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Tag: San Francisco SoMa/WBC

BUSINESS FINANCE CHECK-IN (WBC 07/22/2025)

Every business needs a moment to pause, reflect, and realign and this is your space to do just that. Whether you’re just getting started or already running your business, this session is a chance to check in on your progress, pinpoint areas that need support, and explore if it’s the right time to bring in cash, capital, or financial resources.

Gwendolyn Wright, Renaissance Consultant, will walk you through key business knowledge topics such as types of financial statements, costs of goods sold, profit margins, average customer value and talk about what it means to be “Loan-ready.” Not everyone needs money right now, but knowing when and how to access capital could be the difference between staying stuck or growing strong.

This roundtable is part strategy, part support, and all about helping you make informed moves for your next step, money or not.

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.

Not a Renaissance client? Please send us a text message to connect with you: (415) 894-9779

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.*

POWERED BY SBA - U.S Small Business Administration

 

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@rencenter.org, (415) 894-9779.

Tienes una idea de negocio? Conoce nuestros programas de estudio pregrabados (WBC 10/29/25)

Renaissance y el Women’s Business Center han diseñado tres programas pregrabados, orientados a la planeación de negocios. Estos programas están dirigidos a emprendedores que desean estudiar en un horario flexible y a su propio ritmo.

¿Cuáles son nuestros programas?

  • Tu negocio a tu tiempo – Programa para estructurar tu idea de negocio

Este programa está pensado para personas que tienen una idea de negocio pero no saben por dónde empezar o cómo darle forma. A tu propio ritmo, aprenderás a transformar esa idea en un proyecto real, con bases sólidas y enfoque estratégico.
A lo largo del programa, te guiaremos paso a paso para definir tu propuesta de valor, identificar a tu cliente ideal, analizar el mercado, establecer metas claras y diseñar un modelo de negocio funcional.

Con herramientas prácticas y ejemplos reales, podrás construir una visión clara y ordenada de tu emprendimiento, sin presiones de tiempo y adaptado a tu estilo de vida.

Ideal para quienes quieren emprender con propósito, claridad y estructura, sin dejar de lado sus responsabilidades actuales.

  • Publicidad y mercadeo –  básica para tu negocio

Este programa está diseñado para emprendedores y pequeños empresarios que desean dar visibilidad a su negocio y atraer más clientes, sin necesidad de ser expertos en marketing. Aprenderás los fundamentos esenciales de la publicidad y el mercadeo aplicados a negocios reales, con estrategias prácticas, accesibles y efectivas.

Exploraremos cómo identificar a tu público objetivo, crear mensajes que conecten, elegir los canales adecuados (redes sociales, medios tradicionales, marketing boca a boca, etc.) y diseñar campañas que generen resultados. También conocerás conceptos clave como posicionamiento, branding, propuesta de valor y promoción.

Ideal para quienes quieren impulsar su negocio desde cero o fortalecer su presencia en el mercado con recursos limitados pero bien aprovechados.

  • Finanzas básicas – para tu negocio

Este programa está diseñado para emprendedores, propietarios de pequeñas empresas y profesionales que desean fortalecer la salud financiera de sus negocios desde los fundamentos. A través de conceptos claros y aplicables, aprenderás a gestionar ingresos y gastos, establecer presupuestos, calcular precios correctamente, manejar el flujo de caja y tomar decisiones financieras informadas.

Dominar las finanzas básicas te permitirá tener un mayor control, proyectar crecimiento y tomar decisiones con seguridad.

Ideal tanto para quienes están iniciando como para quienes buscan organizar mejor sus finanzas y hacer crecer su negocio de manera sostenible.

No esperes más, ¡inscríbete hoy mismo! Únete a nuestra orientación para conocer los detalles de cada uno de estos programas, cómo puedes participar y cuáles son los requisitos.

Para registrarse, utiliza el siguiente enlace: https://wkf.ms/4bi177q

Facilitadora: Nancy Aguilar

Nota: Nuestros servicios y programas están abiertos a todos los emprendedores. Todos los programas y servicios de Renaissance WBC/SOMA se ofrecen al público sin discriminación.

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

POWERED BY SBA - U.S Small Business Administration

 

Renaissance WBC se financia parcialmente mediante un acuerdo de cooperación con la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas de EE. UU. Todas las opiniones, conclusiones y recomendaciones expresadas son las del/de los autor(es) y no necesariamente reflejan la opinión de la SBA. Todos los programas de la SBA o programas copatrocinados se ofrecen al público de forma no discriminatoria. Se realizarán adaptaciones razonables para personas con discapacidad, si se solicitan, con al menos dos semanas de antelación. Contacto: Women Business Center, wbc@rencenter.org, (415) 894-9779.

Understanding Unit of Sale: The Building Block of Business

Posted on 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!

Do you have a business idea? Discover our pre-recorded training programs (WBC 12/04/25)

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? 

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@

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.

Empieza tu camino emprendedor con “Tu Negocio a Tu Tiempo” (WBC 09/10-10/01)

Unete a nuestras sesiones para aprender con una version de Plan de Negocios de forma mas rapida y conveniente. Nuestro objetivo principal, es ayudar a nuestros emprendedores a  planear, estructurar y definir su idea de negocio a traves de los siguientes modulos de estudio:

Modulo 1: Introducción a la planificación empresarial

Modulo 2: Desarrollo de clientes y planificación estratégica

Modulo 3: Estrategia de mercadeo y Publicidad digital

Modulo 4: Gestión financiera

Modulo 5: Acceso a la capital

Modulo 6:  Poniéndolo todo junto en un plan de negocios

Te esperamos!

Facilitadora: Nancy Aguilar

Nota: Nuestros servicios y programas están abiertos a todos los emprendedores. Todos los programas y servicios de Renaissance WBC/SOMA se ofrecen al público sin discriminación.

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 un 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.

 

POWERED BY SBA - U.S Small Business Administration

 

Renaissance WBC se financia en parte a través de un acuerdo de cooperación con la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas de EE. UU. Todas las opiniones, conclusiones o recomendaciones expresadas son las del autor (es) y no reflejan necesariamente el punto de vista de la SBA. Todos los programas de la SBA o programas copatrocinados se extienden al público de forma no discriminatoria. Se realizarán adaptaciones razonables para personas con discapacidades, si se solicitan, al menos con 2 semanas de anticipación. Contacto: Nancy Aguilar, naguilar@,(415) 562-6116‬

Digital Marketing Office Hour (WBC 01/27/2026)

Join Digital Marketing expert, Christina Hunt, for 1.5 office hours on marketing!

Office hours kick off with some topical points – things that are newsworthy and actions to take based on the time of year – then open up for Q&A on any relevant marketing topic.

Facilitator: Christina Hunt

Christina Hunt is a trained marketing professional. She’s worked on creating product (Under Armour, USA), on managing a brand (Kit and Ace, UK), on overall marketing and sales strategy (BOOM Cycle, UK), on the media and communications strategy and execution (Carat GmbH, Germany), on Facebook and Instagram advertising strategy and execution (Facebook, USA), and many things in between. Now she takes her lessons and learnings to work with small-to-medium-sized businesses across the globe. Christina says, “Helping others like this is my greatest joy, it’s my way of making an impact. Something I felt I never did while working in the corporate world”.

 

 

Note: 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.

 

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

Plan De Negocios – Serie de 8 Sesiones (WBC 07/17/-09/04/25)

Nos reuniremos una vez a la semana durante 8 semanas.

¡Inscríbase en nuestro curso integral de Plan de Negocios para desarrollar los conceptos comerciales esenciales y potenciar su emprendimiento!

Durante estas clases, exploraremos los fundamentos comerciales, como definir a tus clientes potenciales, manejo de operaciones clave, principios básicos de finanzas empresariales y estrategias de marketing efectivas para impulsar su presencia. Al finalizar el curso, habrá elaborado un plan de negocios básico que detalla sus objetivos y estrategias para alcanzarlos. ¡Únase a nosotros para una experiencia educativa y práctica que lo preparará para el éxito empresarial. ¡No espere más para impulsar su negocio!

Nota: Nuestros servicios y programas están abiertos a todos los emprendedores. Todos los programas y servicios de Renaissance WBC/SOMA se ofrecen al público sin discriminación.

Facilitadora: Adela Jaimes y equipo.

 

Empresaria, Mamá, Mercadóloga de Profesión, Amante del Diseño y Health Coach. Desde hace más de 15 años, Adela se considera una apasionada en ayudar a emprendedores a transformar sus ideas en negocios rentables y exitosos a través de herramientas y técnicas efectivas de Marketing tradicional y Digital. Es Fundadora y CEO de Marketea una agencia de Diseño y Marketing enfocada a emprendedores, dueños de negocio y organizaciones sin fines de lucro, donde ha logrado darle forma y estructura a cientos de negocios desde Estrategias de Negocio, Marketing, Branding, Redes Sociales, Páginas Web, Ecommerce hasta formación empresarial a través de talleres y cursos. Colabora con varias organizaciones sin fines de lucro en donde forma parte de Mesas Directivas, y es mentora a través de consultorías e impartición talleres. Asimismo encabeza el diseño y ejecución de estrategias de marketing y comunicación para estas organizaciones. Ha colaborado con varias empresas transnacionales dentro del departamento de mercadotecnia apoyando en el desarrollo, ejecución y lanzamientos de nuevos productos al mercado.

 

 

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

 

Renaissance WBC se financia parcialmente mediante un acuerdo de cooperación con la Administración de Pequeñas Empresas de EE. UU. Todas las opiniones, conclusiones y recomendaciones expresadas son las del/de los autor(es) y no necesariamente reflejan la opinión de la SBA. Todos los programas de la SBA o programas copatrocinados se ofrecen al público de forma no discriminatoria. Se realizarán adaptaciones razonables para personas con discapacidad, si se solicitan, con al menos dos semanas de antelación. Contacto: Women Business Center, wbc@rencenter.org, (415) 894-9779.