Open house celebrates microenterprise development organizations

In recognition of May as Small Business Month, a few San Francisco nonprofits that help diverse entrepreneurs and small businesses owners will be recognized for their achievements at an open house event on May 29th. The event, showcasing the work of La Cocina, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and Urban Solutions, will be held on Friday, May 29 at 9:30 a.m. at La Cocina in San Francisco's Mission district.

Join other small business owners, would-be-entrepreneurs, and all interested in economic development to hear success stories and client testimonials from all three organizations. Coffee and light refreshments will be served. The showcase at La Cocina's commercial kitchen incubator will feature information on programs that each organization offers to help entrepreneurs.

AT&T provided each organization with a $25,000 contribution to support their programs that improve and strengthen economic opportunities for diverse, small business owners. The funding was made possibly through the company's Micro Enterprise Technical Assistance Program (MTAP), designed to help strengthen the operations and improve the sustainability of disadvantaged self-employed and small-business owners in California.

La Cocina, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and Urban Solutions all offer training and business development to low- to moderate-income business owners who are starting up or growing their businesses.

Urban Solutions' executive director Jenny McNulty notes, "We encourage anyone who has ever considered starting their own business or any current business owners who could use more help to come and learn more about what Renaissance, La Cocina and Urban Solutions have to offer."

Speakers include:
*Lynn Bunim, Executive Director of External Affairs at AT&T
*Sharon Miller, CEO of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
*Caleb Zigas, Director of Operations, La Cocina
*Jenny McNulty, Executive Director, Urban Solutions
*Various small business clients