San Francisco's Fillmore district has been underserved by business support organizations despite its reservoir of untapped entrepreneurial talent and historic status as one of San Francisco's vibrant and distinctive communities.

Urban Solutions opened a satellite office in the Fillmore in April 2004 in recognition of the need for a community-based service for local entrepreneurs and business owners. Since then over 90 entrepreneurs have been served through a combination of technical assistance and loan packaging services.

The Urban Solutions office is funded by the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency, the Mayor's Office of Community Development, and Wells Fargo Bank. It is located in the heart of the revitalized Fillmore Jazz Preservation District at 1290 Fillmore (at Eddy), suite 106, in the West Bay Conference Center.

The office is open two days a week, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m and is staffed by Helen Branham, Director of Small Business Services, provided at no charge to entrepreneurs, small businesses and local residents, include:

• Loan packaging
• Business plan and financial statement development
• Help with identifying potential lenders
• Workshops and seminars
• Business advice and referrals.
  

Urban Solutions has offered workshops on a variety of topics including marketing, small business insurance, repairing your credit, commercial leasing and buying a business.

Urban Solutions offers business plan assistance designed to meet the needs of small business owners and individuals interested in starting or expanding a business.

To make an appointment at the Fillmore office call at (415) 567-4137.

Upcoming Workshops: Tax Basics for Small Businesses, Financial Literacy, and Marketing on a Budget.