Celebrate the accomplishments of our city's merchants associations.
Toast, mix, and mingle while enjoying tasty bites and learning what merchants associations do, why business owners join, and how you can benefit.
Event hosted by:
Fisherman's Wharf, Marina, North Beach, Polk Street, and Union Street Merchants.
For additional information visit: http://prolocal-sf.com/Events
Join us as we bring together leaders from the small business, government, consumer and high-tech communities to raise awareness for #smallbiz across the nation. We'll also share exclusive content to help you learn how social media can be integrated into marketing strategies to help drive your business growth.
This event takes place at Twitter HQ in San Francisco, CA - you must be able to be in-person at Twitter HQ on 5/12 in order to register for this event.
Your registration is not complete until you receive a confirmation email. Due to the limited space, we cannot accommodate +1 guests. There is no cost to attend this event.
Location:
Twitter HQTime:
Monday, May 12, 2014 from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM (PDT)Flavors of San Francisco
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Square SF
1455 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Eat, drink and connect at Flavors of San Francisco - San Francisco Small Business Week’s kick-off event!
Start off San Francisco Small Business Week 2014 with a bang on Monday night, May 12, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00pm. Join the festivities at Flavors of San Francisco for a fun filled celebration at Square SF! 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.
This is a great opportunity to connect with leaders from across the small business community while an abundance of restaurants, catering companies and bars will serve food and drink to liven up the conversation. Below are the featured restaurants, catering companies and beverage companies for Flavors of San Francisco:
Here's what past attendees said:
"My business was absolutely improved from this experience. How you ask? Contacts! I met people that are incredible vendors, potential business partners, mentors and resources to tap into as I grow."
"This is a great networking and learning event for entrepreneurs from all industries. Thank you for all your hard work and sponsorship in making San Francisco a very attractive place for innovation."
"I have gotten over $2,000 in business directly attributed to networking at your event. It was an excellent venue."
"Flavors of SF is a wonderful event and I'll be sure to attend it again next year!"
"Until this event, I was not aware that there are so many organizations that would help people who want to start a business."
Please note that we will be charging a $20 admission fee for entrance to Flavors of San Francisco this year. This low entrance fee is needed to keep up with the growth of the event and to continue to keep it as the leading small business networking event of the year.
This event sells out - buy your tickets now!
There will be NO onsite registration and tickets will be mandatory at the door.
Discount codes do not guarantee you a ticket to the event. You must still register in advance.
San Francisco Small Business Week does not offer refunds for Flavors of San Francisco ticket purchases. Your ticket sale goes to support the free events we host during San Francisco Small Business Week.
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.
In this informative San Francisco Small Business Week presentation, you will hear directly from the San Francisco Office of Small Business on rules, regulations, and important considerations for starting a business in San Francisco. Learn how to register your business, file a fictitious business name, and obtain other permits and licenses. You will also receive information on city programs and resources, including small business loans, tax credits and incentives, and technical assistance providers.
Who's Your Jenny? How to identify your target market.
10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Identifying your ideal target market may be the most vital task for every small business owner, because it enables you to craft a precise marketing plan that gets results. However, new business owners are often afraid to eliminate anyone as a potential target. Using interactive exercises and examples like Old Navy's fictional, typical customer, “Jenny,” Ken Stram and Kristy Lin Billuni will teach small business owners how to paint a clear and specific picture of their ideal customer. Arriving at a clearly defined target audience will help you: choose the most appropriate messages, tactics, and brand images; make decisions about how to spend your limited marketing budget; and
grow the business of your dreams. This lively workshop will include exercises and group activities, and helpful handouts and worksheets will be provided.
12 BIG Mistakes Small Employers Make
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
This workshop covers the highlights of common mistakes small employers make which can get them in hot water with either the state or expose them to expensive litigation. Topics to be covered include employee misclassification, wage and hour law, employee handbooks, injury illness prevention plans, vacation policies, reasonable accommodation, leaves of absence, San Francisco’s new Family Friendly ordinance, workers’ compensation and much more.
TED-Style Talks
Join us for six impactful, tac(tical)-talks to inspire and educate. During these talks you will hear from small business community leaders who have a unique insight on what it takes to run a successful small business through personal struggles and triumphs. Each 90 minute session will showcase 5, hand selected, unique speakers.
Resilience/Communication/Branding
Lenore Estrada, Co-Founder, Three Babes Bakeshop, www.Threebabesbakeshop.com
Description: Rather than chasing trends (and ending up with a generic brand), draw on your own values to build a unique and meaningful brand. Then, use Lean Startup methodology to make thoughtful, strategic choices and bring your business to market.
Biography: Lenore Estrada is the co-owner, along with Anna Derivi-Castellanos, of Three Babes Bakeshop, a pie business committed to promoting organic farming methods and American manufacturing. Lenore has a BA in History from Yale University and has worked for Google, The Blackstone Group, Chevron Energy Solutions and as a luxury wedding planner in Manhattan. She is also a cancer survivor and an advocate for community-minded action. Find Three Babes on Saturdays at the Ferry Plaza Farmer's Market.
Cashless Small Business Restaurant
David Silverglide - CEO Split Bread Company/Mixt greens
Title: Cashless Small Business Restaurant
Description: While ‘cash only’ is a familiar refrain within many small businesses, ‘cards only’ is a far less common phenomenon. David Silverglide, co-founder of the Mixt Greens chain, explains why he and his partner made the decision to be a cashless business and the impact it has at their Split Bread restaurant.
Biography: Andrew Swallow and David Silverglide successfully built Mixt Greens to 8 units in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles before deciding to turn their sights on revolutionizing sandwiches the same way that Mixt Greens revolutionized salads. Their management company, Good Food Guys is incredibly passionate about bringing great food to as many people as possible and operates both Mixt Greens and Split Bread.
Show Me the Money!
Kendra Weinisch, Customer Relationship Manager, PG&E
Description: PG&E Energy Efficiency Specialist Kendra Weinisch takes 10 minutes to show you five things that can save you money on your energy bill today.
Biography: Kendra Weinisch began in residential energy efficiency but has since transitioned to the commercial sector. She assists some of PG&E’s largest commercial customers with their energy-related needs, focusing primarily on reducing customers' energy costs through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and integrated demand side management strategies and technologies. She has spoken on energy efficiency at numerous events and considers herself lucky to be at the forefront of the marriage of technology and environmentalism.
Personal Development
Lisbeth "Lis" McKinley, M.A., CPO®, LET'S MAKE ROOM, Letsmakeroom.com
Description: An engaging introduction to the one-word system that will change the way you think about paper and inspire you towards your own compelling vision of organization.
Biography: Lisbeth "Lis" McKinley is a certified professional organizer specializing in residential organizing and move management. Lis and her team at LET'S MAKE ROOM, manage the logistical details of organizing their clients homes as well as preparing them to move in, move out, sell or remodel. Lis, who received her training as a family therapist also advises clients on issues related to personal productivity, time management and how to ensure a safe, fair and minimally stressful move. Lis, a native of New York City, lives in Oakland, California with her husband, Mason, a special education teacher.
Social Story Telling for SMB
Mike Wolpert, Founder, Social Jumpstart, Socialjumpstart.com
Description: How to tell your business stories so that your customers love you and new prospects flock to you. Turning social media into marketing that works.
Biography: Mike Wolpert is founder and CEO of Soci@l Jumpstart, the Social Marketing Consultancy that advises brilliant entrepreneurs and small businesses on creating a space for their brands to live and breathe on the online and thrive with social media. Mike’s 20 years of experience as a marketing expert and media sales trainer gives the company a clear focus on the sharing of big ideas and the telling of great marketing stories.
What's the greatest ROI?
Teresa Goines, Founder/CEO, Old Skool Café, Oldskoolcafe.org
Description: We are made to be connected. Staying connected to our passion ignites life within us that produces vision and tenacity that are keys to a successful business.
Biography: Teresa Goines has a singular goal that has defined her success as a freedom fighter for at risk youth. She feeds dreams and starves self-doubt and condemnation for her kids that often spins out of the destructive cycles in economically disadvantaged areas. Her work as Founder and CEO of Old Skool Café has captured the heart of San Francisco and altered the destiny of the youth by inspiring them to run this innovative supper club, Old Skool Cafe.
Energy Efficiency for Businesses
Kendra Weinisch, Customer Relationship manager, PG&E
Teresa Goines, Founder/CEO, Old Skool Café, Oldskoolcafe.org
Description: PG&E Energy Efficiency Specialist Kendra Weinisch takes 10 minutes to show you five things that can save you money on your energy bill today.
Biography: Kendra Weinisch began in residential energy efficiency but has since transitioned to the commercial sector. She assists some of PG&E’s largest commercial customers with their energy-related needs, focusing primarily on reducing customers' energy costs through energy efficiency, renewable energy, and integrated demand side management strategies and technologies. She has spoken on energy efficiency at numerous events and considers herself lucky to be at the forefront of the marriage of technology and environmentalism.
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 1, 10:00 - 11:45 AM
Emerald Conference Room
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.
Access to Capital for Growth and Expansion
What are the options available for the growth and expansion of your existing small business? Choices include bank loans, SBA-guaranteed loans, 504 Certified Development Company loans for real estate and equipment and other loan programs. We will discuss them all, including their features, qualification requirements, and application processes.
Sponsor: Wells Fargo
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 1, 10:15 - 11:45am
Oregon Conference Room
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 with the City of San Francisco
This panel provides you with basic requirements and steps to help your business get started by contracting with the San Francisco government. Upon completion of this panel you will understand the certification qualifications and application process and it will help you decide if the government marketplace is the right customer for your company. You will learn how to understand the government customer, evaluate the government market and assess your capabilities, how to increase your chances of submitting wining bids, how to make contacts with government.
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 1, 10:00 - 11:45am
Redwood Conference Room
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 Started with Email Marketing in the Social Age
As a small business you're busy, but you also know you need to do some marketing to keep your business growing. That's where email and social marketing and come in! If you're still trying to figure out how to get started with social AND somehow make it work with your email marketing, or just trying to get an email out the door, this is the session for you! Join Education & Training Manager Jill Bastian as she covers some basics on how to get your social media and email marketing working together.
• Email marketing best practices
• A basic overview of social media
• How to integrate email marking with social media
• Ideas to get started
Sponsor: Vertical Response
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 1, 10:15 - 11:45am
Washington Conference Room
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
Does the thought of entering a busy roomful of strangers cause you to feel fear? Is it your goal to meet these new people, to increase your pipeline of business prospects? Are you unsure about how to efficiently sift through the crowd to find your prospects? Do you want better guidance than another elevator speech lecture?
Unearth the reasons many do not go to business mixers, and then - overcome them. Learn a before-mixing checklist that will prepare you and help you feel at ease. Gain new and effective mixing skills and strategies, plus techniques to maximize your follow-up with your newfound prospects.
Sponsor: Comcast Business
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 1, 10:15 - 11:45am
California Conference Room
Sponsor: Xero
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 1, 10:15 - 11:45am
Nevada Conference Room
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.
Small Business: Big Benefits
Having to make a choice between offering an attractive, robust benefits package (which digs into profits) or cutting back on total offerings (and risk losing employees to the competition) leaves many small businesses caught between an rock and a hard place. A growing trend toward voluntary benefits has emerged, providing the perfect solution for small business employers that want to strengthen their existing benefits packages while adding little or no additional cost.
Sponsor: Colonial Life
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 1, 10:15 - 11:45am
Monterey/Carmel Conference Room
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.
Beginning Government and Corporate Sales
What must a small business do to be eligible to sell to local, state and federal government agencies? We will discuss various certifications, getting started processes, common correctable mistakes, and give tips as to organizations that favor opportunities for start-ups. Each panelist will describe their agency or company requirements and the guidelines generally int heir category. There will be particular emphasis on supplier diversity opportunities for women, minority and disabled veteran owned firms. The last 30 minutes will be focused on Q&A.
Powered by Business Matchmaking & Sponsored by HP
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 2, 1:00 - 2:30pm
Redwood Conference Room
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.
Connecting Tourism to Neighborhoods
San Francisco Travel Association encourages visitors to stay longer and return often by encouraging them to explore San Francisco's many diverse neighborhoods. In this workshop we will discuss the impact and importance of tourism and ways to capture this key audience.
Carol Perry has spent over eight years at San Francisco Travel and is responsible for communicating the importance of San Francisco’s tourism industry to key community and travel industry stakeholders. In her role as Director, Stakeholder Engagement, Carol develops programs to ensure positive and productive relationships with neighborhood associations and merchant groups. She staffs the Community Engagement Council, assists in implementing Public Policy initiatives and also oversees the programming and management of SF Travel's Board of Directors.
Sponsor: Recology
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 13, 2014
Session 2, 1:00 - 2:30pm
California Conference Room
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.
Growing Your Business with Content Marketing and an Amazing Website
Joe DeMike, a Google executive and founder of a successful content marketing company, will demonstrate methods that small businesses can use to improve their content marketing performance. The session will include an overview of how a search engine finds and sorts content, how to prepare your content for search engines, and how to design your site and content to increase conversions (sales or leads).
Sponsor: Google
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 2, 1:00 - 2:30pm
Washington Conference Room
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.
Sponsor: Wells Fargo
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 2, 1:00 - 2:30pm
Monterey/ Carmelo Conference Room
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.
Life After Employee #1: What To Know About Hiring, Taxes, and More
If you want to grow your business, you’ll need help. As you bring new people on board, you might feel overwhelmed by the host of legal obligations, liabilities, expenses and, of course, paperwork.
Hiring is important and it should be empowering, not scary! In this workshop we’ll take you through the basics of being a new employer and making sure you’re compliant with key federal and state regulations. Whether you’re just launching your company or you’ve been in business for years, it’s all here—helpful pointers about the hiring process, plus inspiring guidance about how you, your employees, and your business can succeed together.
Sponsor: Zen Payroll
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 2, 1:00 - 2:30pm
Oregon Conference Room
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.
Master Your Finances & Grow Your Business - Anytime, Anywhere
Most SMB’s need and want help from their trusted financial advisors to grow their business. Accountants and CPAs have a wealth of knowledge to offer their clientele, but most often, business owners don’t know enough about their own finances to take advantage of this advice. This workshop will focus on how SMBs can use cloud accounting to form better working relationships with their financial advisor, effectively collaborate, gain in depth insight into their financial health and ultimately make more informed business decisions.
Sponsor: Xero
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 2, 1:00 - 2:30pm
Nevada Conference Room
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.
TED-Style Talks
Join us for five impactful, tac(tical)-talks to inspire and educate. During these talks you will hear from small business community leaders who have a unique insight on what it takes to run a successful small business through personal struggles and triumphs. Each 90 minute session will showcase 5, hand selected, unique speakers.
CSR design, Local Manufacturing
Jen Bennett Schwab, Designer & Founder, Jendarling, Twitter: @jendarling_bags
Description: The idea of why local manufacturing matters and how it can keep costs down and your eyes on quality control saving money in the long run. Serving your audience, why buy local? The educated consumer appreciates and buys Made in USA quality and likes to be a responsible citizen supporting “local.”
Biography: Jen started designing garment bags in 2008 with a passion to create something stylish, yet reusable. Jendarling’s collection encompasses garment bags, shoe bags, totes and pouches and have been featured in numerous press outlets including Treehugger, Entrepreneur, San Francisco Chronicle, Marie Claire, and NBC among others, toting its eco chic qualities. The line of eco-travel bags is sold at Gump’s and specialty boutiques nationwide. Jen holds a master’s from the University of San Francisco Masagung School of Management and a bachelor's in communications.
Mental and Logistical Challenges of Running a Small Business
Helen Todd, Co-founder & CEO, Sociality Squared
Description: The road to success can be bumpy when it comes to running and growing a business. These are six mistakes to avoid to help make your journey a little smoother.
Biography: Helen Todd is a social media marketer and CEO of Sociality Squared, a full service social media agency based in New York City since 2010. Having a WOMMY award and Integrated Marketing Communication Master’s degree under her belt, Helen understands how powerful the social web can be for brands. As a leading Facebook marketing expert, Helen has spoken on the subject across the country including Social Media Week NYC, SXSW V2V, and BlogWorld.
Praying for Competition
Nenna Joiner, Owner, Feelmore Adult Boutique, @Feelmore510 on Twitter/Facebook
Description: A unique understanding on how to embrace competition and turn your business into a preference. By changing your perspective you will decrease any misconceptions about starting your own business in the face of others.
Biography: Nenna used Dreaming, Work, Drive, Focus, and Dedication to start her business, Feelmore Adult Boutique. The Feelmore brand has appeared in over 45+ magazines, periodicals and globally. She is still working towards the original vision by using her film business (2 Feminist Porn Awards), Novelties, and now her first book: ‘Faith, Flesh and Finance’; and soon to come 2nd book, ‘Praying for Competition’, to help secure her future.
Financial Fundamentals for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners
Amy Vetter, Global VP of Education & Enablement, Xero
Description: You may be great at what you do, but does that mean you know how to run a business? Learn about Amy’s journey as a Yoga Studio Owner and how it can help you focus on the right things in your business so you can get back to what you love!
Biography: Amy is accountable for developing and executing the education strategy for Xero worldwide, such as Xero University (XeroU). Her role includes creating global consistency for the creation and management of training programs for Xero’s accounting partners, implementation partners and customers. Prior to Xero, she was the CPA Programs Leader for Intacct Corporation and performed many roles in the accountant professional division with Intuit, Inc. Additionally, Amy has experience running client accounting services practices, whether it be her own company or as a Partner in a CPA firm. She has authored a number of accounting technology reference materials and has been a contributor and a national speaker on financial and technology topics at conferences and universities throughout the United States.
Using Modern Technology to Run Your Small Business
Joshua Reeves, CEO and co-founder of ZenPayroll, @ZenPayroll on Twitter/Facebook
Description: Gone are the days of filling out paper forms by hand, manually transferring data from one system to another, and needing a training manual to understand how software works. Joshua Reeves, CEO and co-founder of ZenPayroll, will explain how small business owners like you can embrace modern, easy-to-use tools to take care of critical tasks — so you can get back to doing what you love.
Biography: Joshua Reeves is the CEO and co-founder of ZenPayroll, a Silicon Valley startup on a mission to deliver delightful, modern payroll to businesses everywhere. Joshua was selected to the 2012 Forbes 30 Under 30 list and is a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Entrepreneur and Business Insider. Joshua holds a BS & MS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, where he was a Mayfield Fellow and a recipient of the Terman Engineering award.
The Nexus of Small Business and Crowd Funding
Premal Shah, President and Co-Founder, Kiva, zip.kiva.org
Description: Access to capital was once one of small businesses biggest hurdles. Now there are many alternatives to funding your business as a whole, a project within your existing business, or opportunities for growth.
Biography: Premal first began dreaming of “internet microfinance” while working at PayPal, the online payments company. In late 2004, Premal took a 3 month leave from PayPal to develop and test the internet microfinance concept in India. When he returned to Silicon Valley, he met other like-minded dreamers and quit his job at PayPal to help bring the Kiva concept to life and eventually to scale. Kiva today raises over $1 million each week for the working poor in +60 countries and was named a Top 50 Website by TIME Magazine. For his work as a social entrepreneur, Premal was named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum and selected to FORTUNE magazine's "Top 40 under 40" list. Premal began his career as a management consultant and graduated from Stanford University.
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 2, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
Emerald Conference Room
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.
Bank Requirements for Business Lending - Early-Stage and Startup Financing
This session is ideal for early-stage and startup businesses seeking financing opportunities. Businesses in the "startup" stage range from pre-revenue to a company with two-to-three years of full-sales history. Learn about the various criterion required to obtain capital, what to consider when applying, and what would make a business owner successful in securing funding.
Sponsor: Bank of the West
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 3, 2:45 - 4:15pm
Oregon Conference Room
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.
Business Law for Entrepreneurs
Yes, you CAN use business law to help you launch your business successfully, strengthen your business growth, and prevent costly legal disputes. This basic business law workshop introduces self-help methods and resources for: business contracts, intellectual property protection, funding agreements, customer agreements, employee and independent contractor agreements, vendor agreements, commercial leases, and legal entity choices. You will also learn how to carefully investigate and choose the right parties to do business with. This class does not constitute legal advice.
Sponsor: Chevron
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 3, 2:45 - 4:15pm
Nevada Conference Room
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.
Established Government and Corproate Sales
How can a company leverage it's experiences and grow with more government and major corporate opportunities? Our experts will detail the mistakes that are made that cost contracts, present and future. Also, we will review "teaming" and "mentor-protege" programs with actual successful case studies. The last 30 minutes will be focused on Q&A.
Powered by Business Matchmaking & Sponsored by HP
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 3, 2:45 - 4:15pm
Redwood Conference Room
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.
Sponsor: US Bank
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 3, 2:45 - 4:15pm
California Conference Room
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.
San Francisco Gross Reciepts Tax Workshop
In 2014, the City will phase in a Gross Receipts Tax and reduce the Payroll Expense Tax over the next five years. The Gross Receipts Tax will only apply to businesses with more than $1 million in annual gross receipts, exempting most small businesses. Business Registration Fees will also change for all businesses
The workshop will include an overview of the new changes and a schedule of tax filings.
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 3, 2:45 - 4:15pm
Monterey/Carmel Conference Room
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.
Tales From the Trenches: The Truth About Running a Small Business
This session will be broken into two parts. Over this session will offer you a glimpse into the lives of several successful small business owners. In the first panel, hear from a group of successful entrepreneurs about what it really takes to run a small business…the good, the bad and the ugly! From startup, to marketing to hiring contractors or employees, benefit from their real experience, as they discuss the true challenges and rewards of being a small business owner in San Francisco. In the second panel, join the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce and executives from three leading Bay Area companies that have taken the leap from small to not-so-small business. Hear insights and advice on how to take the next step and lead your company on a trajectory of growth.
First Panel: 2:45 - 3:30pm
Speakers:
Heidi Gibson | The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen
Heidi Gibson is and entrepreneur, a small business advocate and an experienced Internet product leader. Owner of The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen, a finance instructor at the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and with 5+ years of experience in software/internet startups, currently VP of Product Management at Tanjarine, Heidi has a wide breadth of experience to share. After winning more grilled cheese competitions than anyone else on the planet it seemed obvious that this MIT grad should become a cook and open grilled cheese restaurants! With her first restaurant opening 4 years ago, and a second 1.5 years ago, she is now working on a 3rd location. In addition to her grilled cheese empire she is back to working in software at a restaurant technology startup and splits her time between the two ventures.
Jake Wall, Co-Founder + Chief of Creative Artful Gentleman | Fine Clothing for ALL
secretagents@artfulgentleman.com
artfulgentleman.com -- facebook.com/artfulgentleman
Jake Wall is co-founder and Creative Director of Artful Gentleman. Inspired very simply by the idea that clothing should be designed to suit the individual and not the hanger, Artful Gentleman. offers a highly curated approach to style and mixes classical tradition with a modern touch and defiant spin. Jake, a 2013 ‘Designer In Residence’ at The Fashion Incubator San Francisco at Macy’s Union Square as well as one of 7x7 Magazine’s ‘Hot 20 2013,’ is a UC Berkeley Alum with an MBA and a penchant for good manners. In 2010 Jake had what he seems to affectionately call his very own “eat, pray, love” moment while traveling through Hong Kong and the Southeast Asia. To hear Jake tell it, he is nothing more than a tinkerer and maker who in having a classically tailored bespoke suit made one day got to thinking: What would happen if I never had to settle again? What would happen if one could get equal parts quality, comfort, fit, and style all in one package? That was all the spark Jake needed. Guided by these values, Artful Gentleman. was born. Producing fine made-to-measure suiting, shirting, separates and formalwear, Artful Gentleman. is addressing the fashion needs of all people who value individualism. Translating this into clothing, Jake has worked hard to make a space that champions customization with a process that offers up to 500,000 unique combinations so that no two suits or separates are alike. It is Jake’s personal mission to inspire others to express themselves and their true style through a well-fitted, stylish wardrobe. He is committed to the city’s LGBT community’s fashion sense and is a published author on gender construction, with a focus on gender roles in modern comic books. Artful Gentleman. suits were worn by folk rock band The Lumineers to the 2013 Grammy Awards and have been featured in San Francisco Chronicle, Gastronomique En Vogue, Tantalum Magazine, The Bold Italic, and Bay Area Reporter. Jake was also a feature designer at San Francisco Fashion Week 2012 as well as SFBA Fashion Network presents SNOW 4: an all white fashion experience in 2013. Artful Gentleman was the style curator for the nationwide 2013 “Modern Man: Art of the Suit” event, part of the Chivas Regal “Brotherhood” marketing campaign and “Suit Up for Equality: a benefit for the Human Rights Campaign.”
Brigitta Melendy, Skin City, LLC
skincity323.com
Brigitta Melendy is a native San Franciscan and sole proprietor of Skin City LLC, a well-established urban skin care oasis located on the Divisadero Corridor in San Francisco. She has been working in the skin care industry for 21 years.
Ms. Melendy developed a passion for wellness and furthered her education of cosmetic ingredients, its applications and holistic health practices. Her initial attraction to skin care was to provide information, treatments and a solid home care regimen to correct problem skin. She realized early on that clear skin is directly related to a ‘clean’ diet. She firmly believes that what you eat and think, is ultimately who you are.
Since the founding of Skin City in 1995, her focus has evolved beyond skin care to becoming an advocate for the underserved. As a devoted business owner, she has become a supporter of various businesses in her community and consistently donates to local childcare centers, children’s schools, and battered women’s shelters. Her latest partnerships also include the Shanti Project and the Women’s Oncology Unit at UCSF. Skin City provides pro bono facial services for women diagnosed with cancer and those living with HIV/AIDS.
Ms. Melendy is currently studying to become a holistic nutritional consultant.
Second Panel: 3:30pm - 4:15pm
Moderator: Representative from Bank of America
Jeanine Cotter, President and CEO
Luminalt Solar
Jeanine co-founded Luminalt to bring clean, reliable, local power to the Bay Area and create good jobs. Under her leadership, Luminalt has designed and built more solar systems in San Francisco than any other company. One of few women CEOs in solar, and one of fewer still who holds the company’s contractors license, she is widely considered an industry expert. Jeanine is on the Board of Directors of CALSEIA, California’s solar industry trade organization, serves on the Workforce Investment Board of San Francisco and is on several other national and local committees focused on establishing solar industry standards, renewable energy advocacy, creation of inner city jobs, small business and sustainable business practices. She is committed to creating pathways into solar for people underrepresented in the field and acts accordingly. Jeanine established Luminalt as the first workforce development certified solar company in San Francisco. Her work has earned her recognition from the CA Legislative Assembly, the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, and several nonprofits.
Russell Glass, CEO
Bizo
Russell Glass is the CEO of Bizo, an online B2B marketing platform. Based in San Francisco, he founded Bizo in 2008 and has led the company's growth to over $40 million in annual revenue run rate in five years. Mr. Glass is a serial technology entrepreneur, having founded or held senior positions at four venture-backed technology companies. Prior to Bizo, Mr. Glass led the marketing and product management teams as a senior vice president and general manager at ZoomInfo, a business information search engine, where he honed his B2B marketing skill-set and developed his love for data. In 1999, he founded and led AGEA Corp., an interactive notification software company, until selling it to Avalon Digital Marketing in 2003, where he served as Vice President of Enterprise Solutions. Mr. Glass is a graduate of Duke University.
Eric Canupp, Director of Operations & Special Events
La Costanera Restaurant Group
Having worked in the Hospitality Industry for 20 years and counting, Eric has seen everything.from the Trenches, to the Front Line, and in the War Room. His career path has taken him on an adventure within San Francisco's vibrant restaurant and nightlife scene. He started out managing The Canvas, a café & art gallery space and booked nightly entertainment for the venue as well. He spent time managing San Francisco's most popular pub, The Irish Bank, where he organized The City's largest St. Patrick's Day Festival & Block Party to date. He worked in nightclubs as a General Manager & Talent Director, booking world class entertainment while also doing permit expedition to help new clubs obtain Place of Entertainment permits. He was Director of Operations & Events for the Murad Restaurant group from 2006-2010, with Medjool in San Francisco, Medallion in the South Bay, and Mansion, nightclub in Spain, managing a corporate client portfolio that generated millions of dollars in event sales for the company and even spent time in Spain as the managing partner at Mansion. Since then, Eric has held the position of Director of Operations & Special Events for the La Costanera Restaurant Group, which includes Mochica and Piqueos in San Francisco, 3 Sanguchon food trucks all over the Bay Area, and La Costanera, a two time Michelin Star destination restaurant just outside of San
...The Beginners Guide to Online & Mobile Marketing
The Mobile Web is exploding! iPhones, Androids and other always-online devices are everywhere. Discover what you need to know about this exciting new medium. You’ll learn: The key facets of mobile technology; Mobile web versus desktop web – how it differs and why it matters for business success; Selling with mobile – what sales and direct-response marketing approaches work with the mobile channel; Leveraging mobile with time-tested “offline” print and display advertising; and low cost ways to get started now.
Sponsor: Comcast
Small Business Conference
Holiday Inn Golden Gateway
1500 Van Ness Ave
San Francisco, CA 94109
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Session 3, 2:45 - 4:15pm
Washington Conference Room
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.
Celebrate the accomplishments of our city's merchants associations.
Toast, mix, and mingle while enjoying tasty bites and learning what merchants associations do, why business owners join, and how you can benefit.
Event Hosted by:
Bayview, Potrero Dogpatch, SOMA, and South Beach Mission Bay Merchants Associations
Creating and Using Your “Elevator Pitch”
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
All entrepreneurs need to have a clear and engaging elevator pitch. Volunteer Instructor, Julie Bennett, JB Consulting, will teach you how to have people listen to you, understand you and be compelled to help you or seek assistance from your business. Learn the how's, why's and word choice to include in your pitch and most importantly, practice saying it. In this interactive class, attendees will stand up and read the elevator pitch written, try to memorize it and then they ultimately work towards delivering it with confidence.
Hospitality: A Business Philosophy
2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
Volunteer instructor, Timothy M. Felkner - www.vigilantehospitality.com, will teach you how to incorporate hospitality into every aspect of your business. You will learn to be a stronger leader, ways to motivate your employees, and how to improve your guest experience by implementing a business philosophy of hospitality. Ultimately, these tools will lead to higher sales, better staff retention, increased customer loyalty, and more.
San Francisco Economic Development Alliance (SFEDA) & Small Business Network (SBN) Mixer
This event is hosted by the SFEDA and SBN, two organizations dedicated to supporting small business in San Francisco. This hit event will give you one more chance to mingle with fellow conferees and learn about resources for San Francisco’s small and micro-businesses.
Rye, 688 Geary Street
5:30-7:30PM
Join us for an exciting conversation with an amazing group of Bay Area Latino entrepreneurs. Come listen to their success stories, their journeys and find out how they have dramatically reshaped the business landscape through their innovative ideas. This a must attend event for anyone interested in hearing from the nation’s leading Latino business leaders. And enjoy complimentary cocktails hosted by Zacapa Rum.
Note: This event is part of San Francisco Small Business Week.
Agenda
6:00 – 7:00 PM – Networking
7:00 – 8:30 PM – Panel discussion with Q&A
8:30 – 9:00 PM – Networking
EVENT LOCATION: Hotel Whitcomb
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Morning sessions 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Lunch 12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
keynote speaker Naomi Kelly, City Administrator, San Francisco
Afternoon sessions 1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
3. Doing Business with the City:
4. Estimating and prequalification - Webcor, Turner, and Flat Iron
Celebrate the accomplishments of our city's merchants associations.
Toast, mix, and mingle while enjoying tasty bites and learning what merchants associations do, why business owners join, and how you can benefit.
Event Hosted by:
Bernal Heights, Excelsior, Glen Park, and West Portal Merchants Associations