A Plan To Stimulate Economic Activity and Build Solidarity With Communities of Color
SEED Network Launches Program to Invest in BIPOC Businesses
SAN FRANCISCO, CA - September 14, 2021 - SEED Network launches as an online community/platform dedicated to organizing and uplifting BIPOC business by providing educational and economical tools for entrepreneurs in San Francisco, and re-granting the money to business providers. Forming in 2018 as the SEED Accelerator, the SEED Network program continues its expansion to include BIPOC owned B2B businesses. The project is a collaboration spearheaded by non-profit Kultivate Labs, in partnership with Wells Fargo, and the SF Office of Economic and Workforce Development. B2B and B2C pairs can apply for six (6) $4,000 grants provided by the Wells Fargo foundation.
“Wells Fargo is committed to helping BIPOC small businesses recover from the COVID pandemic and grow. Small businesses are the backbone of our local economy and communities. The SEED Network will support small businesses with capital and resources needed to make our communities stronger,” said Denise Miles, Wells Fargo’s Senior Vice President of social impact and sustainability.
The Pillars of Business Growth
The main goal of accelerating business growth is founded on four core values. These pillars are Networking, Empowerment, Education, and Strategic Planning. By prioritizing these core pillars, initiatives can be more identifiable and determine the realms a small business may need assistance tapping into. Specifically, networking would explore the process of connecting business owners with economic resources, while empowerment would elevate a BIPOC business initiative to provide leverage for marginalized communities. Additionally, small businesses going through the learning process with a mentor and understanding strategic planning to access grants further highlights the resiliency of small BIPOC businesses within the competitive SF environment.
Community event at Kapwa Gardens in SOMA Pilipinas. Photo credit Greg Manalo.
“We believe economic recovery starts with collaboration. There’s power in like-minded businesses working together to amplify their strengths. The SEED Network will prove that by connecting B2C’s with B2B’s and investing in their partnerships, we can spark economic growth and recovery in communities often left behind,'' shares Desi Danganan, Executive Director of Kultivate Labs. “This innovative new economic recovery program will be piloted here in SOMA Pilipinas first but is designed to connect our community with other BIPOC business professionals throughout San Francisco. Our recovery will create opportunities for other communities to benefit as well. If we can double or triple the impact of this initial round of funding, there is no reason why we can’t scale our program to help other communities suffering the devastating economic effects of the pandemic.”
Uncle Tito (formerly Straight Up,) was started in 2015 by life-long friends, Paolo Dayao, Joseph Alcasabas, and Joseph’s cousin and cocktail enthusiast, Randolph Cabrera. Photo provided by Plinth Agency
A Legacy of Building Up Businesses
The SEED program’s most recent success story comes from food business Uncle Tito, originally a bar concept called Straight Up Bar & Bites, they rebranded themselves using the B2B services through SEED. The result, a more focused brand identity as Filipino Americans, a new website, logo, and implementing an online delivery component to their ordering process.
“Through tackling brand development, our website, and community impact, SEED has helped us be more involved with the community and map our authenticity to be present in the Filipino culinary landscape”. Shares co-owner, Paolo Dayao. “It is a great way to expand your network, assess your strengths and weaknesses as a team, and grow in areas you feel are lacking in your business; and more importantly your approach and mindset. SEED has definitely assisted us with all of that”.
Malaya Botanicals retail store in Alameda, CA. Photo Credit Malaya Botanicals
SEED Network has a strong track record of supporting small businesses not just in the Filipino Cultural district but throughout the Bay Area including Chef Reina’s Filipino Vegan restaurant in Brisbane, and Malaya Botanicals in Alameda. Within San Francisco businesses that have benefited from being involved in SEED are, Pinoy Heritage, Ox + Tiger, Mirage Medicinal, Hu the Barber, and Arkipelago Books.
The organization is currently seeking BIPOC businesses to apply for the program and/or be considered as a vendor/consultant. More information can be found at www.seednetwork.biz
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About SEED Network:
SEED Network is an SF-based business empowerment and assistance program, initiated with the goal of stimulating economic activity and growth for BIPOC businesses by providing access to resources and solutions. It is a Kultivate Labs non-profit project in partnership with Wells Fargo, SF Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and SOMA Pilipinas.
About Kultivate Labs:
Kultivate Labs is a Non-profit Economic Development and Arts Organization. They create thriving commercial ecosystems by accelerating businesses that preserve culture and community. They provide space and opportunities for the arts to flourish so that commercial activities are activated and reflect the community at large. The diverse team behind Kultivate Labs itself demonstrates a considerable range of experience (Undiscovered SF night market, and Balay Kreative- A Filipino arts and cultural org, with more projects to be announced throughout 2021.)