| Since 1992 we
have made a significant impact on local entrepreneurs
and communities.
Small
Business | Jobs
| Clients
| Neighborhood
Improvement | Youth
| Green Business
Small
Business
With nearly 25,000 small businesses contributing
to the economy in San Francisco, these enterprises
are a vital part of the Bay Area's economic engine.
Urban Solutions ensures they get the financing
and support they need to thrive.
- Urban Solutions has helped local entrepreneurs
secure nearly $19.5 million in loans and grants
to improve their businesses.
- Since 2005, the growth in our total number of
loans has outpaced growth in the total amount
of loans - a trend that reflects our increased
services to low-income entrepreneurs who typically
qualify for smaller loans.
- We serve a diverse mix of businesses including
neighborhood restaurants, barbershops, Laundromats,
coffee shops, consultants and artists. Our retail
clients include shops and stands selling clothing,
accessories, books, flowers and more.
As a direct result of Urban Solutions' support:
- More than 680 jobs have been created or retained
since 1992
- 364 jobs have been created in low-income neighborhoods
over the last five years
In 2009, Urban Solutions provided business consulting
services to 230 small businesses and microenterprises
as well as to 39 youth in our small business entrepreneurship
program.
- More than 4,000 clients served since our founding
in 1992
Urban Solutions works to revitalize San Francisco's
Sixth Street corridor by attracting community-serving
businesses that also create jobs. Urban Solutions
works with the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency
to help property and business owners renovate their
buildings and retail spaces in this South of Market
neighborhood.
Since 2003 Urban Solutions has:
- Attracted 28 new businesses to Sixth Street
- Reduced commercial vacancy from 43% to 10% along
the Sixth Street Corridor.
Youth
Entrepreneurship Training |
|
Buzz on Biz, Urban Solutions' afterschool
youth entrepreneurship program serves disadvantaged
teens, teaching them basic business skills. The
program introduces students to the fundamentals
of small business ownership while developing skills
in writing, math and presentation. Buzz on Biz also
improves students' academic performance, helping
them complete high school and pursue higher education.
More than 85 students trained in entrepreneurship
81% of students are from low or extremely low-income
households
93% of students are African American
Urban Solutions helps new and existing businesses
identify ways to conserve resources and money
in neighborhoods not typically targeted for environmental
efforts. Through our green business consulting,
we help small businesses use water and energy
more efficiently and reduce waste headed to landfills.
26 clients received free-of-charge green consulting
Clients saved an average of $1700 per year by
implementing Urban Solutions' recommendations
More than 200 participants attended our green business workshops from 2007 through 2009
Last updated: December 2009
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