Ten Entrepreneurs, Ten Years in Business,

Ten Keys to SuccessExperienced 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 Café

reSourceApril-June 2016 | Issue No. 2

1 CEO Note: The Dangerous Myth of the Lone-Entrepreneur

Despite common myths, entrepreneurs thrive in tribes.

2 10x10x10: Ten Entrepreneurs, Ten Years in Business, Ten Keys to Success

Experienced Renaissance entrepreneurs share their advice for business success.

4 Client StoriesAvital 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.

PHOTO BY G ene s s a Kea loha

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 self-sufficiency.

6 Classes, Workshops and EventsRenaissance offers classes, workshops, and events to grow your business, skills and network.

9 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.

10 Our Funding CommunityIn Memoriam: Family fonors food aficionado and entrepreneur son.with Sam’s Pop Up Café.

12 Inside Spotlight Renaissance employee Wendy Guzman shares her entrepreneurial insights after launching her new cosmetic boutique, Dame and Sir.

Contents

C OVER PHOTO BY L i s a Wei s s

Insights Issue

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PHOTO BY KI M B E RLY C H A SE | L I T T LE SPARKS M E DI A | Renaissance graduate Sharon Mil ler | CEO

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 non-profit 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.

Ceo note

The Dangerous Myth of the Lone-Entrepreneur

F 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 end-lessly 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, sup-portive 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!

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3 Test your idea“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.

The best way to organize and make use of your idea and research is to create a plan.

4 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.

5 AdjustBe ready for challenges and changes outside of your

control and adjust to keep your business on track. “A busi-ness 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.

Changes, whether intentional or unexpected, can be scary. Renaissance entrepreneurs, each in their own way, follow un-charted territories and manage their fears to persevere.

6 Manage your fearsAs 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 manifest-ing 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.”

B y Mar ia Ke l l y,

Manager o f Eva luat ion , Market ing & Spec ia l Pro jec t s

You 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 deci-sion to strike out on your own, you start asking yourself ques-tions. 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 roller-coaster 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.

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.

Here’s a list of top ten tips from Renaissance entrepreneurs.

1 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.

You may make mistakes and have failures along the way, but that’s just part of the journey.

2 Do the research“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.

10Businesses x 10 TIPS

x 10 YEARS

Feature: 10 x10 x10

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After the 2009 economic downturn, Trish Tunney, owner of Trish Tunney Photography, had lost all of her clients, it hap-pened 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.

Put away negative thinking, surround yourself with positive people and persevere through setbacks to manage fears.

7 PersevereIn 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.”

“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 tre-mendously.

8 Connect“Everyone who is successful in business got advice

or help from others,” says Paul Terry, owner of PTA Consult-ing, 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.”

9 Focus on your customer“It’s not about me. It’s always about people. Satisfy-

ing the customer is always rewarding,” says Alexander Bell about his customer strategy.

10 Define what success means to you

We asked Renaissance entrepreneurs what success meant to them, and here’s what a couple of them shared.

It’s a Piece of CakeSimla Akyol ItsaPieceofCake.net

Paige Barrows CoachingPaige Barrows PaigeBarrows.com

Bell’s Dry Cleaning & LaundryAlexander Bell

Empire Engineering & ConstructionClifton Burch EmpireConstructionsf.com

ARTdeezine LLCDeeDee Hunt ArtDeezine.com

Bernal CutleryKelly Kozak BernalCutlery.com

Meisch Temple MassagerJoe Meisch TempleMassager.com

Eternity Telecommunications Vince Perrine

Paul Terry & AssociatesPaul Terry PaulTerry.com

Trish Tunney PhotographyTrish Tunney TrishTunney.com

Feature: 10 x10 x10

“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 pas-sionate 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.”

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How to Eat and Travel Your Way to Success! Lessons From Avital Ungar of Avital Food Tours

B y Kareen Bonc ale s , Program A s soc iate

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 passion-ate 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.

Avital Food Tours offers guided walking tours through quintes-sential 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 deli-cious food and brews.

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!”

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.

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

HigHligHts: renaissanCe Women and menwere 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 en-trepreneurs who are looking to start or expand their business.

As a food lover, Avital had wanted to be a food buyer for Wil-liams 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Next stop for Avital Food Tours: Los Angeles launching in 2016!

AvitalTours.com

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A Sweet Touchdown: Yvonne’s Southern Sweets Shines at the Super Bowl

B y Ke i t h Sc ot t , Re search & Market ing Fe l low

In a charming bakery, on the 3rd Street corridor in San Fran-cisco’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.

It started in January 2015 with an ad in the paper. A fellow church member told her about an opportunity for local busi-nesses 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.

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.

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.”

YvonnesSouthernSweets.com

A Lunch in a Box, Served by Technology

B y Lucero DeLeon , Program C oord inator

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 high-profile companies.

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 tempt-ing 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.

Nelly who immigrated from France to the U.S. had the add-ed challenge of being a single mom. With Renaissance’s Technology Acceleration Program (TAP), she built a success-ful business despite her obstacles. During her four months with Renaissance’s TAP program, she learned to use Weebly, Square, Quickbooks, and other business technologies, allow-ing Nelly to increase her sales by 70%.

“My thanks to Renaissance for driving me in the right direc-tion. Renaissance provided a realistic approach to starting a business on my own.”

aLunchinaBox.com

HigHligHts: renaissanCe Women and men

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Getting Started

OrientationAre 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

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

Richmond: 3925 MacDonald Ave., Richmond

Wed 4/6 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

Bayview: 1325-B Evans Ave., San Francisco

Wed 4/13 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

Learning Basics

Start SmartDefine 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

Tue 4/26 6-9:30 p.m. Robbie Kunkel

Tue 6/7 6-9:30 p.m. Robbie Kunkel

Business Planning

Business Planning ClassCreate 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, coach-ing on how to get funded, financial templates, and a business plan review.Cost: $500 - $1000 14 weeks, 26 sessions (scholarships available)

SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco

Tue 4/5 6-9 p.m. Paul Terry

Business PrepLearn business basics and determine the viability of your busi-ness idea. The course covers fundamentals of marketing, op-erations, and finances.Cost $50-$300 9 sessions (scholarships available)

Richmond: 3925 MacDonald Ave., Richmond

Thurs 4/21 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 IIReturning to Oakland in 2016! Urban FIRE is a visual, interac-tive 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)Oakland: 935 Union Street, Oakland

Sat 4/30 9-12 p.m. Boku Kodama

Start Your Own Fashion BusinessAre 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 collabo-rating with local and L.A. fashion VIP’s to connect with you and grow your fashion business! Cost: $100 6 sessions

SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco

Wed 5/6 6-9 p.m. Jeanne Allen

Classes, WorksHops & events

For the most up-to-date list of classes visit

RenCenter.org

and click on the calendar button

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Skill Building

Five Steps to Social Media Success *A three-hour interactive workshop introducing The Social Sys-tem: How to Stop the Social Media Struggle and Engage in Effective Communication.Cost: $10-25 (scholarships available)

Bayview: 201 Leland Ave., San Francisco

Wed 4/27 12:30-2:30 p.m Anietie Ekanem

Oakland: 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland

Thurs 5/5 12:45 - 4 p.m. 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. Kyra Reed

East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Rd., East Palo Alto

Tues 6/14 1-4 p.m Kyra Reed

Legal WorkshopRenaissance 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 Agree-ment. Cost: Free

SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco

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

Kiva Zip *A workshop introducing KivaZip, a crowdfunding online plat-form for entrepreneurs like you. Kiva Zip provides access to 0% interest loans and a community passionate about helping entrepreneurs.Cost: $10

Richmond: 3925 MacDonald Ave., Richmond

Wed 5/25 6-8 p.m. Kiva Representative

Redwood City: 330 Twin Dolphin Dr., Redwood City

Fri 6/24 10-11:30 a.m Kiva Representative

QuickBooks Workshop *A hands-on four-hour workshop for aspiring and established small business owners introducing QBO, the cloud-based ver-sion of this worldwide used accounting software for business. Cost: $30

Bayview: 1325-B Evans Ave., San Francisco

Tues 4/26 12-2 p.m. Dorenda Haynes

Secure FuturesSecure 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 par-ticipants 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

Mid-Peninsula: 1848 Bay Rd, East Palo Alto

Thurs 6/16 5:30-7:30 p.m. Alica Garcia

Shopify! The Easiest Way to Build an Online Store*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.

Cost: $25

SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco

Tue 5/3 1-4 p.m Ramin Ramhormozi

Oakland: 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland

Thur 5/19 12:45-4 p.m Ramin Ramhormozi

East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Rd., East Palo Alto

Tues 6/7 1-4 p.m Ramin Ramhormozi

Bayview: 201 Leland Ave., San Francisco

Tues 6/23 1-4 p.m Ramin Ramhormozi

Richmond: 1500 MacDonald Ave., Richmond

Tues 6/23 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!

Cost: $15

Bayview: 1325-B Evans Ave., San Francisco

Tue 5/24 6-9 p.m Fermin Alvarez

East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Rd., East Palo Alto

Thur 6/9 6-9 p.m Fermin Alvarez

Classes, WorksHops & events

* 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.

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Classes, WorksHops & events

Orientación de RenaissanceEste 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

SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco

Martes 4/5 9:30-11:30 a.m. Susana Gama

For Women

Renaissance Women’s NetworkJoin us for an evening of mingling, storytelling, and connect-ing 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

Capital One Cafe: 101 Post 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

Wed 6/8 6:30-8:30 p.m Guest Speakers

Start Smart For WomenDefine 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)

SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco

Fri 5/6 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. April Gilbert

Simple Steps for WomenA 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)

SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco

Tue 6/28 6-9 p.m. TBD

Las Redes Sociales Y Su Negocio!

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!

Richmond: 1500 MacDonald Av, Richmond

Lunes 4/18 5:45-9 p.m. Mari GonzalezSoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco

Miércoles 4/27 12:45-4 p.m. Mari GonzalezEast Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto

Jueves 5/12 5:45-9 p.m. Mari GonzalezOakalnd: 1 Frank Ogawa Plaza, Oakland

Miércoles 5/25 5:45-9 p.m. Mari Gonzalez

Pasos SimplesUn programa de empoderamiento y planificación de negocios. Los temas incluyen, estudios de mercado y planificación, fi-jación 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 dis-ponibles)

SoMa: 275 5th St., San Francisco

Martes 4/12 9:30-12:30 p.m. Susana Gama

Planificacion De NegociosEn esta clase usted definirá su sueño, escribirá una declara-ción 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)

East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto

Lunes 4/25 6:30-9:30 p.m. TBDDaly City: 101 Lake Merced Blvd, Daly City

Martes 4/26 6:30-9:30 p.m. TBDMenlo Park: 3247 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park

Jueves 4/28 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 dis-ponibles)

East Palo Alto: 1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto

Jueves 6/9 6-9 p.m. Fermin Alvarez

Talleres En Español

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PHOTO BY Genessa Kealoha

Guest Speaker Bonnie Kellog, founder of three businesses, shows what being a hard-working entrepreneur has allowed her to do with her free time.

Stick With RenaissanceGet 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!

Shop With RenaissanceWe 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

$$$Financing Resource CenterRenaissance’s FRC provides financial education and techni-cal 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

Mid-Peninsula Small Business Incubator 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 Rasmus-sen at 650-321-2193 ext. 1103 or Crasmussen@RenCenter.org

Featured programs and aCtivities

Renaissance Women’s Network

A re you looking for help to start or grow your business? Do you need advice and support?

Join us for Renaissance Women’s Network and take advantage of our monthly speakers and peer sup-port groups.

Each event includes:

• Dinner

• Networking with women entrepreneurs

• Trained facilitators to keep you and your business on track

• Peer support groups

• Fantastic speakers!

2nd Wednesday of every monthCapital 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

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Family Honors Food Aficionado and Entrepreneur Son with Sam’s Pop Up Café

B y Amy Harr i s , Deve lopment D i rec tor

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. Ac-cording 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.

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:

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

Thank you to our sponsors:

PHOTOGR APH Y BY GE NE S SA KE ALOHA

our Funding Community

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.

Sameer Ishwar Murarka

Sam’s brother Neel Murarka (left)

Renaissance Program Director, April Gilbert

Ragini and Ishwar Murarka

Photo courtesy of the Murarka Family

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“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.”

Your Investment Makes Huge Impact

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!Renaissance is an IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your gift is tax deductible. Our Federal Tax ID is #94-2793122

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

- James Mabrey, Owner of Your All Day Everyday Janitorial Service and Renaissance Client

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RENAISSANCE BUSINESS OUTCOMES

Renaissance conducts an Annual Client Outcomes Survey to learn about our clients' experience, changes in their businesses and incomes one year after receiving Renais-sance services, as well as ways we can further assist them and their businesses.

We conduct the survey in collaboration with the As-pen Institute’s EntrepreneurTracker, a national eval-uation program for the microenterprise industry, MicroTracker.org/ClientOutcomes.

SURVEY

CLIENTSIn 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

BUSINESS OUTCOMES

Clients in Survey Sample (99)

44% 97% 85K

Business Start Rate

Business Survival Rate

Average Business Revenue

2.7 38%60%

Businesses With Employees

Average number of jobs per business

Increase in Household Income

70%

30%733

5 Business Insights from Inside RenaissanceB y Gene s sa Kealoha , E xecu t i ve A s s i s t ant &

Jon J imenez Macu so, Impac t Dat a Analys t

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:

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 busi-ness owner to carve a tight niche in order to survive.

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.

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.

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

inside spotligHt

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Sandor Straus*Board ChairManaging MemberTigmera, LLC

Gerry Barañano*Treasurer, Vice ChairPrincipalRevLaunch Company

Bryan Ignozzi*Vice ChairPartnerPriceWaterhouseCoopers

Craig Jacoby*SecretaryPartnerCooley LLP

Philip Frerich*Audit ChairRegion Finance ManagerVice PresidentWells Fargo

Robert L. ChanFormer Director of Marketing and National SalesSyncor International

Anna is a freelance writer and content enhancer with 15+ years experience developing and managing professional programs and organizational communications. Connect with Anna here: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, start-ups and non-profits.Connect with Terry here:www.TerryMcGlone.com

Anna Dement Editor

SOMA

Amy L. HarrisDevelopment Director

April GilbertProgram Director

Aracely BarriosFinance Coordinator

Fermin AlvarezProgram Manager

Genessa KealohaExecutive Associate

Jon Jimenez MacusoImpact Data Analyst

Kareen BoncalesPrograms Associate

Lily TrienensGrants Manager

Lisa KirvinManaging Director

Nga DoWomen’s Program Manager

Petra OstermuenchnerProgram Coordinator

Philip SmithFinance Director

Robert TaylorFacilities & Operations Manager

Sharon MillerCEO

Wendy GuzmanFacilities & Operations Associate

Our Staff Our Board

* Denotes Executive Committee member** Denotes Renaissance graduate

Special Thanks to Our Volunteers for making reSource posible

Alison DavisManaging PartnerFifth Era

Feleciai Favroth**President & CEOSkincare by Feleciai

Lynn FernandezSenior Vice PresidentRetail Bank AdministrationComerica Bank

Neal Gottlieb**Founding TwinThree Twins Ice Cream

Ashley GrechArea Manager - San Fran-cisco & North PeninsulaJP Morgan Chase Business Banking

Roland PanTechnology Executive

Laura ThompsonPrincipalThompson Concepts Group

Feliciano Zavala**Founder & OwnerPeninsula Party Rentals

BAYVIEW

Ericka GreenProgram Coordinator

Keith ScottNew Sector Alliance Fellow

Kismeth HarrisProgram Assistant

Marcus TarttCenter Director

Yamilet GonzalezProgram Coordinator

MID-PENISULA

Crystal RasmussenProgram Coordinator

Jaime CaudilloProgram Assistant

Luis VizcardoProgram Coordinator

Timothy RussellProgram Director

Richmond

Bret SweetProgram Manager

Lucero deLeonProgram Coordinator

Terry McGlone Designer

Renaissance Soma

275 5th Street San Francisco, CA 94103

(415) 541-8580

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

Renaissance Bayview

India Basin Plaza 1325-B Evans Avenue

San Francisco, CA 94124 (415) 647-3728

Renaissance has helped over 10,000 Bay Area businesses.

We can help you too!Visit RenCenter.org