Symposium on Microenterprise/Women's Business Fair

Friday, September 29, 2006 11am-2pm
San Francisco — Mayor Gavin Newsom’s budget has earmarked $500K for microenterprise development for women. Join Mayor Gavin Newsom, Assembly member Leland Yee and Supervisor Sophie Maxwell for a symposium to discuss how this money will be spent and their vision for including micro-business development in California and San Francisco’s overall economic development strategy. This event is the kick-off for October’s Microenterprise Development Month and is co-sponsored by Assemblymember Leland Yee and Women’s Initiative for Self Employment. This month is used to raise awareness of microenterprise training and support programs in our communities. Peruse products and services of local merchants at the mini tradeshow and sample delicious snacks and bite-size morsel crafted by talented women entrepreneurs who are graduates of the Women’s Initiative program.

Microenterprises, businesses with fewer than five employees, fuel our local economy in a big way. 77% of all new employment growth in California between 1999 and 2003 came from micro-businesses. By supporting these storefronts, restaurants, and home-based business owners with training to build sustainable and smart businesses, we can ensure a more stable foundation for our local economy.

Microenterprises with no employees are already a $4 billion industry in San Francisco. Over the next few years San Francisco has the potential to harness the innovation of low-income women entrepreneurs to grow the industry even more. Microenterprise development can propel our economy as more entrepreneurs gain the management skills, financing and connections they need to start successful businesses. As women are recognized and utilized as economic actors, their micro-businesses will continue to grow and give back to neighborhoods in significant ways.

This event is free. Local entrepreneurs, elected officials will be in attendance. Wheelchair accessible. Call (510) 287-3113 for more information.