierno Federal que se llama Beneficiary Ownership Information que todas la LLC y Corporaciones deben procesar este ano 2024. No se lo pierda y evite multas considerables de hasta $10,000!

Registrese Aquí

Facilitador Gabriela Sapp

Es un programa creado por la California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) para proporcionar las herramientas y recursos necesarios para que los pequeños emprendedores diversos de California puedan acceder a oportunidades de financiamiento y alcanzar el éxito para sus negocios.

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center participa en el programa de SCALE como Socio de Recursos. A través de esta iniciativa, nosotros te conectaremos con una amplia red de socios que podrán proporcionar todos los recursos necesarios para preparar una solicitud de préstamo.

Todos los clientes deben registrarse para las clases a través de su cuenta en el portal de clientes. Así es cómo puedes hacerlo:

¿Ya eres cliente de Renaissance?

Inicia sesión en tu portal de cliente y accede al calendario en la parte superior de tu pantalla.

¿Eres nuevo en la comunidad de Renaissance?

Comienza llenando este formulario de interés y nos pondremos en contacto para crear un portal de cliente.

*Todos los clientes deben completar un formulario de interés y asistir a una orientación antes de inscribirse en las clases.*

Renaissance WBC se financia en parte mediante un acuerdo de cooperación con la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas de EEUU. Todas las opiniones, conclusiones o recomendaciones expresadas son las del autor o autores y no reflejan necesariamente el punto de vista de la SBA. Todos los programas de la SBA o programas copatrocinados se extienden al público sobre una base no discriminatoria. Se realizarán adaptaciones razonables para personas con discapacidad, si se solicitan, con al menos 2 semanas de antelación. Contacto: Women Business Center, wbc@, (415) 894-9779

MERCADITO DE LOS ELFOS/ ELVE’S WINTER MARKET

🎄 Elves’ Winter Market 🎄

Renaissance, City of South San Francisco, and NAWBO Collaborate to Celebrate and Support Small Business Entrepreneurs!

Join us for a magical day of community, creativity, and holiday cheer at the Elves’ Winter Market! This festive event is designed to support small business entrepreneurs while offering attendees a delightful holiday shopping experience.

🗓 Date: Saturday, December 7th
🕙 Time: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: South San Francisco Economic Advancement Center

What to Expect:
🎶 Live music from the incredible GX Band
🛍️ Local vendors offering unique crafts, fashion, and gifts
🍴 Delicious local food to enjoy
🎨 Fun holiday activities for all ages

This market is a wonderful opportunity to support small business owners and discover one-of-a-kind items while soaking up the holiday spirit.

Bring your family, friends, and festive vibes as we come together to celebrate entrepreneurship and community this holiday season. Let’s make it a memorable day!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Todos los clientes deben registrarse para las clases a través de su cuenta en el portal de clientes. Así es cómo puedes hacerlo:

¿Ya eres cliente de Renaissance?

Inicia sesión en tu portal de cliente y accede al calendario en la parte superior de tu pantalla.

¿Eres nuevo en la comunidad de Renaissance?

Comienza llenando este formulario de interés y nos pondremos en contacto para crear un portal de cliente.

*Todos los clientes deben completar un formulario de interés y asistir a una orientación antes de inscribirse en las clases.*

Understanding Unit of Sale: The Building Block of Business

Posted on 11/13/202412/12/2024 by chrisb

The unit of sale is one of the most crucial building blocks of any business. It forms the foundation of how you deliver your products or services to customers, and understanding it properly can help shape your entire business model. Whether you’re just starting or looking to optimize your sales strategy, it’s essential to take some time to clearly define your unit of sale.

What Is a Unit of Sale?

A unit of sale refers to the specific quantity or grouping of a product or service that you offer for purchase. For some businesses, defining this may seem straightforward, while for others, it can be more complex. For instance, if you’re selling clothing like jeans or jackets, it’s pretty easy to say that each individual item is a unit of sale. Similarly, for a product like dental floss, it could be a single packet of floss, or maybe even a package that includes floss and a special toothbrush as a set.

But sometimes, the unit of sale is not as clear-cut. Think about donuts: Are you selling them by the dozen or by the individual piece? The unit of sale can vary based on customer needs and your pricing model. A similar situation can arise with items like body oils, which might come in a small 2-ounce bottle or a larger 32-ounce version. While the product is essentially the same, the difference in packaging represents two different units of sale, and this affects the price and value perceived by your customers.

Why Defining Your Unit of Sale Matters

How you define your unit of sale can significantly impact your business in several ways. It affects your pricing strategy, customer perception, and even operational efficiency. Consider another example from the past: buying a leather bag might come with a matching wallet and clutch as part of a set, or you could choose to buy each piece individually. The unit of sale in this scenario directly affects how customers perceive the value of what they are buying—whether it’s a complete bundle or a single, premium product.

This concept extends to services as well. If you’re offering a service, your unit of sale might be per project, per hour, or even per deliverable. For example, a consulting business could sell its services in the form of a complete package that includes various assessments and reports, or the service could be sold based on hourly rates. The way you define and communicate your unit of sale will influence the customer experience and your overall profitability.

Examples of Units of Sale in Action

Food Products: A deli selling sausages may offer them individually or by the pound. Each option represents a different unit of sale, which comes with unique pricing and marketing strategies.
Clothing: As mentioned earlier, selling a pair of pants or a jacket might be straightforward, but sometimes units of sale can be bundled. Think of ‘buy one, get one’ offers or bundled deals where related items are packaged together.
Body Oil: The difference between a 2-ounce and a 32-ounce bottle isn’t just about quantity; it’s about convenience, customer need, and price point. Each unit appeals to a different customer segment.

How to Define Your Unit of Sale

Defining your unit of sale requires considering both your customer’s expectations and your operational logistics. Ask yourself:

What are my customers looking for? Do they want a larger quantity for better value or smaller, more manageable sizes?
How does the unit of sale align with my brand image? For high-end products, bundling items into a set might enhance perceived value.
What makes operational sense? Larger units might reduce packaging costs, while smaller units might offer more flexibility and reach a broader audience.

Conclusion

The unit of sale is a vital element of your business strategy that can shape how your products and services are received by customers. Defining it effectively involves balancing customer expectations, perceived value, and operational efficiency. Whether you’re selling donuts by the dozen or offering consulting services by the hour, taking the time to understand and establish your unit of sale can help ensure that your customers get exactly what they want, while your business remains efficient and profitable.

Next Steps to Optimize Your Business Model

Ready to dive deeper into optimizing your business model? Start by assessing your unit of sale today. Think about how you can align it with your customer’s needs and improve their experience. Small changes can lead to big improvements in pricing strategy, customer satisfaction, and ultimately, your bottom line.

If you’re looking for more tailored insights, be sure to watch the full series on our website by becoming a free member. You’ll gain access to exclusive content designed to help you refine your approach and make the most out of every sale!

🖥️Informational Session: On-Demand Business Courses (WBC 02/28/25)

Too Busy for Live Workshops? Don’t Let That Stop Your Entrepreneurial Dream!

Discover Renaissance’s On-Demand Series – Your One-Stop Shop for Essential Entrepreneur Training

You have big dreams of starting or growing your business, but your busy schedule makes it hard to attend live workshops. Whether you’re a small business owner, a working professional, or a busy parent or caregiver, finding time for live workshops can be a challenge.

We Understand, and Renaissance Has the Perfect Solution for You!

Our on-demand, online courses are crafted for anyone with a packed schedule. Learn at your own pace with expert guidance whenever and wherever you want. Developed with industry experts, these courses provide essential training to fit seamlessly into your life.

Why Our Courses Stand Out:

-Learn on Your Schedule: Access courses anytime, from anywhere.

-Set Timeframe: Stay accountable for timely completion.

-Engaging Content: Interactive quizzes help you improve and move forward.

-Certificate of Completion: Validate your hard work and build confidence with our certificate.

-Unlock Personalized Support: Stay on track and unlock access to 1 hour of individual counseling at the HALFWAY point and UPON COMPLETION.

Take the First Step to Your Business Success with Renaissance!

How to Enroll and Gain Access

-Attend a Live Informational Session:Understand course access procedures and completion timelines.

-Adhere To The Timeline: Complete the course within the provided timeframe

-Utilize Support: Access Office Hours and Business Advising Counseling Sessions for expert assistance.

Don’t let time constraints stop you. Enroll today and make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality with Renaissance!

Quick registration

Please note our programs and trainings are open to all entrepreneurs

All clients must register for classes via your client portal account. Here is how you can do it.

Already a Renaissance Client?

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@

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

Posted on 11/05/202402/04/2025 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 11/05/202407/16/2025 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 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.

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.

🖥️ Roundtable on Building Resilience (WBC 12/12/24)

What do you do when you get stuck? What questions should you ask yourself when you can’t solve a business challenge? What are some tips for overcoming the challenges you will face when building your business?

Facilitator:

Fiona Whittington: My name is Fiona (She/Hers) and I have 5+ years of entrepreneurship experience. I’ve started and sold one company, and been a part of the leadership teams at two other high-growth startups. I’ve been awarded several awards for my industry achievements and volunteer work. Since selling my company, I have had the privilege of mentoring several of my peers who have started their own businesses or joined early-stage startups (Examples: PoundCake, Exponent, Holdette). I’d love the opportunity to continue mentoring and volunteering my time in a more formal capacity at the Renaissance Women’s Business Center! My background is in marketing and technology but I’m comfortable advising on other topics as well like incorporation basics, legal best practices, lead gen/sales fundamentals, fundraising for non-profits, etc. Attached is my resume for reference.

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

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 start a wellness business in 2025 (WBC 12/10/24)

Join us for an insightful 45-minute workshop designed for aspiring entrepreneurs eager to enter the wellness industry in 2025. This session by Angel Choy, the Founder of Divine Unity Collective, will provide you with essential tips and strategies to kickstart your wellness business, covering key topics such as identifying your niche, understanding market trends, and building a strong brand presence.

You’ll learn practical steps to navigate the unique challenges of the wellness sector, from developing a business plan to leveraging digital marketing and social media effectively. We will also discuss the topics of mental health and developing your own wellness plan to achieve your most optimal performance state.

Whether you’re interested in fitness, nutrition, holistic therapies, or wellness coaching, this workshop will equip you with the tools you need to turn your passion into a successful business.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and gain valuable insights from experienced industry professionals. Get ready to embark on your wellness journey in 2025!

Register here: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ece96vn

Facilitator:

Angel Choy

Angel is a San Francisco native who has been practicing yoga for over 3 years and is now a certified yoga instructor. In addition to her yoga practice, Angel is a multidisciplinary artist who loves to explore different forms of expression including painting, sculpting, and poetry. Growing up in San Francisco, Angel was exposed to a diverse range of cultures and art forms, which fueled her passion for creativity and self-expression. She began practicing yoga as a way to connect with her body and calm her mind, and quickly fell in love with the practice. Whether she’s teaching yoga or creating art, Angel is dedicated to helping others find inner peace and self-expression. Her unique perspective as a San Francisco native and multidisciplinary artist makes her an inspiring and engaging teacher who is deeply connected to her community through her Divine Unity Collective.

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

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

🖥️Scale and Grow Series – For Women Business Owners (WBC 12/3/24 – 12/11/24)

Starting December 3rd, this 2-week series is designed exclusively for women entrepreneurs with at least one year or more in business and have regular revenue streams. Attendees will learn practical strategies to scale up, optimize operations, and expand market reach through a tailored growth plan, hands-on activities, collaborative discussions, and 2 hours of personalized counseling—all at a discounted rate, valued over $2,000. Don’t miss this chance to end 2024 on a high note and set your business up for success in 2025!

Series Outline:

Session 1 (12/3) | Strategic Scaling for Sustainable Growth: Discover how to assess your current business landscape and build a clear, actionable roadmap to support sustainable, long-term expansion.

Session 2 (12/4) | Optimizing Operations for Efficiency: Learn how to streamline processes, leverage technology, and optimize daily operations to maximize productivity and improve customer satisfaction.

Session 3 (12/10) | Financial Planning & Cash Flow Management: Understand the financial metrics essential for growth, learn cash flow best practices, and explore funding options to support scaling efforts.

Session 4 (12/11) | Expanding Market Reach & Customer Base: Gain insights into developing effective marketing strategies, identifying new markets, improving your sales process, and building brand presence to attract and retain ideal clients.

This class meets twice a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) for 2 weeks. Class starts December 3rd and ends December 11th, 2024.

Fee Structure:

California Residents (Non-Low Income) and Out-of-State Residents: $120
Low to Moderate Income California Residents (with income verification): $30

Reimbursement Policy: Cancellations made up to 48 hours before the class start will receive a full 100% refund; cancellations within 48 hours will result in a credit for future classes.

Facilitator: Bre Russel

Brianna “Bre” Russell is a dedicated advocate for women and girls, empowering them to achieve their aspirations through her initiatives, Girls Leading Goals and FemThrive. As a certified Business Advisor with Cultivate Advisors, she leverages her expertise to help clients transform their visions into actionable goals. Bre is not only a mentor and coach but also a leader in the movement for women’s empowerment, fostering a supportive environment where ambition thrives and individuals are inspired to pursue their potential.

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

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

Tag: San Francisco SoMa/WBC

🖥️ Start Smart (East Bay) (1/14/25-2/4/25)

🖥️Reporte Obligatorio para Propietarios de Corporaciones y LLCs (Beneficial Ownership Information) (WBC 12/10/24)

MERCADITO DE LOS ELFOS/ ELVE’S WINTER MARKET