MEDA is excited to host the first Spanish / English Bilingual Small Business Fair, this community event is part of San Francisco's Small Business Week, a week dedicated to celebrating, valuing, recognizing, and supporting small businesses and the entrepreneurs who operate them. This fair is the only bilingual event during the week reflecting MEDA's commitment to serve the Mission / Bernal / Excelsior neighborhoods and their hundreds of Spanish speaking merchants and future business owners.
The event includes 4 workshops on the following topics:
1. How to use techonology to promote and grow your business
2. How and where to access business loans
3. Legal aspects for your business
. Is your commercial lease expiring?
. Do you need assistance to negotiate a commercial lease?
4. Best practices for Family Child Care businesses
This small business fair is intended to provide networking opportunities, access to capital, technology and legal know hows for business people of all levels, in both English & Spanish.
Location(s):
Glen Park’s coffee shops, markets, and boutiques give the neighborhood a village in a City feeling. Off the beaten past, but easily accessible by public transportation, Glen Park is a great neighborhood to experience and explore. Shopping corridors are Chennery and Bosworth
Location(s): Haight Street from Central to Stanyan
The Haight Ashbury Merchants Association (HAMA) was established to build merchant cooperation, promote, improve, market, advertise, and beautify the Haight Ashbury shopping district and visitor experience. Our organization seeks to create a vibrant community and a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. Annually, we have sponsored the holiday lights on the trees along Haight street. Our members have drafted and approved a plan to revitalize the street.Location(s): Mission Street from Cesar Chavez to Randall Street
We are a San Francisco-based group dedicated to serving the Mission Street corridor from Cesar Chavez to Randall.Location(s): Irving Street between 19th Avenue and 27th Avenue
The Outer Sunset Merchants Association promotes and advocates for small independent businesses in the Outer Sunset Neighborhood.Location(s): Polk Street from Filbert Street to California Street
The Polk District Merchants Association represents a mix of retail, locally-owned restaurants, bars and music, cafes, and specialty stores on Polk Street. Our mission is to promote and advocate for our member businesses while actively working to support the local community. From Practical to Personal, find yourself on Polk!Location(s): Sacramento Street between Spruce and Broderick
The Sacramento Street shopping and business district is located between two beautiful neighborhoods – Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights. Formerly known for its exclusive antiques shops the street has changed over recent years. There is a new fresh selection of small, local businesses worth discovering! Check the shop directory on our website for stores and websites.Location(s):
Location(s): Valencia Street between Market Street and Mission Street
The VCMA is a member-operated neighborhood association including merchants in and around the Valencia Corridor. Our mission is to cultivate and beautify the corridor for the benefit of visitors, residents and merchants. Additionally, we endeavor to combine our voices and views toward the goal of maintaining the unique identity and independent spirit of the neighborhood. We’d love to have you join us.Noe Valley boasts some of the best weather in San Francisco. Located in the “Heart” of the City, up from the Mission, and over the hill from the Castro, this hidden gem attracts and urban crowd looking for music; fresh foods at its farmer’s market; coffee at one of its many parklets; a plethora of ethnic foods and funky bars; and exploring a variety of trendy shops.
This Event is Sold Out - no tickets will be available at the door.
The Gala kick-off to San Francisco Small Business Week will once again bring together more than 1,200 Small Business Owners and Community members to celebrate Small Business in San Francisco. Mingle and connect with 70 Small Business resources.
Join the festivities at Flavors of San Francisco for a fun filled celebration at the Cityview at Metreon! Meet and mingle with a variety of small business owners and community leaders. Connect with dozens of business resources. Savor and sample food from San Francisco’s local restaurants, bars and food entreprenuers.
Sponsored by the Office of Small Business
Hear from successful Asian business owners and entrepreneurs on how they started and grew their own successful businesses. Meet and mingle with other business owners, community leaders and lenders at the networking reception to follow.
Agenda
5:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Registration
6:00 pm to 6:10 pm
Tong Qin, SBA Asian American and Pacific Island Outreach Director Welcome Address and Introduction of Keynote Speakers
6:10 pm to 6:20 pm
Keynote Speaker Carmen Chu, Assessor – Recorder for the City and County of San Francisco
6:20 pm to 6:30 pm
Keynote Speaker Tim Chen, NerdWallet CEO
6:30 pm to 6:40 pm
Keynote Speaker Sarah Ching-Ting Wan, Executive Director for Community Youth Center of San Francisco & San Francisco Asian Pacific Islander Council Representative
6:40 pm to 7:40 pm
Panel Discussion – Moderator Yvonne Lee, Region IV Advocate of SBA
Panelists:
Tom Yeh, Successful Entrepreneur, SBDC Advisor
Darius Mahajer, Main Street Launch
Cindy Yang– NerdWallet, Social Media and Your Business
Koji Kanematsu, owner of ONIGILLY, LLC
Francis Chan, Project Manager, Jobs Squad, City of San Francisco
7:40 pm to 7:45 pm
Introduction of resource partners and closing remarks.
7:45 pm to 8:30 pm
Networking Sponsored by East West Bank
Join a group of Latino entrepreneurs in conversation with LAM. Listen to their success stories, their journeys and find out how they have dramatically reshaped the business landscape through their innovative ideas. This is a must attend event for anyone interested in hearing from the nation’s leading Latino business leaders.
Agenda
6:00 – 7:00 PM – Networking
7:00 – 8:30 PM – Panel discussion with Q&A
8:30 – 9:00 PM – Networking
LAM Network is a multi-platform network connecting Latino professionals online and in person. Through a social media network and inspiring events, LAM creates strong and dynamic opportunities for like-minded individuals to foster valuable relationships. LAM is an exclusive community of influencers, highly educated, newly affluent, and urban Latinos engaging and interacting in social, educational and political advocacy activities. For more information, visit http://www.lam-network.com
San Francisco Small Business Week is a partnership formed to honor and support the more than 85,000 thousand small businesses and entrepreneurs that call San Francisco home. As part of National Small Business Week, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of small business owners by offering a series of educational and networking events designed to inspire, educate and connect the members of our business community. For more information, visit http://www.sfsmallbusinessweek.com
Impact Hub provides community, space & events for people taking collaborative action for a better world. You can learn more about Impact Hub at http://www.ImpactHUBBayArea.com
Partnering OrganizationQueSee is a Social Learning Platform for Latinos. Its platform allows a community of users to aggregate, contextualize and learn from collective experiences. QueSee is currently creating “Pathways”, which are interactive visual representations of an individual’s educational and professional experiences. QueSee enables Latinos to discover, discuss and share solutions important to them and to the community. We believe that together we can harness the information and guidance to reach our full potential. Visit us at http://QueSee.co
Access to Capital (in Mandarin) 商業貸款
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Finance
An introductory course to provide small business entrepreneurs and those who are planning to start a business with information on where and how to obtain small business financing.
Class Outline & Objectives: Getting Ready for Financing, Types of Financing, Lending Criteria, Importance of Business Planning, Documents Required.
入门课程,提供業主和準備創業者在哪里和如何获得小企业融资创业。 課程大綱和目標: 貸款前必要的準備, 貸款類型, 貸款基本要求, 企業計畫書, 貸款所需文件。
Time: Thursday May 26, 2016
五月二十六日,星期四,二零一六年 9:00am to 10:30am
Address 地址: City College, North Beach/Chinatown Campus 808 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA 94108
如果有需要也可以电话报名,请联系Ginny De Shu (苏嘉丽) (415) 744-8484 or Tong Qin (秦彤) (415) 744-8475
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Crowdfunding Marketing Basics
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Marketing
Need funding to bring your project or product idea to life? Thinking of using one of the crowdfunding options now available online? This program will give you a high-level overview of the crowdfunding process and how to market your product or project in order to raise funds. You will learn the basics of crowdfunding, so you can determine whether this process is a fit for your product/project, how to determine if your product/project idea qualifies for crowdfunding in order to make the best use of your time and effort, what promotional components are used to tell both your story and the story of your product/project for crowdfunding, why you need to choose the most relevant social media tools to ensure you reach your prospective backers, and what next steps you can take to learn more about running a successful crowdfunding campaign.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Empowering Women! Lessons Learned from Female Business Owners
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Business
With all the advancements for women in business over the last several decades we have much to celebrate but we also have a long road ahead. The empowerment of women in business is critical to the success of the overall economic fabric of our communities. This workshop will provide you with critical information you can put to use in your business endeavors immediately following the session. Lead by two of San Francisco's most admired business women, Gwen Kaplan and Emily Wirowek, they will share 'real-world' challenges and 'real-life' solutions to propel your business forward. It's time to Take Authority, Build Community and Enable Success!
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Grow Your Business Online
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Marketing
This workshop will cover how to be found on Google, how to get insights from Google products, and how to be more productive with Google tools. Learn about search engine marketing, tips for promoting your website in a multi-screen world, why tracking matters, and how Google Analytics and Google Apps can help your business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Growth Capital for your Business Expansion
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Finance
A panel of experts representing SBA, an SBA Community Advantage lender, a national bank, and a community bank, will discuss financing options, what lenders are looking for, credit requirements, and the importance of a relationship with a financial institution. Eligibility guidelines and loan application procedures will also be covered.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
How Your Business Can Save Money by Going Green
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Business
Did you know that the City has great resources to help your bottom line through environmental conservation? Come learn about incentives to save energy, water, and waste that will also help you save money. The SF Department of Environment has many great programs and resources you can take advantage of including the SF Green Business Program, and we can connect you with our partners at Recology, PG&E Energy Watch, and SF Public Utilities Commission to help you save money.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Navigating Shipping Costs: Finding the Right Mix for Your Business
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Business
Whether you’re an online seller or a brick-and-mortar retailer, if you’re shipping goods to consumers and don’t know how and when to choose the most affordable shipping carriers for your business, you could be losing money.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Restaurant Resources - Alternative Staffing Solutions for your Restaurant
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Staffing
Trouble finding and keeping staff for your restaurant? So is every other restaurant in the city, but there are alternatives to Craigslist. Come hear directly from a diverse group of organizations and programs helping restaurants keep up with their staffing needs.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Retail Innovation Trends To Drive Profit
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Business
Retailers in San Francisco are dealing with a rapidly changing landscape as a result of low unemployment, new laws, and evolving demographics. This workshop will include innovators in the retail sector to discuss trends and solutions for small businesses to adapt with the times and increase profit. Comprehensively learn about products and tools to build your brand, drive people in the door, battle the staffing crisis, and track customer/inventory activity on a limited budget. Topics discussed will include retail staffing solutions, social media marketing, staff training, store experience, and POS systems.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
The Visual Business Plan
Session 1: 9:00am - 10:30am
Category: Business
The Business Model Canvas is a strategic management tool and the basis of the Lean Startup approach to entrepreneurship. In this workshop, you will be introduced to this tool and have an opportunity to work in small groups to outline a business idea using the canvas. The canvas, typically used with sticky notes, allows you to describe, design, challenge, invent, and alter your business model as you gather information about your business through primary market research.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Who's Your Jenny? How to Identify Your Target Market
Session 1: 9:00pm - 10:30pm
Category: Marketing
Essentials of Small Business Bookkeeping
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Finance
Running a business without a clear financial picture is complicated. Come to this workshop to learn and understand the importance and purpose of bookkeeping, budgeting and financial reports, as well as accounting and bookkeeping terminology. Topics include budgeting, proper accounting data flow processes, cash vs. accrual accounting, different financial reports, statement of cash flows, and more.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Expanding Company and Employee Benefits
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Business
Learn how to provide employees of your company with choice, value and convenience to help them reach their financial goals. Provide your employees with a benefits package that helps with retention and provides you with reduced payroll costs and tools for recruitment.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Expanding Company and Employee Benefits
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Business
Learn how to provide employees of your company with choice, value and convenience to help them reach their financial goals. Provide your employees with a benefits package that helps with retention and provides you with reduced payroll costs and tools for recruitment.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Four Steps to the Perfect Logo
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Marketing
Customers learn a lot about your company in just a few precious seconds—all by seeing your logo. A great logo quickly reveals important information like your industry, personality, and what makes you different. If you’re preparing to get a logo, that might sound intimidating. But it doesn’t have to be. In this workshop you’ll get to know the four fundamental steps to follow for achieving a memorable logo. You can use those steps to assist you in the logo design process and get to a great outcome for your business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Franchising Basics: What You Should Know to Consider a Franchise
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Business
Getting Certified for Contracting: Will it work for you?
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Procurement
The public sector, utilities, and corporations all have different ways of certifying small businesses to diversify their supplier base. How can you take advantage of these opportunities to grow your business? Certification is just the first step. Learn all the steps to getting deals with this panel representing the city of San Francisco, the state of California, California’s public utilities, and the Western Region Minority Supplier Development Council.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
How to Start a Business in San Francisco (In Cantonese)
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Business
In this informative class you will hear about rules, regulations, and important considerations for starting a business in San Francisco. You will also receive information on city programs and resources, including small business loans, tax credits and incentives, and technical assistance providers. 在課程中,你会听到有关在旧金山开办企业的法规,规章和應該考慮的因素。您也将學到城市规划和资源,包括小企业贷款,税收优惠和鼓励政策,以及為創業者提供的技术援助。 Learn how to 在課程中可學到怎樣 register your business 註冊公司 , file a fictitious business name 註冊公司名字, and obtain other permits and licenses. 獲得其他的許可證和執照
如果有需要也可以电话报名,请联系Ginny De Shu (苏嘉丽) (415) 744-8484 or Tong Qin (秦彤) (415) 744-8475
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
How to Start a Mobile Food Venture
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Business
This workshop will provide the nuts and bolts of how to start a mobile food business in San Francisco. Whether you want to operate a pushcart or mobile truck, you will hear from an industry expert and City Representative on what you need to know about Mobile Food Permitting in San Francisco and the Mobile Food Industry in general, including information on city regulations, what to consider when purchasing a pushcart or truck, other important considerations of the industry, and more.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Social Media: Friend or Foe?
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Marketing
Using social media to promote your business can be a great tool, but it can also cause a lot of headaches. In this workshop you will learn which platform(s) to use and when, posting frequency for efficiency, how to react to negative comments, understanding customer conversions on different platforms, and strategies for keeping up with the latest apps / technology.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Start-up Financing: Alternative Ways to Finance New Businesses
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Finance
Join the SBA for a start-up financing workshop to hear directly from different alternative non-profit lenders about their target small business client, products and more. Lenders will include a Community Advantage lender, a Microlender, and an online lender. You will also hear from small business owner Steve Rubenfaer of Mission de Flores on how he successfully used alternative financing to start and grow his business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Tap Into Opportunity: Resources to Leverage Tourism and Support
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Business
Tap Into Opportunity will provide a variety of resources for local businesses to leverage tourism, access technical support, and engage in the shop local movement. Come learn great tips to access guests who are staying in your neighborhood and to make your neighborhood tourism ready. Discover a wealth of resources provided by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce for your business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Transform Your Business Easily with Accessible Technology
Session 2: 10:50am - 12:20pm
Category: Technology
This workshop will cover all the technologies that you have heard about, but were afraid to ask about. As small business owners, you don't need a big budget to act big. We will review a variety of technologies that are available at no or low cost that can improve your small business’ profitability, and increase your income and efficiency. These tools help small business owners increase sales and customers, streamline their back office, improve management & general efficiency and lower operating costs. We will cover technologies that build and keep track of customers, assist your communications and marketing, help the business look and feel well established to customer prospects, increase your average sale, facilitate transactions and more. Learn: Tools to make elegant, quick, effective websites; how to increase sales by offering cost-effective credit card processing; and how to se social media effectively. This mini-workshop is a sample of our Small Business Tech Training program to begin in the summer of 2016.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Building the Perfect Elevator Pitch
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Marketing
The ability to concisely and meaningfully articulate what your organization stands for and what the value is to a prospect is one of the most important elements of a brand's development. For over 30 years, Gumas has been helping Challenger Brands build clear, focused Elevator Pitches that serve as the base customer-facing language for companies in all industries. This hands-on, interactive workshop will provide you with the simple tools you need to message your business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Commercial Real Estate: Buying a home for your Business
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Finance
Join a panel of SBA commercial real estate financing experts, a commercial real estate broker and a small business owner who has successfully taken advantage of the SBA 504 loan program to grow his business.
This free workshop is for small business owners, potential borrowers, real estate agents, commercial real estate brokers, financial planners, accountants, attorneys, architects, and anyone who wants to know more about commercial real estate ownership.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Doing Business at San Francisco International Airport
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Procurement
The purpose of this workshop is to inform small businesses of the types of opportunities at airports - construction, concessions, professional services, goods and supplies - with a focus on SFO opportunities. Key differences in accessing and operating businesses at SFO vs. non-airport business environments will be detailed. Tips and strategies for networking and bidding on opportunities will also be shared.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Fearless Digital Marketing: Driving Leads to Small Businesses
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Marketing
Fear. It can be a crippling thing. And not taking advantage of digital marketing for your business because of fear? Catastrophic. In today’s technology-driven world, a business needs an online presence & foundation, simple as that. But you can’t stop there. What good is that website that’s never found, or those online reviews that are never read? Unfortunately, advertising isn’t like “Field of Dreams- Build it & they will come". It takes knowing which tools & resources are available to actually get you those clients.
How many times have you “tried” advertising & felt like you didn’t get a return on your investment? How much time did you spend on it? Did you do it yourself? What did you do? Did it work? How do you know for sure? At first glance, driving leads to your business seams easy, right? It’s actually a very complex task. First you have to have a solid digital presence to actually send “leads” to. But let’s stop there- what is a lead? Is it a bunch of clicks or impressions to a website? Or, the “intent” of a search online? No. A lead, is a desired, actionable effort, like a phone call or an email, directly from your target market. But in order for that phone call or email to “convert” into a paying customer, you have to be able to quickly capture & keep their attention, & give them a reason to partner with you.
In this workshop, you will learn about digital marketing & lead-driving advertising that will not only help you increase your business revenue month-over-month, but when done properly, give you a return on your business investment. More importantly, your business needs to be found by the kind of people you want to do business with, in the areas you want the business from, & through avenues where your target market is looking, to try & find you. The clock is ticking, get your phone ringing today!
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
How to Make a Living Making Food
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Business
How To Negotiate Change
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Individual Development
This workshop will address the obstacles to change, which include; what to expect in the process, guidelines to change, the step by step process, the roles needed, how to lead the change, and how to solidify the change when made. At the end of the workshop attendee's will take their own template for change with them and apply the strategies to their own business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Networking 101: Mix With Confidence and Ease at Business Networking Events
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Individual Development
So many people stop themselves from going to a mixer. Others go and feel awkward so they never go again. This workshop is designed to empower you to go to a networking event, and to practice a few simple yet effective techniques to make it a positive and profitable experience. In this workshop, you will learn how to get more clients by overcoming the mix of resistance and fear, how to be prepared and at ease before & during a networking event, gain networking skills & strategies, learn how to convert a stranger into a warm lead, how to follow up after an event for real results, and simple yet powerful techniques plus tools to remember them on the spot.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Private Business, Public Purpose: Doing Well By Doing Good for Your Small Business
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Business
Community Engagement feels good, but it’s also smart business. Learn how some thriving local businesses have made community involvement a key part of their marketing strategy and business development. In this workshop you will hear how local small businesses, like Cole Hardware and Sports Basement, have used community engagement to achieve their goals through being part of the community. Learn about how they activate these programs and partnerships, and the balancing act that comes with doing good in the community and doing well for your business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
The Art of Storytelling: Better Marketing for Your Small Business
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Marketing
Our brains are wired to remember stories. They are the best tool we have to inspire employees, create loyal customers, and engage evangelists. In this workshop, you will learn how to become stronger, more resourceful and more powerful than you ever thought possible using your past experiences to develop something no one can recreate: the story of you and your business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Using Contracts to Protect Small Business and Personal Assets from Unforeseen Threats
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Category: Business
How to Generate New Business Using Video
Session 3: 1:30pm - 3:30pm
Category: Marketing
A marketing video is the new “killer” & most important marketing tool in your back pocket, but how do you use it to generate leads? In this workshop, you will learn the 3 key video production methodologies that take advantage of your strengths (even if you’ve never been in front of a camera before), the 12 types of video you can easily create to get prospects to know, like and trust you, and how to use SEO to get your video to show up on Google. After attending this talk, you’ll have the necessary knowledge on how to use a killer marketing video to generate more leads for your business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
B2B Lead Generation - Jumpstart Your Business
Session 4: 3:20pm - 4:50pm
Category: Marketing
The San Francisco Business Times is a great resource to grow your business. In this workshop we will cover three dynamic topics. Online business resources; find out how to navigate the internet & media websites to find email addresses, phone numbers and directly connect with local business leaders. List databases; learn how to search for and find business list databases and tools to drive better sales leads. Print media; learn basics and best practices for leveraging the print media for pre-call research and to build relationships to uncover business opportunities. You'll leave the session with tangible tools to grow your business, advance your career, and simplify your professional life.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Founders Stories: Equator Coffee & Tea, Three Twins Ice Cream, & Goorin Bros.
Session 4: 3:20pm - 4:50pm
Category: Individual Development
Being a small business owner is more of a journey than a job. In this session you will hear from three successful entrepreneurs about their journey, lessons learned, and what it has taken for them to reach their level of success today. Each speaker will be in discussion with moderator Mark Dwight, Founder and CEO of Rickshaw Bagworks, for 15 minutes, followed up by 10 minutes of Q&A with the audience. We’re excited to present the stories of Neal Gottlieb, Founder of Three Twins Ice Cream; Ben Goorin, CEO & President of Goorin Bros.; and Helen Russell, Co-founder & CEO of Equator Coffees & Tea and the 2016 California Small Business of the Year!
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Get Known Everywhere
Session 4: 3:20pm - 4:50pm
Category: Marketing
How to Make a Living Making Beer
Session 4: 3:20pm - 4:50pm
Category: Business
Breweries are launching in neighborhoods throughout San Francisco as part of a growing craft movement, one offering experiences and products every bit as unique as the communities they serve. And as any craft brewer will tell you, designing, building and operating a successful brewery requires as much if not more business savvy and regulatory diligence as it does brewing experience. From choosing the right business model to the nuts and bolts of setting up shop, find out, first hand, from the people who know what it takes. Join local brewery owners and members of the San Francisco Brewers Guild as they highlight the issues and share personal experiences of how they turned their passion for brewing into a business.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Influential Selling: How to Turn Connections Into Revenue
Session 4: 3:20pm - 4:50pm
Category: Individual Development
Innovation in Payment Processing (EMV and Mobile Payments) and What It means for your Business
Session 4: 3:20pm - 4:50pm
Category: Finance
Customers are embracing a wave of new, technology-driven payment options. Business owners are adapting rapidly to the latest trends. With so much available, how can you know what’s right for your business – today and in the future? Learn how to make sense of the changing payment landscape with the EMV chip and mobile payments.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
Managing Your Most Important Asset: Online Reputation & Digital Presence
Session 4: 3:20pm - 4:50pm
Category: Marketing
As a business owner, you have a million things to think about every single day. But, ask yourself these two questions: Does my business receive referrals? Do I rely on “word-of-mouth” for business growth?
If the answer is yes, then pay attention! At some point, you might have asked yourself the following: Is online reputation really that important? Does my digital presence really matter? Do I really need advertising? Simply, the answer is YES. Reputation management is the practice of attempting to shape public perception of your business by influencing online information. This is important because your potential new customers are going online to validate what they might already know about you and your business as a whole. If they refer their friend to your business, but that friend can’t find you, or, can’t find anything consistent about you, they’ll likely turn to someone else.
Knowing that most of your target audience is looking online, whether it be desktop or mobile, it’s imperative that you’re not only found, but in the best light possible. Part of having an “online reputation” consists of having a solid digital presence, which includes a website. Consider it this way: Would you do business with someone who didn’t have a website or a good online reputation in 2016? Probably not. Because technology has evolved over the last 5-7 years, consumers are turning to things such as social media, review sites, local directories and search engines to try & find your website & business information. Only, they don’t know your name yet. Do something today that your future business self will thank you for: Get online & Get Found! The time is now!
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
The Future of Video Marketing
Session 4: 3:20pm - 4:50pm
Category: Marketing
Did you know the average consumer watches over 5 1/2 hours of video content every day? Did you know that you can advertise on television in San Francisco for as little as fifty cents a commercial?
It’s proven that the most effective and engaging medium to connect with your customer is through video. Attend this workshop to learn how to create a video strategy for your business in 5 easy steps, how to create video content for your business to use on your website and learn about the 15 secrets to creating great creative to make your business stand out in today's competitive landscape. You don't want to miss this workshop!
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
What do Lenders look For
Session 4: 3:20pm - 4:50pm
Category: Finance
Lenders obviously look at credit scores, but what else do they look for in a small business owner? Every lender defines the 5 C’s of credit a little differently. Come hear from three different lenders about what they’re looking for. Also on the panel is SBDC, a resource to entrepreneurs offering free one-on-one counseling on gaining access to capital.
All programs are extended to the public on a nondiscriminatory basis. Reasonable arrangements for persons with disabilities will be made, if requested at least 2 weeks in advance. For more information, contact info@sfsmallbusinessweek.com.
As we prepare to remember heroes lost and the significance of Memorial Day, we want to provide those who have worn our nation's uniform with significant assistance in their business pursuits. We have assembled the leading experts in federal, state and local government agencies along with their peers from major corporations.
This will be a door opening, best pracice learning, extreme networking experience. Three hours on a Friday morning can be a game changer for you and yours in the competitive world of entrepreneurism.
This event is targeted to veterans but all small businesses are welcome to attend.
Location(s):
Location(s): Geary Blvd from Masonic to 32nd Avenue
Geary Boulevard has had a rich history of service to the people of San Francisco and particularly the Richmond District. There are hundreds of merchants spanning from Van Ness to the Ocean ready to serve you here. So whether you are looking for a place to dine or a place to buy a dining room table you can find it on Geary Blvd.Location(s): Haight Street from Central to Stanyan
The Haight Ashbury Merchants Association (HAMA) was established to build merchant cooperation, promote, improve, market, advertise, and beautify the Haight Ashbury shopping district and visitor experience. Our organization seeks to create a vibrant community and a welcoming place for residents and visitors alike. Annually, we have sponsored the holiday lights on the trees along Haight street. Our members have drafted and approved a plan to revitalize the street.Location(s): Mission Street from Cesar Chavez to Randall Street
We are a San Francisco-based group dedicated to serving the Mission Street corridor from Cesar Chavez to Randall.Location(s):
Location(s): Polk Street from Filbert Street to California Street
The Polk District Merchants Association represents a mix of retail, locally-owned restaurants, bars and music, cafes, and specialty stores on Polk Street. Our mission is to promote and advocate for our member businesses while actively working to support the local community. From Practical to Personal, find yourself on Polk!Location(s):
Location(s): Sacramento Street between Spruce and Broderick
The Sacramento Street shopping and business district is located between two beautiful neighborhoods – Pacific Heights and Presidio Heights. Formerly known for its exclusive antiques shops the street has changed over recent years. There is a new fresh selection of small, local businesses worth discovering! Check the shop directory on our website for stores and websites.Noe Valley boasts some of the best weather in San Francisco. Located in the “Heart” of the City, up from the Mission, and over the hill from the Castro, this hidden gem attracts and urban crowd looking for music; fresh foods at its farmer’s market; coffee at one of its many parklets; a plethora of ethnic foods and funky bars; and exploring a variety of trendy shops.