Small Businesses = Sustainable SF

Small Business = Sustainable SF

Cities = Resources + Infrastructure + People and Culture

Presented by Impact Hub SF, SOCAP 365,

the SF Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business University Series

In order for the environment and culture of San Francisco to thrive, we need successful small businesses in our City. How do we ensure that happens? What policies and government systems support established and emerging small businesses? How do we advocate for small business and make sure that they can thrive in San Francisco? How can we protect and promote a healthy economy?

Join us to learn about the current political climate in San Francisco, and what organizations such as Kiva and la Cocina are doing to support the long-term success of small businesses in San Francisco.

Speakers
Jim Lazarus, Senior Vice President of Public Policy at the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

Jim Lazarus is the Chamber’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy. A fourth generation San Franciscan, he brings a wealth of experience in the public policy arena and a thorough understanding of the city to his role with the Chamber. Previously, Lazarus served as a Deputy City Attorney, Executive Deputy Mayor to Mayor Dianne Feinstein and for two years as State Director of Senator Dianne Feinstein's offices. He also held senior positions with Mayor Frank Jordan's office, including Chief of Staff. He has served as President of the San Francisco Recreation & Park Commission and on the board of directors of numerous civic and charitable organizations.

Geetika Agrawal, Senior Program Manager, La Cocina

As Senior Program Manager at La Cocina, Geetika runs the business incubator program at La Cocina, overseeing each stage of the client's growth here from recruitment, growth to exit out of the kitchen into their own spaces/production spaces.

Spencer Larkin, Kiva Zip

Spencer is currently managing growth for the Bay Area Kiva Zip Program.  New to the Bay Area, Spencer previously worked at LinkedIn for the past 4 years in Chicago but recently moved to San Francisco to join Kiva Zip.  Kiva Zip is a non-profit micro-lender that connects small businesses with 0% interest, crowdfunded loans. Launching in 2011, the Kiva Zip program aims to expand access to financing for small businesses and reduce the costs of capital for business owners left out of today's financial system.

About Sustainable SF

Sustainable SF, a public engagement and social impact business accelerator based at Impact Hub San Francisco builds solutions for a sustainable San Francisco with collaborators from government, businesses, nonprofits, community-based organizations, individuals and foundations.

About La Cocina

The mission of La Cocina is to cultivate low income food entrepreneurs as they formalize and grow their businesses by providing affordable commercial kitchen space, industry-specific technical assistance and access to market opportunities. We focus primarily on women from communities of color and immigrant communities. Our vision is that entrepreneurs gain financial security by doing what they love to do, creating an innovative, vibrant and inclusive economic landscape.

About Impact Hub San Francisco

Impact Hub San Francisco is a coworking & events space for a membership community of entrepreneurs, activists, creatives, and professionals taking action to drive positive social and environmental change.  Impact Hub has more than five years of experience developing education and hackathon programs and supporting social entrepreneurs.

Refund Policy

If you cannot attend, please email us least 1 day before the scheduled class.  We will not give refund if we have less than 24 hours notice.  Thanks for your understanding.