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Tag: San Francisco SoMa/WBC

🖥️Steps To Create A Business Budget (8/11/25)

Understanding the importance of budgeting for your business finances is essential for effective decision-making. A well-structured budget offers a clear view of projected income and expenses, helping to prevent overspending, allocate resources strategically across various areas, and manage cash flow, ensuring sufficient funds to support daily operations. Learn the essential steps to create a business budget that supports smarter financial planning and sustainable growth.

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: Judith Vargas


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.

🖥️Business Finance Check-In (WBC 08/25/2025)

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.

🖥️Cash Flow Management: Money Smart for Small Businesses (WBC 08/25/25)

The Managing Cash Flow module encourages the participants to focus on cash flow management as an essential competency of business ownership.

 

FACILITATOR: David Hincapie

David Hincapie is a Lender Relations Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s San Francisco District Office. He has been with the SBA for seven years, supporting lenders and small businesses across the region.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

🖥️¿Por qué es importante la presencia en línea?(WBC 08/19/25)

En el mundo digital actual, una sólida presencia en línea no es opcional, ¡es esencial! Únete a Alma Galvan, del Better Business Bureau, en un seminario web práctico y atractivo sobre cómo fortalecer la visibilidad, la credibilidad y la interacción de tu negocio en línea.

Esta sesión cubrirá:
– El poder de las reseñas en línea: cómo gestionarlas y responder eficazmente
– Mejores prácticas para comentar e interactuar en redes sociales
– Lo que todo sitio web empresarial necesita para generar confianza e impulsar las conversiones
– Cómo los motores de búsqueda y las fichas locales (como el Perfil de Empresa de Google) influyen en tu visibilidad
– Consejos para convertir el tráfico digital en clientes fieles
Tanto si estás empezando como si buscas mejorar tu presencia en línea, este seminario web te brindará las herramientas y la información necesarias para prosperar en el mercado digital.

Facilitadora: Alma Galvan

 

Alma Galván es Especialista en Marketing y Comunicaciones en Better Business Bureau (BBB), con servicio en el Área de la Bahía de San Francisco y la Costa Norte de California, y Portavoz Nacional en Español de BBB. Durante los últimos 18 años, se ha dedicado a impulsar la misión de BBB de fomentar la confianza y la integridad en el mercado. Con más de 15 años de experiencia en marketing, Alma se destaca en el desarrollo y la ejecución de campañas y programas impactantes que impactan a la comunidad de pequeñas empresas. Firme defensora de las pequeñas empresas, Alma ha participado activamente en proyectos comunitarios como el Proyecto de Inclusión y el Programa Hispano SBDC. Su experiencia se extiende a los medios de comunicación, donde colabora frecuentemente en segmentos de televisión y radio locales y nacionales, promoviendo el mensaje de BBB de empoderamiento del consumidor y prácticas comerciales éticas. Desde que comenzó su carrera en BBB en 2005, se ha comprometido a empoderar tanto a consumidores como a empresas. Contacte con Alma para saber más sobre su labor en la promoción de prácticas comerciales éticas en BBB.

 

Nuestros servicios y programas están abiertos a todos los emprendedores. Todos los programas y servicios de Renaissance WBC/SOMA están disponibles para el público general 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 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.*

POWERED BY SBA - U.S Small Business Administration

 

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@rencenter.org, (415) 894-9779

🖥️Financial Management: Money Smart for Small Businesses (WBC 08/18/25)

The Financial Management for a Small Business module provides an overview of business financial management and is designed to help participants to understand how financial management can benefit their business.

 

FACILITATOR: David Hincapie

David Hincapie is a Lender Relations Specialist at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s San Francisco District Office. He has been with the SBA for seven years, supporting lenders and small businesses across the region.

 

 

 

 

 

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.

🖥️Concepts Of Digital Marketing (WBC 08/12/25)

Join the Better Business Bureau (BBB) for an insightful webinar on the fundamentals of digital marketing and how businesses can leverage online tools to grow their brand and build consumer trust. This session will cover key topics, including social media strategies, search engine optimization (SEO), email marketing best practices, and the role of AI in modern marketing.

Whether you’re looking to increase your online visibility, engage with customers more effectively, or enhance your marketing efforts with AI-driven tools, this webinar will provide practical insights to help you navigate the digital landscape while maintaining integrity and credibility—hallmarks of a BBB Accredited Business.

Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your online presence and stay ahead in the digital marketplace!

Facilitador: Alma Galvan

Alma Galvan is a Marketing and Communications Specialist at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Northern Coastal California and the National Spanish Spokesperson for the BBB. For the last 18 years, she has dedicated herself to amplifying the BBB’s mission of fostering trust and integrity in the marketplace. With over 15 years of marketing experience, Alma excels in developing and executing impactful campaigns and programs that impact the small business community. A strong advocate for small businesses, Alma has been actively involved in community projects such as The Inclusivity Project and The Programa Hispano SBDC. Alma’s expertise extends to the media, where she frequently contributes to local and national TV and radio segments, furthering the BBB’s message of consumer empowerment and ethical business practices. Since the start of her career with BBB in 2005, she has been committed to empowering consumers and businesses alike. Connect with Alma to learn more about her work in promoting ethical business practices at the BBB.

 

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.

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

🖥️Build Your Marketing Strategy in 4-weeks (WBC 08/06 – 08/27)

A house needs a solid foundation. So does your business. This 6-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

🖥️Business Prep (WBC 8/14/25 – 10/16/25)

This isn’t just a class—it’s a journey in small business training designed to help you build confidence and move your business forward. Through weekly lessons, hands-on assignments, and expert guidance, you’ll gain the skills and clarity to take actionable next steps. Whether you’re just starting out, need guidance, or want to create a solid business plan, Business Prep equips you with the tools and support to turn your entrepreneurial vision into reality.

Who is this course for?

  • Entrepreneurs ready to turn ideas into action
  • Business owners seeking a clear and structured plan
  • Start Smart graduates ready for the next step

In this 10-week series you will:

Week 1. Create your mission and business plan outline
Week 2. Explore operations and management essentials
Weeks 3-4. Master marketing basics and customer engagement
Week 5. Strengthen operations for efficiency and growth
Week 6. Build leadership skills for hiring and management.
Week 7. Manage finances and understand financial statements
Week 8. Learn to plan ahead with financial forecasting
Week 9. Address risks, insurance, and growth strategies
Week 10. Finalize your plan and prepare for the next steps

What you’ll learn

  • Writing a clear and compelling mission statement
  • Assessing your skills, passions, and resources
  • Creating a strategy that aligns with your goals
  • How to test the feasibility of your idea

Facilitator: Tara Cruz

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

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.

🖥️ Café y Comunidad: Autocuidado y emprendimiento (WBC 08/11/25)

En esta sesión exploraremos la importancia del autocuidado al emprender un proyecto y cómo el estrés impacta nuestro sistema. También practicaremos ejercicios para fortalecer nuestro bienestar.

Facilitadora: Susana Cardenas

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.

🖥️Clase de Marketing: Identidad de Marca (WBC 07/29/25)

En esta clase vamos a hablar sobre qué es la identidad de marca y por qué es importante. También será un espacio para explorar tu propia identidad de marca y recibir retroalimentación del grupo.

Facilitadora: Susana Cardenas, WBC Client Sucess Manager

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.