reSource April-June 2016 | Issue No. 2
Ten Entrepreneurs, Ten Years in Business, Ten Keys to Success Experienced Renaissance entrepreneurs share their advice for business success
How to Eat and Travel Your Way to Success! Lessons From Avital Ungar of Avital Food Tours
In Memoriam:
Family Honors Food Aficionado and Entrepreneur Son with Sam’s Pop Up CafÊ
Contents Our Mission Renaissance is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit social impact organization. The mission of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is to empower and increase the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse women and men, and thereby strengthen our communities through the creation of sustainable new businesses, new jobs, and the promotion of financial selfsufficiency.
PHOTO BY Gene s sa Kealoha
Insights Issue
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CEO Note: The Dangerous Myth of the Lone-Entrepreneur
Despite common myths, entrepreneurs thrive in tribes.
10x10x10: Ten Entrepreneurs, Ten Years in Business, Ten Keys to Success
Experienced Renaissance entrepreneurs share their advice for business success.
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COVER PHOTO BY Lisa Weis s
Renaissance offers classes, workshops, and events to grow your business, skills and network.
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Featured Programs and Activities
Renaissance Women’s Network helps aspiring and established female business owners through inspiring monthly speakers and peer support groups facilitated by trained professionals.
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Our Funding Community
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Inside Spotlight
Client Stories
Avital Ungar of Avital Food Tours eats and travels her way to success, Nelly of A Lunch in a Box increases sales by 70% with the help of business technology, and Yvonne of Yvonne’s Southern Sweets lands a contract with the Super Bowl with the help of a friend.
Classes, Workshops and Events
In Memoriam: Family fonors food aficionado and entrepreneur son.with Sam’s Pop Up Café.
Renaissance employee Wendy Guzman shares her entrepreneurial insights after launching her new cosmetic boutique, Dame and Sir.
CEO Note About Renaissance Looking forward to our next 30 years of impacting Bay Area communities, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is poised to help thousands of individuals achieve personal, financial, and social transformation through the power of small business. Renaissance has helped open more businesses than any other nonprofit in the Bay Area, and according to the Aspen Institute, posts the best record for business longevity. From inception to business planning, access to capital and resources, and ongoing assistance that growing businesses require, Renaissance fuels community vitality by empowering individuals to start businesses that bring jobs, character, and sustainable economic health to the local economy.
The Dangerous Myth of the Lone-Entrepreneur
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rom Oprah Winfrey to Steve Jobs, many of the iconic entrepreneurs of today are shrouded by an incessant myth: that of the lone genius. This myth is dangerous to entrepreneurs who toil endlessly without assistance, believing they will create a successful business on the brute strength of their effort. Over the years, I have noticed a pattern: businesses that succeed and last are run by people who are constantly learning, networking and seeking relevant resources and information to adapt to the changing marketplace. The women and men who come to Renaissance span a wide range of experience: from the excited dreamer with a dynamic start-up idea to the seasoned entrepreneur seeking growth strategies. What unites these aspiring and established business owners is that they all know business is profoundly exciting and challenging – there are no hard-and-fast rules, no pre-made formulas for success. But those that build businesses that last will tell you that seeking help is paramount to success, especially in challenging times or when venturing into the unknown. Renaissance has what entrepreneurs need to succeed. Our classes and workshops are a conduit for knowledge and provide a vital support group of peers. Entrepreneurs in the pre-start phase come to Renaissance to get help evaluating whether their business idea is viable through our introductory classes, such as Start Smart. Some will decide to pursue their business ideas further, while others, armed with the knowledge they need to make an educated decision, may decide not to start a business. In our Business Planning Classes, newer entrepreneurs learn or advance their technical skills, build networks and create practical business plans, while existing business owners develop strategies to adapt to changing times. Our Women’s Network brings women at all stages of business together to learn from each other, build their confidence and hold one another accountable to their goals. Our incubators provide a professional, supportive office environment, and our Financing Resource Center helps entrepreneurs secure loans for businesses to launch and grow. And if we don’t have what your business needs, we can direct you to where you can find it. If you want to build a business that lasts, don’t do it alone. We’re here to help!
P H O T O B Y K I M B E R LY C H A S E | L I T T L E S PA R K S M E D I A |
Renaissance graduate 1
Sharon Miller | CEO
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Feature: 10 x10 x10
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YEARS
“We tested our idea for two years before committing to it. The idea doesn’t have to be unique, but it has to meet your customers’ needs,” says Kelly Kozak, owner of Bernal Cutlery in San Francisco.
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Businesses
B y M a r i a Ke l l y,
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Manager of Evaluation, Marketing & Special Projec t s
The best way to organize and make use of your idea and research is to create a plan.
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ou have a business idea. You want to be your own boss. You think you’ve got what it takes to start and run a successful business. Exciting! After a round of high-fives or imaginary congratulations on your brave decision to strike out on your own, you start asking yourself questions. Doubts creep in. What sounded so exhilarating a minute ago, now feels like a world of uncertainties and responsibilities weighing down on your shoulders. You are not alone – we at Renaissance know what you’re going through and the rollercoaster of thoughts and feelings you experience as you embark on the path of entrepreneurship. We are here for you when you first get the idea. We are with you when you serve your first customer or ship the first order. We celebrate your business success and watch you become a role-model for beginning the journey you know so well.
Plan
“Start with a business plan. You fail to plan, you plan to fail,” says Clifton Burch, owner of Empire Engineering & Construction. For Paige Barrows, owner of Paige Barrows Coaching, having a business plan was “hugely important.” Years later she still refers to it. “Now I can implement some aspects I couldn’t before,” says Paige. A business plan helps to clarify your goals and adjust when necessary to stay on the right course and make a profit. This brings us to the next point.
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So in the spirit of sharing the collective wisdom of Renaissance entrepreneurs, we interviewed ten business owners who have been in business for over a decade. We asked for their advice, useful skills and lessons learned as they shared their unique stories with you – one of their own – an entrepreneur.
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Commit To Your Idea
“Starting a business is no different than being a musician or becoming a doctor – you have to believe that you can do it,” says Vince Perrine, owner of Eternity Telecommunications.
Changes, whether intentional or unexpected, can be scary. Renaissance entrepreneurs, each in their own way, follow uncharted territories and manage their fears to persevere.
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You may make mistakes and have failures along the way, but that’s just part of the journey.
Do the research
Manage your fears
As far as Alexander Bell, owner of Bell’s Dry Cleaning & Laundry, is concerned, fear is ‘False Evidence Appearing Real.’ “Like any other person, I have many fears and self-doubts. The point is to know that fear doesn’t really exist because it’s a systematic conception designed to keep you from manifesting your goals and dreams,” he says. “The way to manage it is to do the complete opposite: move past the fear by taking a step in the direction you want to go.”
“Educate yourself to the fullest extent on what is it you intend to do. Stay open and filter knowledge,” advises Joe Meisch, founder, and owner of Meisch Temple Massager. The knowledge may be in your industry, customer needs, competition, business skills or even learning to lead a life as a business owner. And one of the most important learning moments for an entrepreneur is testing the idea. reSource
Adjust
Be ready for challenges and changes outside of your control and adjust to keep your business on track. “A business you’re in now may not even exist in five years. Don’t get complacent – learn about the industry, get new tools, improve systems to stay atop,” says DeeDee Hunt, owner of ARTdeezine LLC.
Here’s a list of top ten tips from Renaissance entrepreneurs.
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Test your idea
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Feature: 10 x10 x10 After the 2009 economic downturn, Trish Tunney, owner of Trish Tunney Photography, had lost all of her clients, it happened all at once, planting a fear deep in her mind. But Trish learned to treat it as a math problem. She heard someone say that fear and faith cannot coexist, so she keeps her faith to keep away the fear.
“Life is a success. Every day you get up is another chance to do better! Success can be material or immaterial, depending on how you define yourself and what you believe in,” says Alexander. For Simla Akyol, success is being able to get a good night sleep, spend time with family and friends, and being passionate and determined about your business. And there are moments along the way that make you feel successful. “The most satisfying moment was seeing my company profile in a leading industry magazine for the first time. It touched me quite a bit. Starting It’s a Piece of Cake had been so difficult, yet so magical. I had to pinch myself here and there to make sure I wasn’t dreaming. Seeing my company profile in writing made me realize that it was real and I was on the right track.”
Put away negative thinking, surround yourself with positive people and persevere through setbacks to manage fears.
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Persevere
In Clifton’s mind, quitting is easy. “When I look at my guys and how hard they work – I realize it’s a team effort and everyone has a role to play. I see my responsibility as a business owner and keep moving forward despite challenges and fears.”
It’s a Piece of Cake Simla Akyol ItsaPieceofCake.net
“I think if you put your ego aside, you’ll know if and when to give up. If you give up, learn the lesson and don’t look back, move forward. You give up the idea but never give up on yourself,” says Simla Akyol, owner of It’s a Piece of Cake. Joining a community like Renaissance and building a network of peers can keep you motivated and help your business tremendously.
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Paige Barrows Coaching Paige Barrows PaigeBarrows.com Bell’s Dry Cleaning & Laundry Alexander Bell Empire Engineering & Construction Clifton Burch EmpireConstructionsf.com
Connect
“Everyone who is successful in business got advice or help from others,” says Paul Terry, owner of PTA Consulting, and Renaissance Senior Business Consultant and lead instructor (for over 30 years) of our Business Planning Class. “Find other small business owners who are ready to help you. Talk about your business idea all the time and have informed business conversations.”
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ARTdeezine LLC DeeDee Hunt ArtDeezine.com Bernal Cutlery Kelly Kozak BernalCutlery.com Meisch Temple Massager Joe Meisch TempleMassager.com
Focus on your customer
“It’s not about me. It’s always about people. Satisfying the customer is always rewarding,” says Alexander Bell about his customer strategy.
Eternity Telecommunications Vince Perrine Paul Terry & Associates Paul Terry PaulTerry.com
Define what success means to you
Trish Tunney Photography Trish Tunney TrishTunney.com
We asked Renaissance entrepreneurs what success meant to them, and here’s what a couple of them shared.
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Highlights: Renaissance Women and Men were people interested in food walking tours, Avital surveyed her competitors and asked friends if they liked the concept. Another important decision she made early on was to invest heavily in branding and design. The Renaissance Financing Resource Center (FRC) was also valuable in providing Avital with advice on capital expansion strategies. FRC consultations are available at no charge to entrepreneurs who are looking to start or expand their business. As a food lover, Avital had wanted to be a food buyer for Williams Sonoma. That was before she became a business owner. And in a triumphant twist of fate, one of her most recent job applicants had been a food buyer for Williams Sonoma. That was a sign that things were working! It wasn’t all smooth sailing of course. She learned many tough lessons along the way. Recently, Avital was a guest speaker in Renaissance’s Start Smart class where she shared her story with fledgling entrepreneurs. In person, she is peppy, vocal and full of life. Exactly what you would hope your walking tour guide to be. And she was certainly full of insight!
How to Eat and Travel Your Way to Success! Lessons From Avital Ungar of Avital Food Tours
By Kareen Boncales, Program Associate
Avital’s first piece of advice? Avoid asking friends for free help because it will only slow you down - it’s hard to keep asking for perfection and time without paying people. It’s one of those painfully personal lessons that an entrepreneur has to learn sooner or later. In fact, many of her suggestions are a reflection of such personal struggles and challenges.
Wouldn’t it be a dream if your job were to eat and travel? We know a Renaissance Business Planning Class graduate who’s doing just that with her company. Avital Ungar, owner of Avital Food Tours, is extremely passionate about food, discovering hidden gems in San Francisco, and sharing stories with people. So creating her own food walking tour business was a perfectly natural idea.
Delegation was another lesson Avital struggled with. Since a walking tour company is so service oriented, Avital explained that its success is dependent on people power. So when you are hiring, you should look for people with plenty of passion and skills to match, so you can trust them to help and support you.
Avital Food Tours offers guided walking tours through quintessential San Francisco neighborhoods, introducing her guests to some of the best restaurants in the city. During the three- hour, four-course pre fixe progressive dining experience, guests learn about the culinary history of the city, meet the people behind the restaurants, and most importantly, indulge in the most delicious food and brews.
And her number one rule when it comes to hiring? If someone shows up late to an interview, you can count on them to be late all the time. Having to personally experience this lesson led Avital to her mantra of “hire slowly, fire quickly.” It sounds brutal. But in practice, it’s actually quite pragmatic. It means that when you’re hiring, take your time finding the right person and know what skills you’re looking for. But if later you realize you’ve hired the wrong person, letting them go as quickly as possible is the best way to minimize damage.
The business has been running for five years, and Avital is excited to announce an expansion in Los Angeles. Just how did she do it? It turns out, in order to be successful in business, you have to learn a few key lessons. When reflecting on how she got started and where she is now, Avital says “It’s been a rough ride, but I love it!”
It’s been rough, that’s for sure. But it’s also been totally worth it. After all, part of her work involves doing what she loves: eating and traveling! She explains with great satisfaction that dining out to eat is considered “research” and a business expense.
Avital first came to the Renaissance Business Planning Class with an idea to build products for cruise ships. But as she assessed her skills and interests, the idea for creating a food walking tour began to form.
And Avital is not stopping there. Her vision is to be in nine countries and twenty-one cities in ten years. And she is already making it happen.
The Business Planning Class was valuable in providing her with the time and space she needed to validate her business idea, root out risks, and prepare for future challenges. Her first step was to conduct market research. In order to determine if there
Next stop for Avital Food Tours: Los Angeles launching in 2016! AvitalTours.com
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Highlights: Renaissance Women and Men
A Sweet Touchdown: Yvonne’s Southern Sweets Shines at the Super Bowl
A Lunch in a Box, Served by Technology
B y Ke i t h S c o t t , R e s e a r c h & M a r k e t i n g F e l l o w
By Lucero DeLeon, Program Coordinator
In a charming bakery, on the 3rd Street corridor in San Francisco’s Bayview neighborhood, I sat with Yvonne, owner of Yvonne’s Southern Sweets to talk about her contract with the Super Bowl. As she weaved around the kitchen, moving cupcakes and cookies from the oven to the cooling rack, she began to tell her story.
The transformative power of technology on food delivery is obvious with innovative businesses like Caviar and Grub Hub, but even the smallest food businesses thrive with technology. Behind the scenes of a small catering business, Nelly, a Lunch in a Box, technology plays as crucial a part as it does for highprofile companies.
It started in January 2015 with an ad in the paper. A fellow church member told her about an opportunity for local businesses to provide their products and services during Super Bowl events. Yvonne leapt at the possibility of showcasing her desserts to a national audience. Yvonne immediately turned to Renaissance Bayview to help her meet the requirements for the bid. With the help of Renaissance staff and consultants, Yvonne received the certification and guidance necessary to be considered as a vendor for Super Bowl 50.
The staple product of owner Nelly Leray’s business is a perfect lunch: a healthy sandwich, dessert and salad in a simple white box tied with rustic twine. You can order a lunchbox through her website and have it delivered to your workplace in Marin, or pick one up at various locations around town. Given the simplicity and success of Nelly’s business, it’s tempting to imagine it was easy. But like a professional athlete, the apparent effortlessness came from long dedicated hours of practice and planning. And just as an athlete has a coach, Nelly found professional guidance at Renaissance.
A week before the Super Bowl, Yvonne received the news that she was chosen to provide 800 snack boxes for a special media event. It took one year of hard work and the support of the Super Bowl Host Committee, Renaissance and the Bayview community. With this exposure came a whirlwind of attention: Yvonne appeared on TV, met Channel 7’s Carolyn Tyler, and was interviewed by several local news stations.
Nelly who immigrated from France to the U.S. had the added challenge of being a single mom. With Renaissance’s Technology Acceleration Program (TAP), she built a successful business despite her obstacles. During her four months with Renaissance’s TAP program, she learned to use Weebly, Square, Quickbooks, and other business technologies, allowing Nelly to increase her sales by 70%.
After this experience Yvonne had this to say: “I’m grateful for the exposure, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Super Bowl, and I’m reaping the benefits. And now I’m going to run with it. We’re going to bring our new snack boxes on the road this year and we’re going to keep the energy going.”
“My thanks to Renaissance for driving me in the right direction. Renaissance provided a realistic approach to starting a business on my own.”
YvonnesSouthernSweets.com
aLunchinaBox.com
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Classes, Workshops & Events Business Planning
For the most up-to-date list of classes visit
Business Planning Class
RenCenter.org
Create a practical, effective business plan for your business. The classes address every aspect of starting and growing a business, including marketing, management, finance, and customer development. You will receive individual consultations, coaching on how to get funded, financial templates, and a business plan review. Cost: $500 - $1000 14 weeks, 26 sessions (scholarships available)
and click on the calendar button
Getting Started Orientation Are you ready to start or grow your own business? Are you thinking about it? Determine your business readiness and get the tips and resources, including an overview of Renaissance’s classes and services, to help you succeed. Cost: Free
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco Tue 4/5
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco Mon 4/4
11-12:30 p.m.
Kareen Boncales
Wed 4/27
6-7:30 p.m.
Petra Ostermuenchner
Mon 5/9
11-12:30 p.m.
Kareen Boncales
Wed 5/25
6-7:30 p.m.
Petra Ostermuenchner
Wed 6/15
6-7:30 p.m
Kareen Boncales
Wed 6/30
11-12:30 p.m
Petra Ostermuenchner
6:30-9 p.m.
Bret Sweet
Wed 5/4
6:30-9 p.m.
Bret Sweet
Wed 6/1
6:30-9 p.m.
Bret Sweet
Learn business basics and determine the viability of your business idea. The course covers fundamentals of marketing, operations, and finances. Cost $50-$300 9 sessions (scholarships available)
Richmond: 3925 MacDonald Ave., Richmond Thurs 4/21
3-5:30 p.m.
Ericka Green
Wed 5/11
5-7:30 p.m.
Ericka Green
Wed 6/10
5-7:30 p.m.
Rose Toney
6:30-9 p.m.
Robbie Kunkel
Mid-Peninsula: 1848 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto Wed 4/27
6:30-9:30 p.m
Brian Sparkes
Urban Fire II Returning to Oakland in 2016! Urban FIRE is a visual, interactive entrepreneurship training program teeming with creative iteration and practical business fundamentals. It is conducted over two semesters of 12 weeks each, meeting once a week for three hours. Cost: $100-$200 11 sessions (scholarships available)
Bayview: 1325-B Evans Ave., San Francisco Wed 4/13
Paul Terry
Business Prep
Richmond: 3925 MacDonald Ave., Richmond Wed 4/6
6-9 p.m.
Oakland: 935 Union Street, Oakland Sat 4/30
9-12 p.m.
Boku Kodama
Learning Basics Start Your Own Fashion Business
Start Smart
Are you ready to start your own fashion business? Meet experts in the industry and get helpful advice on fashion marketing, branding, pricing, prototyping and more. Don’t wait another moment for this amazing opportunity. Renaissance is collaborating with local and L.A. fashion VIP’s to connect with you and grow your fashion business! Cost: $100 6 sessions
Define your goals and start planning your business. You will use a Business Plan Canvas to put your ideas on paper and develop them to meet the needs of your market. Cost: $120.00 for 4 sessions (scholarships available)
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco Fri 5/6
9:30am - 12:30pm
Fermin Alvarez
Richmond: 3925 MacDonald Ave., Richmond
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco
Tue 4/26
6-9:30 p.m.
Robbie Kunkel
Wed 5/6
Tue 6/7
6-9:30 p.m.
Robbie Kunkel
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6-9 p.m.
Jeanne Allen
Classes, Workshops & Events Skill Building
QuickBooks Workshop * A hands-on four-hour workshop for aspiring and established small business owners introducing QBO, the cloud-based version of this worldwide used accounting software for business. Cost: $30
Five Steps to Social Media Success * A three-hour interactive workshop introducing The Social System: How to Stop the Social Media Struggle and Engage in Effective Communication. Cost: $10-25 (scholarships available)
Bayview: 1325-B Evans Ave., San Francisco Tues 4/26
Bayview: 201 Leland Ave., San Francisco Wed 4/27
12:30-2:30 p.m
Anietie Ekanem
12:45 - 4 p.m.
Secure Futures is a FREE financial education, coaching, and savings program designed to help participants learn how to better manage their hard-earned money. Secure Futures includes one-on-one financial coaching sessions allowing participants to work on their specific financial needs and goals with the guidance and support of a professional financial coach. Cost: Free 5 sessions plus coaching
Kyra Reed
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco Thurs 5/26
12:45 - 4 p.m.
Kyra Reed
Richmond: 3925 MacDonald Ave., Richmond Wed 6/8
5:45-9 p.m.
Dorenda Haynes
Secure Futures
Oakland: 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland Thurs 5/5
12-2 p.m.
Kyra Reed
East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Rd., East Palo Alto
Mid-Peninsula: 1848 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto
Tues 6/14
Thurs 6/16
1-4 p.m
Kyra Reed
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Alica Garcia
Shopify! The Easiest Way to Build an Online Store*
Legal Workshop Renaissance offers free legal workshops every month taught by the San Francisco Community Business Law Center. Workshop themes include Intellectual Property, Before You Sign That Lease and How to Write an Independent Contractor Agreement. Cost: Free
A hands-on 3 hour workshop introducing your Ecommerce solution: Shopify! Trusted by over 200,000 businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide, Shopify is the go-to platform to get your online store launched.
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco
Tue 5/3
Wed 4/20
6-8 p.m
Felicia Vallarta
Wed 6/1
6-8 p.m.
Felicia Vallarta
Wed 6/22
6-8 p.m
Felicia Vallarta
Cost: $25
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco
Thur 5/19
12:45-4 p.m
Ramin Ramhormozi
East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Rd., East Palo Alto
Kiva Zip *
1-4 p.m
Ramin Ramhormozi
Bayview: 201 Leland Ave., San Francisco
A workshop introducing KivaZip, a crowdfunding online platform for entrepreneurs like you. Kiva Zip provides access to 0% interest loans and a community passionate about helping entrepreneurs. Cost: $10
Tues 6/23
6-8 p.m.
Tues 6/23
Ramin Ramhormozi
12:45-4 p.m
Ramin Ramhormozi
Weebly: The Easiest Way to Make A Website!* A hands-on three hour workshop introducing Weebly: The Easiest Way to Create Your Own Website, Blog, or Online Store!
Kiva Representative
Redwood City: 330 Twin Dolphin Dr., Redwood City 10-11:30 a.m
1-4 p.m
Richmond: 1500 MacDonald Ave., Richmond
Richmond: 3925 MacDonald Ave., Richmond
Fri 6/24
Ramin Ramhormozi
Oakland: 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland
Tues 6/7
Wed 5/25
1-4 p.m
Cost: $15
Kiva Representative
Bayview: 1325-B Evans Ave., San Francisco Tue 5/24
* 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.
6-9 p.m
Fermin Alvarez
East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Rd., East Palo Alto Thur 6/9
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6-9 p.m
Fermin Alvarez
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Classes, Workshops & Events For Women
Las Redes Sociales Y Su Negocio!
Renaissance Women’s Network
Un taller de tres horas para aprender como comunicarse mejor a través de Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube y otros recursos de la red social, para promover su negocio!
Join us for an evening of mingling, storytelling, and connecting with inspiring woman business owners! Each event features a special guest speaker followed by facilitated support groups.
Cost: $15 per event or $60 for series
Richmond: 1500 MacDonald Av, Richmond
Capital One Cafe: 101 Post St., San Francisco
Lunes 4/18
5:45-9 p.m.
Mari Gonzalez
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco
Wed 4/13
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Guest Speakers
Wed 5/11
6:30-8:30 p.m.
Guest Speakers
East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto
Wed 6/8
6:30-8:30 p.m
Guest Speakers
Jueves 5/12
Miércoles 4/27 12:45-4 p.m.
Miércoles 5/25
Define your goals and start planning your business. In this women-focused class, you will use a Business Plan Canvas to put your ideas on paper and develop them to meet the needs of your market. Cost: $120.00 for 4 sessions (scholarships available)
April Gilbert
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco
A women-focused small business and empowerment class. You will graduate with the technical skills, confidence and network of like-minded entrepreneurial women needed for success. Cost: $100 - $350 for 11 weeks (scholarships available)
Martes 4/12 9:30-12:30 p.m. Susana Gama
Planificacion De Negocios En esta clase usted definirá su sueño, escribirá una declaración de misión y empezará a planificar su negocio. Utilizará un Plan visual para plasmar y desarrollar sus ideas de manera que satisfagan las necesidades de su mercado. 4 semanas costo $120 (Becas disponibles)
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco 6-9 p.m.
Mari Gonzalez
Un programa de empoderamiento y planificación de negocios. Los temas incluyen, estudios de mercado y planificación, fijación de precios y promoción de productos, análisis del punto de equilibrio, el flujo de efectivo y la organización del tiempo invertido en su negocio. 11 semanas (22 sesiones) costo $100 - $350 (Becas disponibles)
Simple Steps for Women
Tue 6/28
5:45-9 p.m.
Pasos Simples
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Mari Gonzalez
Oakalnd: 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland
Start Smart For Women
Fri 5/6
5:45-9 p.m.
Mari Gonzalez
TBD
East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto
Talleres En Español
Lunes 4/25
Orientación de Renaissance
Martes 4/26 Jueves 4/28
6:30-9:30 p.m.
TBD
6:30-9:30 p.m.
TBD
Weebly: La Forma Más Fácil de Crear Un Sitio Web! Un taller práctico de tres horas para aprender a crear su sitio web a través de la plataforma Weebly! 11 semanas (22 sesiones) costo $100 - $350 (Becas disponibles)
SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco 9:30-11:30 a.m.
TBD
Menlo Park: 3247 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park
Este taller es para propietarios nuevos o potenciales de pequeñas empresas que desean aprender y utilizar los siete factores críticos del éxito que son clave para el éxito de una pequeña empresa. Costo: gratis Martes 4/5
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Daly City: 101 Lake Merced Blvd, Daly City
Susana Gama
East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto Jueves 6/9
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6-9 p.m.
Fermin Alvarez
Featured Programs and Activities Renaissance Women’s Network
Stick With Renaissance Get your “I am a Renaissance Entrepreneur” badge today and instantly connect with Renaissance’s vibrant small business community! Download a digital badge at RenCenter.org to display on your business website or online store and link it to RenCenter.org. If you have a storefront, contact info@ RenCenter.org to request a print sticker for your window. Then make sure to take a selfie by your window display and share on Instagram with #renbizconnect, #gotmyrensticker or #rencenter!
Guest Speaker Bonnie Kellog, founder of three businesses, shows what being a hard-working entrepreneur has allowed her to do with her free time.
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Shop With Renaissance We love to support Renaissance Businesses, that’s why we created the Renaissance Business Directory! The best way to be seen and get more business is to claim your listing, update your profile image and add tags for search. Claim your business at RenCenter.org/Business-Directory. Contact info@RenCenter.org for support
re you looking for help to start or grow your business? Do you need advice and support?
$$$Financing Resource Center
Join us for Renaissance Women’s Network and take advantage of our monthly speakers and peer support groups.
Renaissance’s FRC provides financial education and technical assistance to help small business owners become better managers of their business finances and understand growth opportunities. The FRC’s loan packaging services will help you secure funds from local banks, non-profit lenders and private sources to support your business launch and growth. To receive services contact Gwendolyn Wright, Managing Consultant at 415-348-6222 or Gwen@TheWrightConsultants.com
Each event includes: • Dinner • Networking with women entrepreneurs • Trained facilitators to keep you and your business on track • Peer support groups • Fantastic speakers!
Mid-Peninsula Small Business Incubator
2nd Wednesday of every month Capital One Café, 101 Post Street, San Francisco, 6:30 pm–8:30pm. $30 for three months or $15 for a single event. Register at tinyurl.com/renaissancecenter and search for Renaissance SoMa’s Women’s Network
Renaissance Mid-Peninsula is the first and only Small Business Incubator in East Palo Alto. We offer low-cost office space and ongoing business support to emerging and established small businesses. If you are interested in joining call Crystal Rasmussen at 650-321-2193 ext. 1103 or Crasmussen@RenCenter.org
PHOTO BY Genessa Kealoha 9
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Our Funding Community
Sameer Ishwar Murarka Photo courtesy of the Murarka Family
Sam’s brother Neel Murarka (left)
Family Honors Food Aficionado and Entrepreneur Son with Sam’s Pop Up Café By Amy Harris, Development Director
On March 23rd, Renaissance Mid-Peninsula in partnership with the Sameer Ishwar Murarka Memorial Foundation (SIMMF) hosted Sam’s Pop Up Café at the Mitchell Park Community Center in Palo Alto. The SIMMF was established in memory of Ragini and Ishwar Murarka’s beloved son Sam, who passed away in 2012. According to Sam’s brother Neel, when Sam’s family remembers him, the first word that comes to their minds is “entrepreneur.” From a very young age, Sam showed creativity, out of the box thinking, and keen observation. It was Sam’s dream to launch a business in the hospitality industry that inspired the Murarka Family to help Renaissance food entrepreneurs launch and grow sustainable businesses.
Renaissance Program Director, April Gilbert
Sam’s Pop Up Café featured five entrepreneurs who completed Renaissance’s customized food industry-specific training, then competed against a dozen other entrepreneurs to win a spot in the event. Over 200 guests enjoyed an evening of music by Red Starr Trio and culinary delights from:
Ragini and Ishwar Murarka
John Cannon, Save Your Soul BBQ Jorge Flores, Don Polvoron Bakery Cheryl Fulton,Cheryl’s Shortbread Anabel Santos, Las Picosita Azteca James Simon, Put It on the Grill BBQ
Renaissance would like to thank Karen Bevels for providing expert hands-on training to our entrepreneurs as well as to Rick Williams, CEO of The Sobrato Family Foundation, Ash McNeely, Executive Director of the Sand Hill Foundation, Neel and Erin Murarka, Ian Oxley, and Larry Moody, East Palo Alto Vice Mayor for being the official food judges, providing excellent feedback to our entrepreneurs.
Thank you to our sponsors:
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PHOTOGRAPHY BY GENESSA KEALOHA
Anabel Santos (right)
Consultant Carlina Davila (left), Jorge Flores (center), Program Coordinator Luis Vizcardo (right)
Enjoying sweets from Don Polvoron Bakery
Devouring dinner from Save Your Soul BBQ
Your Investment Makes Huge Impact “The support I received from Renaissance has inspired me to give back to help other aspiring entrepreneurs. Please join me by making a donation to Renaissance today and give someone the tools to change his or her life.” - James Mabrey, Owner of Your All Day Everyday Janitorial Service and Renaissance Client Make your tax deductible gift to Renaissance: • • •
Online at www.rencenter.org (click “Donate Now”) Send your check to “Renaissance” at 275 5th St., San Francisco, CA 94103 Call or email Development Director Amy Harris at 415-348-6207, aharris@rencenter.org
Thank you for supporting Renaissance Entrepreneurs!
reSource Renaissance is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gift 11 is tax deductible. Our Federal Tax ID is #94-2793122
Inside Spotlight RENAISSANCE BUSINESS OUTCOMES
SURVEY Renaissance conducts an Annual Client Outcomes Survey to learn about our clients' experience, changes in their businesses and incomes one year after receiving Renaissance services, as well as ways we can further assist them and their businesses. We conduct the survey in collaboration with the Aspen Institute’s EntrepreneurTracker, a national evaluation program for the microenterprise industry, MicroTracker.org/ClientOutcomes.
5 Business Insights from Inside Renaissance B y G e n e s s a Ke a l o h a , E x e c u t i v e A s s i s t a n t & Jon Jimenez Macuso, Impact Data Analyst
CLIENTS
Wendy Guzman, a Renaissance employee of eight years, recently launched Dame and Sir - a cosmetic boutique using vegan and cruelty-free products to create custom blended cosmetics for all skin colors and types. Her company celebrates the modern makeup connoisseur who is not defined by gender or personality. Surrounded by a community of entrepreneurs, Wendy has learned many lessons she is readily applying to her new business:
In 2015 Renaissance interviewed randomly selected clients who received 10+ hours of training and consulting services in 2013 about changes in their business status and income, one year after receiving services.
Clients Served in 2013
Lesson one: Wendy learned the importance of defining a niche market. With the tremendous amount of companies large and small competing for business, it is important for a small business owner to carve a tight niche in order to survive.
70% 30%
733
Lesson two: Business skills are not the same as talent in an industry. Wendy attended beauty school where she acquired the techniques and tools of the trade but learned nothing about business. She then began learning business skills before launching.
BUSINESS OUTCOMES
Lesson three: Never stop learning! Wendy soaks up as much information as she can at Renaissance. She receives guidance from Renaissance’s Financing Resource Center, takes every opportunity to seek out advice from Renaissance consultants and instructors, and received assistance packaging a loan with Kiva Zip to buy products for her business’ launch.
Business Start Rate
44%
Lesson four: Get support. In her words: “Don’t be hard-headed or stubborn when you are starting. Be aware that you can’t start a business by yourself, you need a supportive community. Stay humble.” Lesson five: Own it! When you have a sense of ownership and things go well, you feel proud, but when things go wrong, it motivates you to work harder and keep fighting to pursue your dream. Learn more about Dame and Sir at DameAndSir.com and on the Renaissance Business Directory: RenCenter.org/Business-Directory/Dame-and-Sir
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Clients in Survey Sample (99)
12
Business Survival Rate
97%
Average Business Revenue
85K
Businesses With Employees
Average number of jobs per business
Increase in Household Income
60%
2.7
38%
Our Board
Our Staff Sandor Straus* Board Chair Managing Member Tigmera, LLC
SOMA Amy L. Harris Development Director April Gilbert Program Director Aracely Barrios Finance Coordinator Fermin Alvarez Program Manager Genessa Kealoha Executive Associate Jon Jimenez Macuso Impact Data Analyst Kareen Boncales Programs Associate Lily Trienens Grants Manager Lisa Kirvin Managing Director Nga Do Women’s Program Manager Petra Ostermuenchner Program Coordinator
BAYVIEW Ericka Green Program Coordinator
Kismeth Harris Program Assistant
Bryan Ignozzi* Vice Chair Partner PriceWaterhouseCoopers
Marcus Tartt Center Director Yamilet Gonzalez Program Coordinator
Craig Jacoby* Secretary PartnerCooley LLP
MID-PENISULA
Philip Frerich* Audit Chair Region Finance Manager Vice President Wells Fargo
Crystal Rasmussen Program Coordinator Jaime Caudillo Program Assistant Luis Vizcardo Program Coordinator
Robert L. Chan Former Director of Marketing and National Sales Syncor International
Timothy Russell Program Director Richmond Bret Sweet Program Manager
Robert Taylor Facilities & Operations Manager
Lucero deLeon Program Coordinator
Feleciai Favroth** President & CEO Skincare by Feleciai
Gerry BaraĂąano* Treasurer, Vice Chair Principal RevLaunch Company
Keith Scott New Sector Alliance Fellow
Philip Smith Finance Director
Alison Davis Managing Partner Fifth Era
Lynn Fernandez Senior Vice President Retail Bank Administration Comerica Bank Neal Gottlieb** Founding Twin Three Twins Ice Cream Ashley Grech Area Manager - San Francisco & North Peninsula JP Morgan Chase Business Banking Roland Pan Technology Executive Laura Thompson Principal Thompson Concepts Group Feliciano Zavala** Founder & Owner Peninsula Party Rentals
Special Thanks to Our Volunteers for making reSource posible
Sharon Miller CEO
Anna is a freelance writer and content enhancer with 15+ years experience developing and managing professional programs and organizational communications. Connect with Anna here:
Wendy Guzman Facilities & Operations Associate
Anna Dement Editor
Linkedin.com/in/DementAnna AnnaDement.contently.com
Terry is a local graphic designer who creates and develops Identity, Branding, Website and Marketing design for Bay Area businesses, startups and non-profits. Connect with Terry here: www.TerryMcGlone.com Terry McGlone Designer
* Denotes Executive Committee member ** Denotes Renaissance graduate 13
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Renaissance has helped over 10,000 Bay Area businesses. We can help you too! Visit RenCenter.org Renaissance Soma 275 5th Street San Francisco, CA 94103 (415) 541-8580
Renaissance Bayview India Basin Plaza 1325-B Evans Avenue San Francisco, CA 94124 (415) 647-3728 Renaissance Mid-Peninsula 1848 Bay Road East Palo Alto, CA 94303 (650) 321-2193
Renaissance Richmond 1500 MacDonald Avenue Richmond, CA 94801 (510) 221-2000