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Tag: San Francisco SoMa/WBC

🖥️Sesion Informativa para Negocios Pequeños: Preguntas y Respuestas (WBC 03/27/25)

Estas buscando informacion para poder registrar tu negocio, y no sabes por donde empezar. Únete a nuestra sesion informativa de preguntas y respuestas en vivo. Recibe asesoría experta, conecta con otros emprendedores y encuentra soluciones para hacer crecer tu negocio. Ya sea que estés comenzando o buscando mejorar, esta es tu oportunidad para obtener información valiosa.

¡Ven preparado con tus preguntas y aprovecha al máximo esta sesión!

Nuestro programas, entrenamientos y eventos son abiertos a todos los emprendedores.

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 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

🖥️Expand Your Brand: Digital Marketing for Global Audiences (03/25/25)

Take your brand beyond borders! This session explores key digital marketing strategies for reaching international markets. Learn how to adapt your messaging, optimize for global audiences, and navigate cultural differences to expand your reach. Perfect first step for established businesses looking to grow their presence worldwide.

This class is open to all entrepreneurs.

Fee: $10 (sliding scale based on income level)

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”.

 

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

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

🖥️Tu Negocio al Dia con QuickBooks (WBC 04/02/25)

Unete a nuestro taller “Tu Negocio al Dia con QuickBooks” y descuble como aprovechar al maximo esta poderosa herramienta de contabilidad para tu negoico. En este taller practico, te guiaremos a traves de los conceptos asenciales de QuickBooks, desde la configuracion inicial hasta la gestion diaria de tus fuinanzas empresariales.

Temas:

  1. Introduccion a QuickBooks: Comprender la importnacio y la Funcionalidad de QuickBooks en la gestacion empresarial.
  2. Configuracion Inicial: Pasos para configurar y personalizar tu cuenta de QuickBooks segun las necesidades especificas de tu negoico.
  3. Registro de Transacciones: Como ingresar y categorizar ingresos, gastos y otras transacciones comerciales en QuickBooks.
  4. Gestion de Facturas y Pagos: creacion, envio y seguimiento de facturas, asi como registro de pagos recibidos.
  5. Generacion de Informes Financieros: Utlizando QuickBooks para generar informes financieros importantes, como balances y estados resultados.

Nuestras clases son abiertas a todos los emprendedores

Instructor: Luis Tito Leal

 

 

Contador Publico de profesión con más de 24 años de experiencia en la industria. Trabajó por casi 20 años como auditor en una de las firmas contables más grandes del mundo y hoy en día está enfocado a compartir sus conocimientos con pequeños empresarios en ayudarlos a crecer sus negocios. Cuenta con su propia firma contable.

 

 

 

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

 

 

🖥️Business Mastermind: Financial Wellness for Small Businesses (WBC 03/20/25)

In honor of Women’s History Month, this virtual event is designed specifically for entrepreneurs who want to take charge of their financial health and make strategic decisions that support long-term business growth. The session focuses on practical financial tools, mindset shifts, and expert-led discussions to develop actionable plans for improving financial wellness. Participants will leave with concrete steps to build a solid financial foundation for their business, empowering them to achieve sustained success.

Our trainings are open to all entrepreneurs

Instructor: Dr. Dene Starks

 

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