Small Business Services

The SF LGBT Center takes pride in assisting LGBTQ entrepreneurs in San Francisco through a variety of programs including one-on-one business consulting and coaching, various business workshops, an entrepreneur training program, the Queer Street Marketplace, and referrals to our vast small business development network for funding and other support.

The Center guides businesses throughout the spectrum of their development lifecycle, from someone who has a business idea and needs help getting it started to someone who has been in business for decades and needs help with their changing needs and challenges. We help create jobs in the community by helping these small businesses continue to grow and expand.

From testing your idea to launching and growing your business, the Center offers ongoing support for entrepreneurs to bring their businesses to life. Through one-on-one coaching, clients have the opportunity to meet with a business specialist who will review their current situation, assess their needs and work with them to develop a concrete action plan.

Schedule a one on one with Eddie Tang, our Small Business Consultant who is ready to help you as you start or grow your business. Whether you’re testing out an idea or you’re looking to further establish your business, he can be a useful resource and facilitate an action plan to help you get moving towards attaining your goals.

Questions? Contact Small Business consultant Eddie Tang at eddiet@sfcenter.org.

The SF LGBT Center Entrepreneur Training Program is a nine-week business training program designed for entrepreneurs and small business owners who have already launched their businesses and are looking to strengthen and grow their operations. Participants work together as a cohort in a supportive learning environment while developing their knowledge, skills, and strategies for long-term business success. The program is currently open to eligible San Francisco entrepreneurs and small business owners. Additional eligibility requirements may apply depending on the cohort.

The program covers a wide range of topics related to operating and growing a business, including marketing, financial management, business planning, strategic planning, organizational planning, business development, and operations. Industry professionals and subject matter experts may also be invited to share their experiences and insights as guest speakers throughout the program.

The nine-week program consists of weekly three-hour sessions led by the Small Business Consultant at the SF LGBT Center. Through lectures, guided discussions, in-class exercises, peer learning, and weekly assignments, participants have the opportunity to apply concepts directly to their businesses and learn from the experiences of fellow entrepreneurs.

At the conclusion of the program, participants present their businesses and growth plans to a panel of business professionals who provide constructive feedback and insights to support their continued development. Judges may include entrepreneurs, business consultants, attorneys, lenders, and other industry experts.

Two cohorts are typically offered each year, one in the spring and one in the fall. Applications are accepted year-round, and interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply at any time.

Questions? Contact Small Business consultant Eddie Tang at eddiet@sfcenter.org

The SF LGBT Center Small Business Program offers small business workshops on different topics including marketing, finance, business planning, business law, and more, to help small business owners gain useful knowledge to run their business effectively. 

Questions? Contact Small Business consultant Eddie Tang at eddiet@sfcenter.org. 

662 small businesses assisted