The opening of the restaurant 1300 on Fillmore last October represents another major step in the rebirth of the Fillmore as a hip nightlife destination that is rooted in the neighborhood’s rich African American and jazz history. Business partners, and husband and wife team, Monetta White and David Lawrence carried out their plans for a southern-inspired, fine dining establishment with an architectural and interior design that pays homage to the darkly lit jazz clubs of the Fillmore’s past…

The Bar Method, an exercise practice that burns fat, carves muscle and has more in common with ballet than with Yoga or Pilates, opened in January of 2008 in the Embarcadero Center 3. Urban Solutions helped the business recieve a loan for $351,000...

On any given Wednesday or Thursday, you might catch Urban Solutions' Small Business Director Helen Branham walking through the Fillmore, checking in on some of the clients Urban Solutions has served. Helen stops by to say hello to Sang Sook Park at the 99 Cent Clearance Center; she drops in to check on construction progress at the Sheba Lounge; not long after leaving Sheba, she bumps into Semere of the Unity Cafe. Helen's presence is tangible in the Fillmore corridor. And no wonder - the number of clients helped through Urban Solutions' Fillmore office has reached the milestone mark of one hundred...

Harvest Urban Market opened its new 11,000 square foot health food grocery store at the corner of 8th and Howard Streets in late June, 2004. As a locally-owned closely held California Corporation with primary shareholder Gilles Desaulniers, Harvest is a rarity in SOMA: a centrally located and accessible grocery store with a focus on fresh food. Desaulniers opened Harvest Market 14 years ago at 2285 Market Street at Noe/16th in Upper Market and Castro. Success in that smaller 3,000 square foot location prompted Harvest to expand with this second store...

Melissa Mark and her husband Chris Ferguson have embarked on a unique business venture that is squeaky clean. The business -- called A Mobile Blind Cleaner -- is the Bay Area's first mobile blind cleaning service, providing same-day on-site window treatment cleaning, repair and re-installation services...

The opening of the restaurant 1300 on Fillmore last October represents another major step in the rebirth of the Fillmore as a hip nightlife destination that is rooted in the neighborhood’s rich African American and jazz history. Business partners, and husband and wife team, Monetta White and David Lawrence carried out their plans for a southern-inspired, fine dining establishment with an architectural and interior design that pays homage to the darkly lit jazz clubs of the Fillmore’s past

Over the last two years, Urban Solutions has teamed up with the owners to ensure the necessary planning and financing were in place so the restaurant could open just as it had been envisioned. In 2006, Monetta was referred to Urban Solutions by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency (SFRA), as part of efforts to bring new, locally-owned and operated restaurants and entertainment venues to Fillmore Street. Helen Branham, Urban Solutions’ Small Business Services Director, helped the owners polish their business plan and put together loan applications.

With the help of Urban Solutions, 1300 on Fillmore was able to secure $350,000 in financing from the SFRA’s revolving loan fund. Helen also helped the business package a successful loan with Wells Fargo and another loan is currently pending with the Mayor’s Office of Community Development. Monetta felt that “Helen was incredibly resourceful when it came to navigating the city bureaucracy and understanding banking regulations.” She adds, “Working with Helen was fabulous!”

Monetta and David are uniquely positioned to run a thriving new restaurant in the Fillmore. Monetta founded her own business in event marketing and David has served as a top chef in a number of the city’s best restaurants. Monetta also has deep ties to the community; her mother and grandmother lived in the Fillmore in the 50s and 60s. The restaurant’s interior design lets visitors experience the vibrancy of the Fillmore during the jazz heyday. First-time visitors to the restaurant will be struck by the “History Wall,” an art installation that pays homage to the musicians and figures that have played important roles in the community over the years.

In addition to providing a stylish night spot with world class food, 1300 on Fillmore is also a big contributor to the community. The restaurant employs about 50 part time employees, with approximately 20 percent who live in the immediate neighborhood. Monetta also is an active member of the Fillmore Jazz District Community Benefit District and shares her business experience with other aspiring entrepreneurs in the Fillmore. Helen Branham states, “Monetta is very community minded and wants to use her skills to help the community. She has a strong sense of social responsibility.” Among Monetta and David’s other charitable activities, the restaurant offered discounted meals during the holidays to patrons who brought in toys to be given away to underprivileged children. This summer, David plans to teach cooking and nutrition to youth in the Western Addition.