SFDBA 4th annual event (2024)
A Celebration of Innovation, Inclusion, and Empowerment!
The 2024 Bay Area Disability Entrepreneurship Event was nothing short of extraordinary. Over 100 passionate entrepreneurs, small business owners, leaders and advocates gathered to celebrate a growing movement of innovation, inclusivity, and economic empowerment within the disability community.
A Year of Growth and Inspiration
Executive Director DeHaas kicked off the event with a powerful message, highlighting the SFDBA’s year of growth and demonstrating that entrepreneurship can be a pathway to self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities and an opportunity to thrive as business owners.
Rodney Fong, President & CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, and Marisa Rodriguez, CEO of Union Square Alliance, further emphasized the critical role that disability organizations play in fostering a vibrant and diverse San Francisco business community.
Inspiring Sucess Stories
A standout moment of the event was the panel discussion, facilitated by Kate Sofis, Managing Director at the War Memorial and Performing Arts Center. Attendees had the privilege of hearing from business leaders who have successfully built disability-owned enterprises in San Francisco:
Eric Vance, Co-Founder of Keys Jazz Bistro
Chef Lulu, owner and head chef of Casa Borinqueña
Otton Rensch, president of Tallio’s Coffee
Each panelist shared their unique insights into the challenges and triumphs of running a disability-owned business, encouraging others to consider entrepreneurship as a rewarding and viable career path.
And the awards go to…
The new 2024 Boost Awards initiative was sponsored by CIBC, a Canadian-based bank supporting small businesses. Five extraordinary entrepreneurs received financial support to help grow their businesses:
Rome Jones, a real estate broker dedicated to underserved communities through Pinpoint Building Group.
Paris Mason, founder of the Birthing Mothers Self Care Initiative, empowering new moms with self-care and community support.
Connie Chu, founder of TriC Enterprises, an author and publisher giving a voice to the disability community.
Brian Davis, owner of Niners Radio 49, who is a podcaster, broadcaster, and influential figure in the 49ers fan community.
Eric Vance, Co-Founder of Keys Jazz Bistro an elegant North Beach jazz club with an ambiance reminiscent of the roaring 20s.
The prestigious Inclusive Business Award was presented to Roberto Guerrero founder and owner of Cumaica Coffee, recognized for their dedication to creating a fully inclusive workplace that values diversity and provides equal opportunities for all.
A moment of inspiration, education, and Community
The Bay Area Disability Entrepreneurship Event is more than a gathering; It is a movement. This year, the overarching message was one of hope, courage, and action. The powerful words from the panelists—“Create a difference even though you are different,” “Don’t ask for permission,” and “Make yourself uncomfortable to grow your success”—resonated deeply with all who attended.
The evening closed with remarks from San Francisco Mayoral candidate Daniel Lurie who emphasized the importance of small businesses owned and operated by individuals with disabilities and the impact they have on the vitality, diversity, and economic recovery of the city.
