Shaquille Ali outlines free Renaissance workshops, highlights Capital Connections summit for Daly City entrepreneurs

At the July 9 Daly City Small Business Commission meeting, presenter Shaquille Ali described a suite of free classes and supports aimed at helping Daly City residents start and sustain businesses.

"How do we make it easier for Daly City residents to start a business, grow a business, and stay in a business?" Shaquille Ali asked the commission as he outlined training and technical assistance offerings. He said the programs connect residents to business planning, marketing and branding, legal workshops, website help, pitch prep and access to capital.

Ali said the classes include an upcoming July session on choosing a business type (sole proprietor or LLC), marketing and branding workshops, and that many offerings are provided in Spanish. "These classes are presented by Renaissance staff and also consultants and is offered free to the residents," he said.

Commissioners pressed about scheduling and eligibility. Ali said topics change monthly and that some classes are continuing series; he offered to return when new offerings are available and pointed commissioners to Carlos Reyes as the Renaissance contact for more details and registration.

Commissioner discussion also focused on the Capital Connections summit, scheduled for July 28 at the Cow Palace. Staff encouraged commissioners to attend the morning event and said community development funders (including CDFIs such as Working Solutions), brokers and investors will participate. Ali and staff said priority will be given to Daly City businesses seeking capital and space.

Why it matters: The commission and community partners are trying to close the gap between residents who have business ideas and the practical steps needed to start and sustain a viable business, particularly for entrepreneurs who benefit from Spanish-language programming and low-cost access to funders.

Next steps: Ali offered to send updated calendars of classes and return with new program announcements; commissioners were encouraged to share the July summit details with local business owners.