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Passion, hard work and fierce determination to invest in themselves, their families and communities – that’s what our clients bring to Renaissance.
They are caterers, bakers, plumbers, and pickle makers. They own cafés and restaurants, sell mannequins, design jewelry and much, much more. While their industries differ, they all share one critical trait – the desire to start and grow their own businesses as a means to achieve economic mobility, build assets and establish a solid foundation for future generations.
Through the English and Spanish language training and support services Renaissance delivers in online, and in our Centers in East Palo Alto (serving San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties), Bayview Hunters Point, South of Market in San Francisco, and Richmond (serving Contra Costa and Alameda Counties), our clients develop the technical and “soft” skills and confidence they need to turn their dreams into reality.
Tracy Phillips, a Renaissance client and recovered addict of more than 10 years, fulfilled her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time entrepreneur in 2019 when she opened Confetti This Lifestyle Boutique in San Pablo, CA, selling bath and body products, accessories and clothing. Tracy gained experience by creating her own bath products and selling them at the Antioch Flea Market. “I couldn’t believe how fast my booth got empty!” Tracy said. Her business grew rapidly and she became overwhelmed when her inventory took over her apartment. Tracy found Renaissance in Richmond and took our Start Smart and Business Prep training classes which helped her define her business model, business goals and pricing.
Renaissance serves over 2,000 English and Spanish speaking Bay Area residents each year, the majority of whom face systemic barriers to economic opportunity due to gender, race, economic background, sexual orientation, immigration status, or former incarceration. Our clients are aspiring and existing business owners who are 78% people of color, 78% women, and 40% immigrants.
Since our launch in 1985, Renaissance has served over 32,000 Bay Area women and men who have started and grown more than 18,000 businesses and created employment for over 24,000 local residents. As the need for our services dramatically increased, Renaissance launched new programs to help businesses pivot their operations, help clients navigate available resources and assist the surge of recently unemployed people seeking entrepreneurship as a means to rebuild their livelihoods.
Your continued support will help to transform the lives of entrepreneurs. Your tax-deductible donation will help to ensure that all Bay Area women and men who want to achieve economic self-sufficiency through small businesses will have access to the training, resources, and networks entrepreneurs need to succeed.