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Tag: San Francisco SoMa/WBC

📍Understanding Leases and Contracts (WBC 03/18/26)

Leases and contracts are legally binding agreements that define the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved. A lease is a specific type of contract that allows one party (the tenant) to use property owned by another party (the landlord) for a set period in exchange for payment. A contract is a broader term that refers to any agreement between two or more parties that is enforceable by law. Understanding these documents is essential to ensure clarity, protect your interests, and avoid disputes by knowing the terms, obligations, and consequences outlined within them.

📅 Dates: Wednesday, March 18 2026 at 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
📍 Location: 4400 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112
🎟️ Limited spots available – reserve yours today!

Existing Clients: Use Client Portal

New clients: Register as a New Client

Facilitator: Benjamin Martin

Attorney Benjamin Martin is a Business Consultant for the Small Business Development Center.  He conducts workshops and one on one counseling sessions to help small businesses succeed. His private practice supports start-ups and small businesses.  He earned his Juris Doctor degree at Southwestern University Law and his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration at Cal State Univ. Los Angeles.

This workshop is offered by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and funded by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to support small businesses in the Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco

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 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.*

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.

🖥️Tax Planning (WBC 03/24/26)

Tax planning is essential for everyone. Preparing in advance helps ensure an accurate return and avoids delays that could impact your tax refund.

With tax season in full swing, the IRS highlights key steps taxpayers can take now to get ready to file their 2025 federal tax returns. In this session, we’ll review these steps and address general federal tax-related questions. We will also discuss the latest updates to tax laws, especially those relating to the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill, that could have an impact on your 2025 taxes and tax planning for 2026.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Speaker: Yong Li.

Stakeholder Liaison Tax Specialist with the Internal Revenue Service. As a Stakeholder Liaison, he collaborates, informs and communicates priority outreach messages to all taxpayer communities, including major employers, community associations and tax practitioner organizations to provide significant messages that impact taxpayers to ensure compliance with the tax laws.

Yong became a Stakeholder Liaison in 2021. Prior to that, he has held positions in IRS Small Business/Self-Employed Division as a Revenue Agent in field exam, tax return selection, and case processing. He has worked for the IRS for 20 years. During this period of time, he has gained many skills and expertise on the whole life cycle of the tax returns from filing and processing of the returns, exam selection, field exam, to post-exam case processing.

This workshop is offered by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and funded by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to support small businesses in the Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco

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 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.*

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.

🖥️Be Your Own Boss (WBC 03/04/26)

Being your own boss means managing not just your business, but your time and projects effectively. In this session, you’ll learn practical strategies to prioritize tasks, stay organized, and manage projects from start to finish. We’ll cover time and project management tips like goal setting, time-blocking, delegation, and tools to help you streamline your workflow and keep your business on track.

This class is via Zoom.

Existing Clients: Use Client Portal

New clients: Register as a New Client

Facilitator: Ari Takata Vasquez

I create vibrant places through entrepreneurship, design, policy, art, and creativity. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve founded Viscera Studio, a creative agency focused on place-based storytelling and design; Shop Viscera, a design-forward retail brand featured in SF Chronicle, Thrillist, Racked, and 7×7 Magazine; and Opportuned, a platform empowering small businesses, which was semi-finalist in Pharrell’s highly competitive Black Ambition Prize.

As a creative, I partner with brands to develop one-of-a-kind collaborations, including limited products, content creation, and experiential activations that bring stories to life in meaningful ways. As an artist, I transform spaces through murals, fine art, and sculpture. My work has been commissioned by Salesforce, Google, and the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, integrating creativity into the built environment.

With a BA in architecture (USF) and Master’s in city planning (UC Berkeley), I bridge business, design, and policy to drive impact. I serve on the SPUR Board, Community Works West Board, and am a member of ULI and the American Planning Association. I also speak on entrepreneurship, urbanism, and creativity, having presented at Lean Startup Conference, NYCxDesign, and Black is Tech.

 

This workshop is offered by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and funded by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to support small businesses in the Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco

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 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.*

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.

🖥️Retail Fundamentals Masterclass (WBC 03/17/26)

Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur looking for a storefront or a home-based business moving to a physical location, this comprehensive series covers everything from location scouting, lease negotiation, and budgeting for build-out and operations, to store design and merchandising. Gain practical insights to set up and run a successful retail business.

This class is via Zoom.

Existing Clients: Use Client Portal

New clients: Register as a New Client

Facilitator: Ari Takata Vasquez

I create vibrant places through entrepreneurship, design, policy, art, and creativity. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve founded Viscera Studio, a creative agency focused on place-based storytelling and design; Shop Viscera, a design-forward retail brand featured in SF Chronicle, Thrillist, Racked, and 7×7 Magazine; and Opportuned, a platform empowering small businesses, which was semi-finalist in Pharrell’s highly competitive Black Ambition Prize.

As a creative, I partner with brands to develop one-of-a-kind collaborations, including limited products, content creation, and experiential activations that bring stories to life in meaningful ways. As an artist, I transform spaces through murals, fine art, and sculpture. My work has been commissioned by Salesforce, Google, and the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, integrating creativity into the built environment.

With a BA in architecture (USF) and Master’s in city planning (UC Berkeley), I bridge business, design, and policy to drive impact. I serve on the SPUR Board, Community Works West Board, and am a member of ULI and the American Planning Association. I also speak on entrepreneurship, urbanism, and creativity, having presented at Lean Startup Conference, NYCxDesign, and Black is Tech.

 

This workshop is offered by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and funded by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to support small businesses in the Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco

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 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.*

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.

🖥️From Entry To Checkout: Designing a Better Store Experience (WBC 03/24/26)

This session focuses on store design, layout, and visual appeal for existing businesses. You can learn how to optimize your space to improve customer flow, highlight key products, and create a cohesive visual experience that attracts customers and drives sales. Practical tips will help you refresh your store without a full redesign.

This class is via Zoom.

Existing Clients: Use Client Portal

New clients: Register as a New Client

Facilitator: Ari Takata Vasquez

I create vibrant places through entrepreneurship, design, policy, art, and creativity. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve founded Viscera Studio, a creative agency focused on place-based storytelling and design; Shop Viscera, a design-forward retail brand featured in SF Chronicle, Thrillist, Racked, and 7×7 Magazine; and Opportuned, a platform empowering small businesses, which was semi-finalist in Pharrell’s highly competitive Black Ambition Prize.

As a creative, I partner with brands to develop one-of-a-kind collaborations, including limited products, content creation, and experiential activations that bring stories to life in meaningful ways. As an artist, I transform spaces through murals, fine art, and sculpture. My work has been commissioned by Salesforce, Google, and the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, integrating creativity into the built environment.

With a BA in architecture (USF) and Master’s in city planning (UC Berkeley), I bridge business, design, and policy to drive impact. I serve on the SPUR Board, Community Works West Board, and am a member of ULI and the American Planning Association. I also speak on entrepreneurship, urbanism, and creativity, having presented at Lean Startup Conference, NYCxDesign, and Black is Tech.

This workshop is offered by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and funded by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to support small businesses in the Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco

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 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.*

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.

📍Bring More Customers With Google Business (WBC 03/02/2026)

Already have a storefront, restaurant, or local business in Excelsior or the Bay Area? Learn how to turn Google Business into a powerful tool to attract more nearby customers.

In this practical workshop, you will learn how to optimize your Google Business Profile so your business shows up when people search for products and services like yours. We will cover how to improve your visibility, get more calls and walk-ins, and build trust with reviews and photos.

📅 Dates: Monday, March 02, 2026 at 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.
📍 Location:  4400 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112
🎟️ Limited spots available – reserve yours today!

Existing Clients: Use Client Portal

New clients: Register as a New Client

Facilitator: Ari Takata Vasquez

I create vibrant places through entrepreneurship, design, policy, art, and creativity. As a serial entrepreneur, I’ve founded Viscera Studio, a creative agency focused on place-based storytelling and design; Shop Viscera, a design-forward retail brand featured in SF Chronicle, Thrillist, Racked, and 7×7 Magazine; and Opportuned, a platform empowering small businesses, which was semi-finalist in Pharrell’s highly competitive Black Ambition Prize.

As a creative, I partner with brands to develop one-of-a-kind collaborations, including limited products, content creation, and experiential activations that bring stories to life in meaningful ways. As an artist, I transform spaces through murals, fine art, and sculpture. My work has been commissioned by Salesforce, Google, and the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation, integrating creativity into the built environment.

With a BA in architecture (USF) and Master’s in city planning (UC Berkeley), I bridge business, design, and policy to drive impact. I serve on the SPUR Board, Community Works West Board, and am a member of ULI and the American Planning Association. I also speak on entrepreneurship, urbanism, and creativity, having presented at Lean Startup Conference, NYCxDesign, and Black is Tech.

This workshop is offered by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and funded by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development to support small businesses in the Excelsior neighborhood of San Francisco

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 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.*

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.

🖥️4-week Build Your Marketing Strategy Series (WBC 03/10 – 03/31)

A house needs a solid foundation. So does your business. This 4-week online course will walk you through the marketing landscape, creating a marketing strategy, overcoming the social media mental block, and keeping your content in order.

Session description:

  • Course Overview + Digital Marketing 101 – Here, we’ll go through the expectations of the course and lay a foundation of what digital marketing entails and how it impacts your business.
  • Understanding your business + Customers – We’ll talk competitive landscape, unique selling points, and everything target market in this class. Because knowing your audience is KEY in marketing.
  • Creating a Product Flow – Every business has an introductory product. In this class, we’ll go through how people move through your business, what your introductory product is, and how to use that flow to set up a messaging hierarchy.
  • Content Strategy + Calendar – You know your business. You know your customers. You know your product. Now it’s time to tell people about it. We’ll go through HOW to do that and start to set up an actionable calendar in this class.
  • Executing Content – It seems daunting, but with some key tools, it really isn’t. We’ll go through Canva and scheduling platforms in this class to put into motion the content we scheduled out in the previous class.
  • Email marketing – This is one of the most overlooked channels in marketing and the cheapest. Let’s tackle it together

This class is open to all entrepreneurs.

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

🖥️2-week Build Your Content Strategy (WBC 02/11/26 & 02/18/26)

A house needs a solid foundation. So does your business. This 2-week online course will walk you through the marketing landscape, creating a marketing strategy, overcoming the social media mental block, and keeping your content in order.

Session description:

  • Course Overview + Digital Marketing 101 – Here, we’ll go through the expectations of the course and lay a foundation of what digital marketing entails and how it impacts your business.
  • Understanding your business + Customers – We’ll talk competitive landscape, unique selling points, and everything target market in this class. Because knowing your audience is KEY in marketing.
  • Creating a Product Flow – Every business has an introductory product. In this class, we’ll go through how people move through your business, what your introductory product is, and how to use that flow to set up a messaging hierarchy.
  • Content Strategy + Calendar – You know your business. You know your customers. You know your product. Now it’s time to tell people about it. We’ll go through HOW to do that and start to set up an actionable calendar in this class.
  • Executing Content – It seems daunting, but with some key tools, it really isn’t. We’ll go through Canva and scheduling platforms in this class to put into motion the content we scheduled out in the previous class.
  • Email marketing – This is one of the most overlooked channels in marketing and the cheapest. Let’s tackle it together

Please 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.

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

🖥️Promote Your Business on Google & Yelp (WBC 02/17/26)

Boost your visibility where customers are already searching. Learn how to promote your business on Google & Yelp and turn searches into real customers.

Facilitator: Tanya Reyes 

Please 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.

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

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.

🖥️4-week Finance Series For Small Businesses (WBC 02/10/26 – 03/03/26)

Tuesday, February 10: Workshop 1: Introduction to Financial Management & Creating a Budget:
Gain a solid foundation in financial management for small businesses. Explore the importance of tracking income and expenses, and understand the significance of financial statements. Learn to navigate income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements, while also discovering the basics of budgeting and forecasting. Discover the significance of budgeting and its role in driving small business success. Explore different types of budgets, including operating, cash, and capital budgets.

Tuesday, February 17: Workshop 2: Budget & Cash Flow Management:
Follow a step-by-step process for creating an effective budget and learn valuable tips for managing and adapting it as your business evolves. Uncover the essence of cash flow management and its impact on business stability. Learn to distinguish between cash inflows and outflows, and discover strategies for effectively managing cash flow. Dive into cash flow forecasting and budgeting techniques to ensure the financial health of your business.

Tuesday, February 24: Workshop 3: Financing and Funding Options:
Navigate the world of financing and funding options available to small businesses. Explore various avenues such as loans, lines of credit, credit cards, crowdfunding, grants, and venture capital. Understand the factors to consider when choosing the right financing option and learn how to prepare a compelling loan application.

Tuesday, March 3: Workshop 4: Tax Planning and Compliance:
Demystify the complexities of tax planning and compliance for small businesses. Explore common tax deductions and credits, and gain insight into recordkeeping and documentation requirements. Learn how to effectively work with tax professionals and stay on top of your tax obligations while finding the best fit for your business

Please 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.

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

Facilitator: Ruby Vargas & Brenda Esquivel from Varnel Consulting Services

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.