Latest news with #SmallBusinessWeek
Business Journals
27-05-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Comcast says ‘yes' to San Francisco with community partnership
From its dynamic design to its mission-oriented outlook, Yes SF Headquarters screams 'San Francisco.' Located at the intersection of Montgomery and Bush streets in the heart of Downtown San Francisco, the bustling coworking and event space is designed to foster collaboration within the sustainability, small business and innovation communities. The flexible space is the result of an UpLink Challenge launched in 2023 through collaboration between the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, the World Economic Forum, and corporate sponsors. UpLink is the World Economic Forum's digital platform for entrepreneurs to connect with investors, corporate partners, experts and other organizations that can help them scale. It aims to build ecosystems that enable purpose-driven entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. The UpLink platform served as host for the Yes SF challenge. The challenge called for entrepreneurs to submit sustainable solutions that contribute to the city's needs for an opportunity to receive funding and support. Yes SF Headquarters — a lively community dedicated to revitalizing Downtown San Francisco and modeling the future of sustainable urban living worldwide — was the winning proposal. 'If you want to change the world you need a community, you need a network that are all investing in the future of San Francisco,' said Jeff Merritt, head of urban transformation at the World Economic Forum, at Yes SF's grand opening celebration in November. 'What we've been able to do with this space is actually create an open door for the community.' Yes SF HQ is among the first brick-and-mortar storefronts created in response to United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 11, which says cities and human settlements should be inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable. From the beginning, the Yes SF team recognized that robust connectivity would be essential if the initiative was to succeed. Comcast stepped up as the connectivity partner, equipping the space with blazing-fast, low-latency business fiber at no cost, as well as its secure networking and cybersecurity solutions. 'Comcast has really helped us in this particular space to help create that digital opportunity for people,' said Rodney Fong, president and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. 'It's tough out there and we want to make sure that everybody has an opportunity from an access perspective.' 'Nowadays, you can't really do anything unless you're connected — unless you're online,' said Alan Goldsmith, California regional vice president at Comcast Business. 'So this is really part of the community initiative to serve those businesses.' The spirit of optimism was on full display at Yes SF HQ on a recent weekday morning as dozens of local innovators gathered for 'Scaling for Success,' a panel and networking event hosted by Comcast Business and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. 'As you think about Small Business Week and the number of events that many of us have attended this week, this is San Francisco every single week,' said Alex Youn, director of public policy and government affairs at Comcast, in his introductory remarks. 'It's always busy. There are always things going on.' The Yes SF partnership is a highly visible demonstration of Comcast's widespread and ongoing commitment to San Francisco. That commitment includes its sustainability. The company recently unveiled new packaging for its Xfinity products that's designed with sustainability and recyclability in mind. Made with 100% recyclable materials and an eco-friendly, water-based ink, the new 'handshake box' (as it's been dubbed) is made in the United States, which cuts down on emissions associated with shipping overseas. 'We are and have to say 'yes' to so many things,' Fong said. ''Yes' to innovation, 'yes' to sustainability, 'yes' in recognizing that climate change is in our backyard, and again, say 'yes' to San Francisco.' Comcast Business offers leading global businesses the technology solutions and forward-thinking partnership they need. With a full suite of solutions including fast, reliable connectivity, secure networking solutions and advanced cybersecurity and a range of managed service options, Comcast Business is ready to meet the needs of businesses of all sizes. Comcast Business has been recognized by leading analyst firms for its continued growth, innovation, and leadership, and is committed to partnering with customers to help them drive their businesses forward. To learn more about Comcast in California visit Aaron Welch is a freelance writer.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Business Insider: Impact of Small Business Week
(SOUTHERN COLORADO) — FOX21 News is teaming up with the Colorado Business Forum and Digest to bring you the latest and most relevant business news impacting life in Southern Colorado. Dirk Hobbs, Founder and Executive Publisher with the Colorado Media Group, joined FOX21 News Anchors Abbie Burke and Craig Coffey to discuss the impact of our recent Small Business Week, the benefits local small businesses gain from support, and its effect on the Colorado Springs economy. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
This week is Economic Development Week in Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott has declared this week as Economic Development Week in Texas. On April 23, Abbott declared that May 12-16 will be Economic Development Week in Texas to recognize the role that economic development organizations play in the state's economy, workforce and quality of life. Economic development organizations look to support economic expansion in an area particularly looking to bring in companies, train and expand workforce opportunities and can work either independent from or within local, regional or state governments. The U.S. Economic Development Administration recognizes over 40 in the state of Texas. More: City of Austin, Chamber of Commerce host events for Small Business Week 'The key to Texas' unrivaled success in economic development is teamwork," Abbott said. "It takes a collaborative effort from organizations across the state to attract new businesses, investments, and jobs, as well as help existing Texas companies grow. By working together with all of our economic development partners across the state, we will build a stronger, more prosperous Texas for generations.' Abbott released a five-year statewide economic development strategic plan coined, "Bigger. Better. Texas.", outlining a blueprint for economic expansion and job creation. The plan has four main goals: Establishes a unifying vision for the future of our Texas economy. Identifies new target industry sectors and clusters expected to drive strategic economic growth and job creation. Outlines objectives and initiatives to advance the state's global competitiveness. Provides data and recommendations to inform economic development decisions across the state. This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Abbott proclaims this week as Economic Development Week in Texas
Axios
12-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
6 local businesses land city-backed microloans
The recipients of Des Moines' Small Business Impact Loan Program were unveiled as part of a Small Business Week proclamation by the City Council this week. Why it matters: The program offers entrepreneurs new low-interest and small-dollar loans to foster long-term economic stability, neighborhood revitalization and a more inclusive business landscape. Catch up quick: The City Council approved $100,000 for the program in October. The program makes loans of up to $20,000 each to businesses with 20 or fewer full-time employees at 2 percentage points below prime rates. The recipients 24K Juicing, a health-focused business, is opening its first storefront at 300 E. Grand Ave. with new energy-efficient kitchen equipment, a self-serve kiosk and expanded health-focused offerings. Black Bagel is preparing to open in the Center at Sixth corridor, aiming to create a community gathering space with house-made locally sourced bagels. Chandelier, an event venue at 413 Euclid Ave., is reviving a long-vacant building and supporting other entrepreneurs through an open vendor model. Hotori, a new business at 1417 Walnut St., is offering Asian groceries, home goods and cultural events like tastings and cooking demos. The Rook Room, previously a pop-up event business, recently expanded into a full-scale board game lounge and café at 300 SW Fifth St.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Mayor Yemi hears from small business owners
(COLORADO SPRINGS) — On Thursday, May 8, as part of Small Business Week, Mayor Yemi Mobolade met with small business owners to hear from them. Small Business Week started on Monday, May 5, with a kickoff celebration and awards presentation. The goal of Small Business Week is to bring business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders together to learn, grow, and connect with a series of events that celebrate small businesses and provide resources for success. 'Owning a small business is no small task,' said Brandon Eldridge, executive director of the Pikes Peak Small Business Development Center, one of three organizers of the event. 'It takes grit, consistency, and a whole lot of heart. Small Business Week is about celebrating the entrepreneur spirit and the people who give it their all, every single day.' On Thursday, Mayor Mobolade heard from small businesses at a listening tour stop at Catalyst Campus. 'I'm proud to say that we're a very small business-friendly city, even with the things we can't control on the federal and state level. Colorado Springs is very supportive of small business owners and evidenced by this week,' said Mayor Mobolade. Small Business Week will cap off with a networking event at The Public House on Friday, May 9, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
