San Francisco’s Black-Led Marketplace

SFHDC and our funding partners will transform a former Money Mart into a 1,500-square-foot retail space at 1567 Fillmore Street. Join us in creating a marketplace for Black economic prosperity. At the highly visible corner of Fillmore Street and Geary Boulevard, the marketplace will offer vending opportunities for Bay Area artisans, and a wide array of goods to attract local shoppers and tourists to the Lower Fillmore.

COVID-19 has provided a once-in-a-generation opening to reimagine how retail meets evolving consumer preferences, such as representation and inclusivity in retail.

The Fillmore’s history as a thriving Black business district, and its current high concentration of Black consumers compared to other San Francisco neighborhoods, make it an ideal location to launch a Black-led marketplace that is a testament to community-driven development and economic equity.

SFHDC has secured an initial 10-year lease with two, five-year renewal options, guaranteeing access to affordable commercial retail for businesses for the next decade, and beyond.

Cultural + Artisanal Goods for Consumers

Consumers get a localized shopping experience with clothing, jewelry, and home goods from trendsetting, Bay Area designers

Experiential Retail

In-store classes, community events, and an emphasis on customer service will attract consumers and build brand loyalty

A Model for Equitable Development

Offers a national example of community-driven economic development that creates community healing, unity, and resiliency

Business Development

All businesses participate in SFHDC’s 12-week business training program, and receive ongoing technical assistance and grant funds to support their growth

Subsidized Rent

With funding from the City of San Francisco, SFHDC offers subsidized rent for businesses to lower overhead costs and improve their financial returns

Access to Market Opportunities

11 businesses receive long-term, designated retail space; plus additional pop-up spaces and e-commerce opportunities for an additional 20+ vendors

All of SFHDC’s retail and economic development efforts are viewed through the lens of community development and grounded in the goals of serving neighborhood stakeholders, providing access to opportunity for entrepreneurs and meeting the demand for equity among communities of color.

The marketplace will feature the Bay Area’s best existing and up-and-coming Black businesses like:

Funding for this program is made possible through the financial support of the Dream Keeper Initiative, the Human Rights Commission, and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.

Monthly In-store Sales

$4,000
PER BUSINESS

BUSINESSES RETAIN 100% OF SALES REVENUE

Monthly Online Sales

$2,000
PER BUSINESS

BUSINESSES RETAIN 90 – 100% OF SALES REVENUE MINUS TRANSACTION FEES

Monthly Expenses

$2,000
PER BUSINESS

INCLUDES RENT, HOURLY SALES PERSONS, AND COMMON AREA MAINTENANCE FEES

All businesses will receive the following business development services at the marketplace:

• Enrollment in SFHDC’s 12-week “Minding My Black-Owned Business” development program
  • Business and Financial Planning
  • Accounting and Bookkeeping
  • Marketing Strategy
  • E-Commerce
  • Retail Fundamentals
  • $7,500 in Grant Funds
• Ongoing one-on-one technical assistance with industry experts
  • Merchandising and Signage
  • Inventory and Sales Management
• Support identifying and applying for additional small business grants
• Robust digital marketing and online advertising

The City of San Francisco has committed multi-year funding to the initiative to help subsidize program salaries, rent, and small business mini-grants ($1.4 MM), and one-time expenses like design services, equipment, and furniture ($220,000).

Request for Funding:

We are seeking additional funding from private foundations, financial institutions, individual donors, and other sources of funding from the City to renovate the space. Please contact Pia Harris at pia.harris@sfhdc.org if you would like to learn more about funding this project.

One-time construction costs include interior demolition to maximize the retail footprint and create an open floor plan, and significant upgrades to mechanical, electrical, and plumbing.

This funding investment will provide meaningful economic opportunities and visibility in San Francisco’s notoriously restrictive commercial retail market for Black-owned businesses for at least a decade.

Naming Opportunities Available.

For inquiries, contact us:
pia.harris@sfhdc.org
(415) 822-1022

Interested in becoming an SFHDC partner?  Contact us now.