#SAMCEDAonTheMove - August 2025

The events in August brought people together, sparking joy, and a shared spirit of celebration throughout the community.

SAMCEDA's activities include:

Check out #SAMCEDAonTheMove to see past events and activities. 

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center & San Mateo Small Business Development Center’s Legacy Builders Summit

Business owners and entrepreneurs across the Bay Area attended Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center & San Mateo Small Business Development Center’s Legacy Builders Summit at the College of San Mateo in San Mateo.

The event provided a dynamic space for entrepreneurs to connect, collaborate, and share ideas. The summit offered valuable networking opportunities and practical insights, leaving attendees energized to take their business to the next level.


[ California Office of the Small Business Advocate's Director,
Dr. Tara Lynn Gray, served as the keynote speaker for the event ] 

[ From left to right: U.S. Small Business Administration's Chris Horton,California Bank & Trust's Vance Barnes, Mainstreet Launch's Adrian Gomez Zavala, DJS Business Solutions' Dr. Dene' Starks-McGee, Norcal SBDC, Finance Center's James Cheatum ]

[ Resource tables provided essential information and guidance,
helping entrepreneurs access the support they need to thrive ]

[ Click to watch the Legacy Builders Summit recap ]

Verizon’s Small Business Forward: San Francisco

Business owners, entrepreneurs, and community leaders gathered at Verizon’s Innovation Lab in San Francisco for the Small Business Forward event.

Verizon highlighted its $5 billion commitment to empowering small enterprises through tailored training, expedited payment terms, and more accessible procurement opportunities through its Small Business Supplier Accelerator program.


[ SAMCEDA Board Member and Verizon's Christine Keener
welcomed attendees and provided a brief overview to kick off the event ] 

[ Verizon's $5 billion commitment to small businesses is exemplified through its Small Business Supplier Accelerator, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs and expanding supplier opportunities ] 

[ Verizon’s Innovation Lab showcases state-of-the-art labs and
on-site technical expertise from Verizon engineers ]

[ Attendees left with valuable insights and a few thoughtful takeaways to commemorate the experience ]

KQED’s Empanada Showdown

From the savory empanadas of Chile and Argentina to the unique twists from the Philippines, food lovers and empanada enthusiasts came together at KQED headquarters in San Francisco for a flavorful journey across cultures. 

Guests not only explored the rich history behind each variety but also enjoyed tasting the delicious empanadas featured during the show.

The recording of the show can be found here (at KQED Live’s YouTube page).

For upcoming KQED Live events, check out the list here.


[ From left to right: Chile Lindo's Paula Tejeda, El Porteño's Joseph Ahearne, Harina Baked Goods' Grace Lontoc, and KQED's Blanca Torres ]


[ During the Empanada Autopsy segment, KQED Food's Josh Decolongon guided the chefs through a flavorful deep dive into their empanadas by breaking down ingredients, sharing culinary inspiration, and highlighting the unique stories behind each creation ]


[ This KQED Live event was sponsored by Comcast Business, Genentech,
and the San Francisco Symphony ]

[  Click to watch the Empanada Showdown ]

San Francisco Business Times' Bay Area Housing for All

Policymakers, business & community leaders, and housing advocates joined for San Francisco Business Times' Bay Area Housing for All event at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco. 

The discussion centered on innovative financing methods, effective scalable solutions, and targeted policies to provide affordable housing for a diverse range of groups, including families, educators, essential workers, young professionals, and the vital middle-income population.


[ San Francisco Business Times' Pete Casillas provided opening remarks ]

[ From left to right: East Bay Housing Organizations' Lindsay Haddix, SAMCEDA's Rosanne Foust, Eden Housing's Andrea Osgood, BRIDGE Housing's Smitha Seshadri, and MidPen Housing's Abby Goldware Potluri ]

San Jose Jazz’s Summer Fest 2025

The San Jose Jazz’s 35th Summer Fest showcased an incredible mix of jazz, blues, Latin, R&B, and more, featuring over 100 dynamic performances across multiple stages at Plaza de César Chavez Park in San Jose.

This event was sponsored by Jay Paul Company, PG&E, Amazon, John & Timi Sobrato Charitable Fund, Heritage Bank of Commerce, Republic Services, and more.


[ A lineup of talented musical acts took center stage at the Jay Paul Company Main Stage, filling the air with rhythm, energy, and unforgettable vibes ]

[ Attendees lined up at the food trucks,
grabbing tasty bites while enjoying the festival’s lively energy ]

[ The PG&E Latin Tropical Stage came alive with vibrant musical
performances that had attendees dancing and cheering ]

[ As part of Alebrijes en San José, stunning
 sculptures were displayed throughout the festival ]

San Mateo County Central Labor Council’s COPE Banquet

At the Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport in Burlingame, the San Mateo County Central Labor Council came together to honor the strength of the community and the essential contributions of organized labor throughout San Mateo County.


[ With heartfelt words, Mark Gilbert and SAMCEDA's Rosanne Foust
introduced the Community Award recipient ]

[ SAMCEDA's Consultant and MC2 Bay Area Public Affairs'
Don Cecil was presented with the Community Award ]

[ Teamsters 856/986 and San Mateo County Central Labor Council's
Trustee, Fred Wood was honored with the Unity Award ]

[ From left to right: SAMCEDA's Larisa Ocañada, Don Cecil, and Rosanne Foust ]

KQED’s Fresh Glass Uncorked: Wine Tasting and Conversation

The Emmy Award–winning series Fresh Glass came to life in a special live edition, where host Cassandra Schaeg guided an inspiring conversation with special guests. 

Held at KQED’s headquarters in San Francisco, attendees enjoyed insightful talks that highlighted how wine serves as a powerful expression of culture, flavor, and entrepreneurial spirit.

The recording of the show can be found here (at KQED Live’s YouTube page).

For upcoming KQED Live events, check out the list here.


[ From left to right: Black Vines' Fern Stroud, The McBride Sisters Wine Company's
Robin McBride, and Fresh Glass' Cassandra Schaeg ]

[ Guests had the opportunity to savor a variety of wines during an intimate tasting session, while engaging directly with the owners to gain deeper insight into their craft and vineyards ]


[ This KQED Live event was sponsored by Comcast Business, Genentech,
and the San Francisco Symphony ]

[  Click to watch the Fresh Glass Uncorked: Wine Tasting and Conversation ]

Burlingame/SFO Chamber of Commerce’s Burlingame on the Avenue

Burlingame/SFO Chamber of Commerce’s annual event, Burlingame On the Avenue, brought the community and local small businesses together for a lively weekend filled with music, entertainment, and fun.

This event was sponsored by Recology San Mateo County, Sutter Health, HIP Housing, Peninsula Clean Energy, SavATree, and more!


[ The event proudly showcased a vibrant array of small businesses,
each bringing unique products and services ]

[ Sutter Health’s Mills-Peninsula Medical Center's cutting-edge Mobile Stroke Unit was on display, giving guests an up-close experience with the life-saving innovation and the medical team behind it ]

[ Live performances on the Main Stage energized the crowd ]

BART’s San Mateo County Next Generation Fare Gate Ribbon Cutting and Press Conference

The Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system proudly announced the successful completion of the next generation fare gate installations across all San Mateo County stations with a ribbon-cutting event at San Bruno station.

Designed to be taller and more robust, these upgraded fare gates greatly improved public safety while transforming the rider experience with cutting-edge, state-of-the-art technology.


[ Surrounded by elected officials and community leaders,
the ribbon-cutting ceremony was a  celebration of community progress and collaboration ]

[ The rider experience was transformed by these upgraded
fare gates, which also brought significant improvements to public safety ]

Commission on the Status of Women’s Her Voice. Her Power. Our Future. Raising Voices for Community Prosperity

The County of San Mateo's Commission on the Status of Women's hosted the Women's Equality Day celebration, Her Voice. Her Power. Our Future. at the Regional Operation Center in Redwood City.

The inspiring event focused on economic equity, access, and opportunity for women, featuring personal stories and shared wisdom from District 4's Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, District 2's Vice President Supervisor Noelia Corzo, and District 1's Supervisor Jackie Speier.

The recording of the show can be found here (at SMC - HR's YouTube page).

For more information about Women's Equality Day, please click here.


[ From left to right: County of San Mateo's Commission on the Status of Women's
Commissioner LaSaundra Gutter, District 4's Supervisor Lisa Gauthier,
District 2's Vice President Supervisor Noelia Corzo, and District 1's Supervisor Jackie Speier ]

[ Providing a wealth of knowledge and support, the Commission on the Status of Women shared essential information on pay equity, child care, and financial resources to empower individuals and families ]

[  Click to watch the Her Voice. Her Power. Our Future ]

49ers Foundation’s Players For A Purpose

At the 49ers Foundation’s eighth annual Kickoff: Players for a Purpose fundraiser, passionate supporters kicked off the evening with a vibrant neighborhood-style Block Party, creating a lively and festive atmosphere.

The celebration then moved to Levi’s Stadium, where guests enjoyed an unforgettable dinner alongside San Francisco 49ers players and legends. 

Thanks to the generosity of all involved, the event raised an impressive $1.4 million, directly fueling the Foundation’s vital mission to educate, empower, and inspire youth throughout the Bay Area and beyond through impactful programs.


[ Visitors had the opportunity to admire the San Francisco 49ers’ Super Bowl trophies ]

[ Attendees were delighted to connect with the San Francisco 49ers players,
enjoying a memorable meet-and-greet dinner experience ]

[ San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey and SAMCEDA's Larisa Ocañada ]

[ Thanks to the generous supporters of the event, $1.4 million was
raised to create meaningful opportunities and support for youth across the Bay Area ]

[ The Verizon team and community partners joined forces to provide
strong support for this important cause ]
(Photo provided by Verizon)

Check out #SAMCEDAonTheMove to see past events and activities.