SFDBA 3rd annual event (2023)
San Francisco Disability Business Alliance hosts its 3rd annual Bay Area Disability Entrepreneurship event at the elegant Elks Lodge #3 downtown San Francisco.
Artists, entrepreneurs, and small business owners alike convened to engage in a diverse and dynamic FoundAble Panel discussion with Cesar Ramos of Beautiful Losers, Zachary Leyden of Oceanview Stables, and Afatasi the Artist. Founder & Executive Director Peter C. DeHaas facilitated the panel doing a deep dive into what it takes to own a small business, inherent benefits, as well as some of the challenges faced.
Nationally acclaimed disability leader Julie Reiskin, Executive Director of the Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, delivered the keynote speech at the event with resounding support of small business ownership as a pathway to self sufficiency through the innovation of self-employment.
Rodney Fong President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce delivered inspiring words about the SFBDA's important role in the economic recovery of San Francisco and how needed their support is in our diverse community.
Katy Fitzsimmons of Wells Fargo spoke of the importance of equity as it relates to access to capital and ensuring that individuals with disabilities have opportunities to engage in lending and receiving financial counseling.
Film maker Nader Bahu shared his short award winning film "Faith" and received resounding applause.
Executive Director DeHaas recapped the amazing year for the SFDBA and its community and encouraged the audience to celebrate disability inclusion as it relates to employment and small business ownership every day.
Several awards were given at the end of the evening starting with the Inclusive Business Award to the Arc of San Francisco. Rome Jones, Chelsea House & Bali Nelson received recognition for being SFDBA Ambassadors.
Cesar Ramos, Afatasi the Artist & Connie Chu were awarded Entrepreneur of the Year awards.
Renowned photographer Jamie Soja captured wonderful photos throughout the event and the Elk's event coordinator Kimberly Clark of Azure Blue Events provided a stunning space and caterer Derrik Soars of Pop Ups Unlimited provided a delectable selection of food.
American Sign Language interpretation was provided by Grace San Miguel and Rob Merino. San Miguel was one of DeHaas' former ASL students at San Francisco State University.