Model and Strategy
The San Francisco Housing Development Corporation (SFHDC) was founded in 1988 to address the displacement of Black families caused by the government redevelopment programs in the '60s and '70s. Its mission is to foster financial stability through affordable housing development, the facilitation of homeownership, and the economic empowerment and revitalization of the Fillmore, Bayview Hunters Point, and other neighborhoods of San Francisco. In January 2022, SFHDC’s Economic Development Program launched comprehensive new services with purposeful focus on Black entrepreneurs and small business owners in the Fillmore, a historic center of Black culture that has faced significant economic decline and displacement over the decades. SFHDC’s long-term goal is to transform the Fillmore into a vibrant, inclusive commercial district that offers economic opportunities and fosters cultural enrichment by:
- Enhancing the retail occupancy and vitality of Fillmore south of Geary through targeted investments in local businesses and cultural programming;
- Equipping Black entrepreneurs with the tools, resources, and capital necessary to launch and sustain successful businesses; and
- Supporting initiatives that celebrate and preserve the rich cultural legacy of the Fillmore.
- Culturally Relevant Business Training: Through its "Minding My Black-Owned Business" program, continue to offer a 12-week course tailored to the unique needs of Black entrepreneurs, focusing on financial management, marketing, and business plan development. This program, which serves 75 businesses annually, will be complemented by mentorship from industry experts, access to capital, and ongoing technical assistance.
- Affordable Commercial Spaces: Expand its "In The Black" marketplace, increasing the number of Black-owned businesses housed in its 1,500 sq. ft. affordable retail space from 25 to 40, providing them with access to both physical and online sales platforms. SFHDC also will open a state-of-the-art 2,500 sq. ft. commercial kitchen, offering 20 culinary entrepreneurs affordable space, specialized training, and business development support.
- Placekeeping: Improve the overall corridor by returning it to its roots as a Black business district. SFHDC’s support includes helping businesses access retail spaces through lease negotiation, construction management, operations planning, and securing loans and grants.
- Community Engagement and Cultural Programming: Organize and participate in events like the Juneteenth Freedom Festival and Western Addition Music Festival to celebrate Black culture and history. These annual events will serve as platforms for local businesses, foster community pride, and attract visitors to the Fillmore, driving economic activity and strengthening neighborhood ties.
- Strategic Partnerships: Seek out partnerships and deepen collaborations with local and regional organizations to amplify the impact of its public programming, placemaking initiatives, and community activation efforts.
Impact
Minding My Black-Owned Business
Since its inception in June 2022, the "Minding My Black-Owned Business" (MMBOB) program has graduated 135 entrepreneurs and small business owners, who report substantial increases of knowledge in key areas like accounting, personal and business credit, business registration, and social media marketing. The program has delivered 600 hours of technical assistance, developed 97 business plans, and provided 13 businesses with 12 months of bookkeeping services. Additionally, 25 businesses have received inventory and marketing stipends. MMBOB has connected businesses with $2.3 million in capital, including over $1 million in grants disbursed through SFHDC and $1.3 million in external funding.
Neighborhood Revitalization and Business Growth
In the past two years, SFHDC has facilitated the opening of four new Black-owned businesses on the Fillmore corridor, with four more planned by the end of 2025. This initiative has reduced retail vacancy from 25% to 19%, with a projected decrease to 13% upon the completion of upcoming openings. These openings include a Black-led marketplace, a soul food restaurant, a makeup studio, and a commercial kitchen. These efforts also have increased Black business representation on the corridor. Previously, there were 16 Black-owned businesses out of a total of 72 storefronts; this number has now risen to 20, including SFHDC’s In The Black Marketplace, which hosts 25 businesses. In effect, this expansion has tripled the number of Black-owned businesses, increasing their representation from 29% to 62%.
The In The Black Marketplace, which opened in December 2022, provides affordable retail options, including short and long-term leases, pop-up events, and e-commerce opportunities, catering to a diverse array of business needs. The marketplace has had a significant economic impact, with participating businesses generating over $400,000 in sales through various events and store activities. It has also strengthened community ties through events featuring local artisans, authors, and educators, and partnerships with organizations like Foodwise, showcasing Black businesses in prominent markets such as the San Francisco Ferry Building.
Public Programming
Since 2022, SFHDC has had an impact on local businesses through its public programming, notably with the annual Juneteenth Freedom and Western Addition Music Festivals. These events supported approximately 240 business pop-ups on Fillmore Street, including 26 nonprofits, 20 food vendors, and 35 retail vendors in 2024 alone. These festivals attracted 25,000 attendees each year, significantly increasing foot traffic and community engagement. The events also facilitated substantial support for local organizations, including the San Francisco AIDS Foundation’s Black Health initiative and the GLIDE Center for Social Justice, among others. In 2024, $211,810 in funding was allocated directly to San Francisco vendors and small businesses.
“The immediate, tangible effects of investing in the Fillmore corridor are clear. Each new business opened and each event held translates to direct economic activity. Our public programming and support for local artists contribute to a vibrant cultural scene that attracts wider attention and tourism. And by enhancing public spaces and increasing the presence of local businesses, we strengthen the social fabric of the Fillmore, making it a more cohesive, supportive community.” — Pia Harris, Chief Economic Development Officer
Leadership
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David Sobel
Chief Executive Officer
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Pia Harris
Chief Economic Development Officer
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Howard Green
Chief Operating Officer
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Lena Robinson
Board Chair