Renaissance provides essential small business training and support services to meet the needs of lower income entrepreneurs at every stage of business development – from idea feasibility through start-up, sustainability and growth. Each year we serve over 1,500 women and men who in turn launch over 400 businesses that create an average of two jobs in addition to employment for the business owner him/herself. Our services include:
Financing Resource Center (FRC)
Renaissance’s FRC provides financial education and access to capital to help small business owners become better managers of their business finances and understand their growth opportunities. The FRC assists those individuals, who otherwise could not, access capital necessary for business start-up and growth, by providing loan packaging, connections to banks, non-profit loan funds, and private sources, post loan support, micro-grants and an Individual Development Account (IDA) program. Each year the FRC secures an average of 24 small business loans and lines of credit totaling over $1 million, and operates 80 -100 IDA accounts. Click here to learn more about how to finance your business.
Individual Consulting
Individual Consulting offers business owners one-on-one tailored assistance and professional expertise needed to achieve their goals and respond to the changing demands of their businesses. Click here for more information about consulting.
Business Incubation
Renaissance provides on-site and virtual business incubation to help entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. Renaissance’s on-site Business Incubator is located in its Central Office (275 Fifth Street). It provides business support services, management assistance, and low-cost office space including utilities, shared meeting rooms, office equipment, reception and janitorial services. The Incubator houses a wide range of businesses, from clothing designers to web developers, bookkeepers, and training and attendant placement firms. The Incubator serves 30 businesses owned by 32 entrepreneurs at both the start up and more advanced stages. Our Virtual Incubation Program (VIP) is offered at all three sites and serves business owners who do not need physical office space, yet can benefit from the business support services and affiliation the Incubator provides. Click here to learn more about joining our business incubation program.
Women’s Business Center
A partnership with the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Women’s Business Center (WBC) offers specialized services to the fastest growing sector of small business, women entrepreneurs. Services include training, consulting, industry-specific programs, and business/life coaching. Click here for more information about the Women’s Business Center.
Industry Specific Training
A program of the Women’s Business Center, our fashion industry training program was created in partnership with the Los Angeles based, Fashion Business Incubator to provide clients with the best of the West Coast’s fashion business expertise. Renaissance offers entrepreneurs in the fashion, apparel, accessories and retail sector, training classes, networking, workshops, consulting, and direct selling opportunities.
Lease Strengthening and Business Attraction
Lease Strengthening and Business Attraction services are offered in Bayview Hunters point to help new and existing tenants and land lords to create firm and fair multi-year leases and bring community serving businesses to the Third Street corridor. Click here for more information about the Third Street Corridor.
