Renaissance Mid-Peninsula

1848 Bay Road
East Palo Alto, CA  94303
(650) 321-2193
(650) 321-1025(fax)
info@startupepa.org
http://www.rencenter.org

Renaissance/Start Up is a nonprofit organization that provides small business training and support services to women and men throughout the Bay Area; by helping them to start or grow their own business, Renaissance/Start Up promotes lasting economic development for individuals and communities that traditionally have not had access to capital and business support.

We offer training courses, workshops, one-on-one consulting and much more in English and Spanish. If you own your own small business or you're thinking about starting one, call us today to find out how we can help!

Find out more at www.rencenter.org or www.startupepa.org.

Announcements and Events

“Start Your Own Business” Class

Location: 1848 Bay Road East Palo Alto, California 94303
Date and Time: Thu, Jul 22 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Do you know…
 
That 3.3 million or nearly 1 in 5 Californians work for
microenterprises or companies with fewer than 5 employees that
required less than $35,000 to start?
 
That any business is an asset and can be a key to building wealth?
What it takes to start and grow a sustainable business?
If you’re interested in testing your business idea, crafting a
marketing and financial plan and learning how to manage a
successful business, call to enroll in our four-part
“Start Your Own Business”
class starting July 22 from 6 to 9pm.
Cost is $25 for all four classes.
 
Renaissance offers free and low-cost assistance including training,
networks and individualized support to emerging and established
entrepreneurs.
 
650-321-2193
Renaissance 1848 Bay Road East Palo Alto, California 94303
www.rencenter.org
 

Hot Summer Workshops, Classes and More at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

Date and Time: Wed, Jun 9 2:00 PM
RC_Logo_Med.jpg

Become a small business owner and transform your life. Renaissance will show you how.

 
June 2010 eNewsletter

 

Dear Friends,

 

Renaissance was honored to host Congresswoman Anna Eshoo on April 12, 2010 as the keynote speaker for the grand opening of our Comcast Computer Center at Renaissance Mid-Peninsula in East Palo Alto. Congresswoman Eshoo spoke passionately about the importance of entrepreneurship and small business. The event was catered by Renaissance clients Maria Mendoza, owner of Taqueria Los Temos, and Marlene Cazares, owner of Las Muchachas Restaurant, who provided a truly delectable lunch to the eager audience of Renaissance clients, graduates, and supporters.

 

RenCenterPhotosJune.jpg

 U.S. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo presents a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognitionto to Feliciano Zavala, owner of Peninsula Party Rentals.

 

 
 

On Sunday, May 23, Renaissance Bayview hosted “Sunday Streets” with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Union Bank. Nearly four miles were cordoned off to vehicles, allowing Bayview residents to stroll along the Third Street Corridor, enjoying delicious food, live music, and each other’s company. The Festival featured local merchants and organizations, and activities included free yoga, a health and wellness fair, children’s bike workshops, tours of local institutions like the Bayview Opera House, and more. Thanks to everyone who came out to celebrate the Bayview community!

 

RenCenter2.jpg

 Rollerblading along a strip of local vendors at Bayview Sunday Streets.

 

 
 
 

We are delighted to announce Renaissance’s launch of California’s first entrepreneurship training/social support program for formerly incarcerated persons. Working in partnership with South of Market organizations, Renaissance will provide comprehensive entrepreneurship training, case management and social support services. Thanks to the SoMa Stabilization Fund for supporting this exciting and important new program.

 

 

 

News from our Small Business Incubator

Renaissance is thrilled to introduce our incubator clients. Our offices in SoMa offer an on-site supportive entrepreneurial community for businesses in the critical start-up phase. Our small business incubator provides business management assistance, low-cost office space, shared meeting rooms and office equipment, reception services, and monthly networking sessions. Our clients include a wide range of businesses. Click on the links below to learn more:

 

All Transitions, Transitional Guide Services
Cakewalk, Creative Branding Studio
Elle C. Communications, Media Communications Firm
Engage As You Age, Custom Senior Homecare Social Services
Fog City Tutoring, Personalized Tutoring Services
J.P. Hibbard Investigations, Private Investigation Agency specializing in fraud
LeBlanc & Associates, Boutique Event Consulting Firm
Liva Mira, Jewelry Design
Little Spark Media, Multimedia Storytelling Production House
Revelation by ME, Clothing Design
Source to Target Translations, Chinese Translation Services
Sunshine Plexus, Video Production


 

  

Follow us on Twitter
Become a Facebook fan

 

Renaissance SOMA
275 Fifth Street
San Francisco, CA  94103
415.541.8580

 

Website Optimization -- Build a Sales-Oriented Website

Creating a profitable website, which is well designed, highly responsive, and persuasive enough to get prospects coming back for more is key to any business' success. Learn how to build a profitable website that will facilitate repeat visitors and easy sales.


Wednesday, June 9 & 16, 6-9PM

 

Increase Your Google Page Rank

Learn the techniques and tools that will drive traffic to your website by helping you get the best position possible in Google search results. This workshop will teach you the tips and tricks you need to know to get your business listed above larger companies.


Wednesday, June 23 & 30, 6-9PM

 

Use Social Media to Market Your Business

Social media is one of the most effective and affordable ways to increase your customer base and garner publicity for your business. Learn how to use Facebook, Twitter, Yelp and other social media outlets to grow your business.


Wednesday, July 7 & 14, 6-9PM

 

Learn more and register for workshops at www.acteva.com/go/rec. 

 

 

Renaissance Bayview
3801 Third Street, Ste. 616
San Francisco, CA  94124
415.647.3728

 

LENNAR URBAN MENTOR PROTÉGÉ MIXER

Join us for the first in a series of monthly construction workshops, with presentations from industry experts. Gain valuable advice from experienced prime and subcontractors to improve your business operations. 

Wednesday, June 23, 6-8PM @ Union Bank

3801 Third Street, San Francisco

R.S.V.P by Friday, June 18 to

Yamilet Gonzalez at 415.647.3728

 

 

Renaissance Mid-Peninsula
1848 Bay Road
East Palo Alto, CA  94303
650.321.2193

 

Start Your Own Business Class

July 20 to August 10, every Tuesday from 6-9PM

 

Iniciando su Propio Negocio

22 de julio al 12 de agosto todos los jueves de 6 a 21:00 aqui.

 

 

Success Corner

 

 

We are celebrating the grand openings of Happy Together Preschool at 1300 Grand Ave. in Piedmont, and The American Grilled Cheese Kitchen at 1 South Park in San Francisco.

 

In addition, Renaissance would like to recognize the determination and accomplishments of Elena Nueske, owner of Homecare Consultants Unlimited, Inc., Amanda Cole, owner of Academic and Art Zoo, and Héctor Valencia, owner of Virtual Diseñó Grafico.

 

And finally, Neal Gottlieb, owner and founder of Three Twins Ice Cream, just opened an ice cream factory in Petaluma, California. Read the Three Twins Success Story.

 

 

Rent an Office with Room to Grow

Want to locate your business inside an entrepreneurial community?

Renaissance has offices and cubicle space available, including invaluable services and support for your business at great rates. Tons of perks including networking events and free use of conference rooms and classrooms. Newer businesses may also be eligible for business incubation: one-to-one-support tailored to your business needs.

Interested? Call Lisa Kirvin at 415.541.8580.

 

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center - (415) 541-8580 - 275 Fifth Street, San Francisco, CA 94103 - info@rencenter.org - www.rencenter.org

 

¡Taller GRATIS para ahorro de Impuestos!

Location: 1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto
Date and Time: Tue, Oct 20, 2009 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

FREE Tax Savings Workshop!

Location: Renaissance Center, 1848 Bay Road, EPA
Date and Time: Thu, Oct 8, 2009 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
----- Forwarded Message ----
From: Oscar Dominguez <Oscar@rencenter.org>
Subject: Free Self-Employment Tax Workshop, Sat. 10/10, 10am-12pm, Renaissance EPA

FREE Tax Savings Workshop!        

 

         Do You Work As a Housekeeper, Gardener, Childcare Provider, Home Health Aide or Handyman?

 

         Do You Work On Your Own?

 

         Do You Have Your Own Small Business?

 

         Did You Receive a Form 1099 Last Year to File With
Your Taxes?

 

         Did You File a Schedule C or Schedule C-EZ With Your 2008 Federal Tax Return?

 

         Did You Owe Self-Employment Taxes Last Year?

 

         Unsure If This Applies to You?

 

 

      You’ll learn:

 

         How to determine if you are considered

      self-employed by the IRS

 

         How to record your revenue and

      expenses so you can deduct the cost

      of doing your work from your income

      and owe less in taxes.

 

·        What self-employment taxes are, why

      you have to pay them and how to avoid

      costly surprises next year at tax time.

 

         How to reduce your chance of an IRS

      audit or penalties.

If You Answered Yes to Any of These Questions Tax-Aid Can Help You Save Money.

Call Now and Reserve Your Seat for A FREE Workshop on Self-Employment!

 

 

 

 

 

Date

          Time

                  

Location                                Reservations            Co-Sponsored by

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sat., Oct. 10      10 am–noon   1848 Bay Road                    650-321-2193        Renaissance Center

                                                        East Palo Alto  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oscar Dominguez

Program Manager

Renaissance East Palo Alto

1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto , California 94303

Tel: 650-321-2193 Extension 10

Fax: 650-321-1025

 

Transforming Lives Through Entrepreneurship

Transformando Vidas Mediante la Iniciativa Empresarial

 

Free Resources & Business Tips from Renaissance/Start Up

Free Resources and Tips for Your Business
Dear Michael,
Renaissance/Start Up is pleased to offer you information about free resources and tips to help you better manage your business. Remember, we're here to help YOU!
 
 
  QuickBooks Simple Start










Manage Business Finances Easily - and For Free!



QuickBooks Simple Start 2009
 
Does your business have simple accounting needs? You may want to consider the basic tools in Simple Start Free.  Simple Start will help you track sales and expenses, pay bills and print checks, create and e-mail invoices, and organize information on customers, vendors, and employees all in one place.

Get the Details

Ubikwiti

Ubikwiti's Online Software for single-user SMBs - now offered as a free "no strings", simple, intuitive and easy to use application. Neither accounting knowledge nor technical programming skills are required to setup, use and customize the software.

Get the Details

 
In all realms of life it takes courage to stretch your limits, express your power, and fulfill your potential... it's no different in the financial realm. 
~Suze Orman


A budget tells us what we can't afford, but it doesn't keep us from buying it. 
~William Feather
 
Please let me know if this information has been useful to you.  Questions are always welcome - just reply to this e-mail.

To view our archives of previous tips, click here.

Sincerely,
 

Kimberly Carlton, Director
Renaissance/Start Up
All information contained in this message is provided for information purposes only.  Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, Renaissance/Start Up makes no guarantees of any kind.

Any links to external Web sites is provided as a courtesy. They should not be construed as an endorsement by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center of the content or views of the linked materials.
Upcoming Events
5/13:  Workshop - QuickBooks Simple Start, 6:00-9:00 pm, Renaissance/Start Up

5/15:  Taller - QuickBooks Simple Start (en español), 6:00-9:00 pm, Renaissance/Start Up


5/20:  Workshop - Meet the Lender, 6:30-8:30 pm, Renaissance/Start Up
For additional information call (650) 321-2193.

EPA Small Business Needs Assessment Report

Location: East Palo Alto City Hall, Council Chambers
Date and Time: Tue, Apr 21, 2009 7:30 PM - Mon, Apr 20, 2009 9:00 PM
EPA Small Business Needs Assessment Report


Next Tuesday, April 21, 2009 Renaissance/Start Up will present to the East Palo Alto City Council a Small Business Capacity and Needs Assessment Report
We invite you to join us, to share with Council members in your own words what it's like to operate a small business in East Palo Alto and your thoughts about what could help small businesses achieve greater success and prosperity. 

What:  East Palo Alto City Council Meeting
When:  Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 7:30 pm
Where:  East Palo Alto City Hall, Council Chambers

Our local small business owners are working hard to provide needed goods and services to our community and jobs for our fellow residents.  Renaissance/Start Up is here to help and support their success.  Join us!
 
Sincerely,
Kimberly Carlton, Director
Renaissance/Start Up

Free Resources and Tips for Your Business

 

 
Free Resources and Tips for Your Business
Renaissance/Start Up is pleased to offer you information about free resources and tips to help you better manage your business. Remember, we're here to help YOU!
 
 
  Wells International Remittance

You Can Transfer Money Internationally for Free!


With the Wells Fargo ExpressSend Service, sending money is economical, convenient and dependable.

It's Economical - Send money for one low transaction fee. Open a select Wells Fargo Checking Package® and the transaction fee is discounted.

It's Convenient - Use the Wells Fargo ExpressSend Service at any Wells Fargo store location or through the Wells Fargo Phone BankSM. Your beneficiary can easily access the money - either for cash pick up or into an account at the receiving bank.  Get the details.

***************************************************************
 
Con el Servicio Wells Fargo ExpressSend, enviar dinero es económico, conveniente y confiable.

Es económico - Envíe dinero por una tarifa baja. Abra un Wells Fargo Checking Package® elegible y se descontará la tarifa de envío.

Es conveniente - Use el Servicio Wells Fargo ExpressSend en cualquier sucursal de Wells Fargo o a través del servicio Wells Fargo Phone BankSM. Su beneficiario puede acceder al dinero fácilmente - puede recoger el dinero en efectivo inmediatamente o tenerlo en una cuenta en el banco de su beneficiario.  Consiga detalles.

***************************************************************

Call Albert Hernandez today (650-569-4438) or e-mail adalberto.hernandez@wellsfargo.com to learn more.

 
Things may come to those who wait, but only things left by those who hustle. 
~Abraham Lincoln


The amount of money you have has got nothing to do with what you earn... people earning a million dollars a year can have no money and... People earning $35,000 a year can be quite well off. It's not what you earn, it's what you spend. 
~Paul Clitheroe, host of TV program "Money"
 
Please let me know if this information has been useful to you.  Questions are always welcome - just reply to this e-mail.

Sincerely,
 

Kimberly Carlton, Director
Renaissance/Start Up

Community Economic Development Forum Next Tuesday

Location: East Palo Alto City Hall, Community Room
Date and Time: Tue, Nov 25, 2008 5:00 PM - Wed, Nov 19, 2008 8:00 PM

Dear Community Leader:

Please join us on Tuesday, November 25, 2008 for an East Palo Alto Community Economic Development Forum.  Co-hosted by Renaissance/Start Up and the City of East Palo Alto Redevelopment Agency, the Economic Development Forum will bring together community leaders from the city government, business community, and nonprofit sector to engage in constructive dialogue about current economic needs and opportunities in East Palo Alto.

As we all know, East Palo Alto has been experiencing tremendous change and growth over the past decade, and this offers an opportunity for the community to proactively discuss and seek agreement about how we can create a vibrant local economy.  What kinds of businesses do we want to nurture (or attract) in our community?  What kinds of jobs do we want to be available for our residents, including youth and young adults?  At the heart of it all, what do we want East Palo Alto to be known for outside of the community as well as within?

The purpose of the Community Economic Development Forum is to engage community stakeholders in a conversation that seeks to define a set of shared, deliberate intentions for our local economy.  We hope these priorities would serve to guide and inform the efforts of public policymakers, community organizations, and businesses operating in East Palo Alto. 

By uniting efforts around a common vision and goal we can leverage resources in the community to effect a lasting, positive transformation that improves the quality of life for all residents.  Coordinating the efforts of local economic actors provides an opportunity to maximize benefits from limited resources and ensure that the efforts of our community’s many diverse contributors support one another and the local environment as a whole.

We invite your participation in this important conversation.  With the national economy collapsing around us, we cannot afford to allow our community to suffer the worst of painful job losses, business closures and financial disaster. 

What:  East Palo Alto Community Economic Development Forum

When:  Tuesday, November 25, 2008 from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm

Where:  East Palo Alto City Hall, Community Room

Agenda:

5:00 pm           Registration & Networking Mixer

5:30                 Welcome

5:40                 Address (City Council Member)

5:45                 Redevelopment Agency Update

5:50                 EPA Business Needs – Results of Local Study

6:00                 Keynote (San Francisco Treasurer José Cisneros)

6:20                 Break

6:30                 Facilitated discussion in small groups

                       * Feedback and ideas for addressing identified needs

                       * Local business opportunities / priorities for collaboration

7:45                 Summary, next steps, and wrap-up

Kimberly Carlton
Director, Ren/Start Up
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center/Start Up
1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto, CA 94303
650.321.2193 x. 20 phone / 650.321.1025 fax

www.rencenter.org

"Transforming Lives Through Entrepreneurship /

Transformando Vidas Mediante la Iniciativa Empresarial"

*************************************************

Renaissance/Start Up has moved!  Our new address is:

1848 Bay Road

East Palo Alto, CA 94303

Grand Opening of Renaissance/Start Up EPA Center

Location: 1848 Bay Road, East Palo Alto
Date and Time: Wed, Nov 12, 2008 4:30 PM - 7:30 PM

Grand Opening of Renaissance/Start Up EPA Center

Activities