|
October 5th, 2025
From the desk of President Henry Karnilowicz
| | |
Greetings from the largest small business association in area in San Francisco, advocating for all our businesses, including for issues such as security, legislation, and marketing.
We invite you to explore our website archive to access all our past newsletters.
SOMA offers a wide variety of services, restaurants, and more. Whether you’re looking for a great place to eat, need motorcycle repairs, want to explore local art, print or copy documents, visit an optometrist, enjoy a night out at a club, or even try an assisted stretch — you’ll find it all in our Member Directory.
We encourage all to share this newsletter with friends and associates. Help us spread the word!
| | |
HIGHLIGHTS:
- Two Blocks of Art
- SF Chamber of Commerce - Ebbies Awards
- The Box SF - Artists and Makers Fair
- Renaissance Entrepreneurship - Holiday Market
- The Little Raven Gallery - Photo Exhibition
-
Café Mélange - City Hall
| | |
Two Blocks of Art...
Date: Saturday, October 11th
Time: 11am - 6pm
Where: Market Street, 5th - 7th, San Francisco
The 12th Annual event returns to energize two full blocks of Market Street, featuring more than 19 captivating art exhibitions stretching from 5th to 7th streets. This year’s showcase will immerse attendees in a dynamic fusion of sight and sound, celebrating creativity in every form.
Don’t miss your chance to experience this incredible event—come show your support!
| | SF Chamber of Commerce - Ebbies Awards | | |
Ebbies Awards...
Date: Wednesday, October 29th
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Where: The Regency Ballroom
Location: 1300 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco CA 94109
Mark your calendars! The Excellence in Business Awards return on October 29 at the beautifully restored historic Regency Ballroom, in partnership with Goldenvoice. Join San Francisco’s premier celebration recognizing the Bay Area’s visionary entrepreneurs, inspiring leaders, and exemplary corporate citizens.
Celebrate and uplift San Francisco’s small business community—your presence makes a difference!
To reserve your ticket, click the button below. Then click "Reserve" button in top right corner of webpage:
| | |
Calling all artists and makers—plus anyone who loves unique, handmade treasures!
Date & Time:
Saturday, November 1st 11am-5pm
Sunday, November 2nd - 11am to 4pm
Where: The Box SF
Location: 1069 Howard St, San Francisco, CA 94103
The Box SF opens its doors every first weekend of the month for a free, public art fair, set inside their beautifully restored historic building in the heart of SOMA. No reservations needed—just step inside and explore!
Artists and makers interested in exhibiting and selling their work are invited to apply—click the button below to learn more.
| | Renaissance Entrepreneurship - Holiday Market | | |
Vendor opportunity alert!
Date: Wednesday, November 12th
Time: 3:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Where: One Market Plaza
Location: 1 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105
Bring your business to the holiday market at One Market Plaza! NAWBO SFBA is partnering with Renaissance and CIBC Bank to host the Holiday Market at One Market Plaza in Downtown San Francisco.
Register no later than October 24th
Use promo code REN25 to get $25 off of the $100 vendor fee for the first few spots.
| | Artist Beth Berman's Exhibition at Little Raven Gallery | | |
The Real Mucho Burro...
Congratulations to Beth Berman on the impressive turnout for her September 20, 2025 exhibition at The Little Raven Gallery showcasing her deeply personal collection of artwork that captures the steadfast companionship of a donkey, Pepe José, during her breast cancer journey. The exhibition served as a poignant reminder of the healing power of connection and creativity—an emotional anchor amidst the storm.
Pepe José is far from an ordinary muse. With his soulful gaze, adventurous spirit, and undeniable fondness for carrots, this endearing donkey infuses heart, humor, and warmth into every frame. Set against the lush landscapes of Nayarit, Mexico, Beth Berman’s work seamlessly blends fine art photography with playful, narrative depth.
Through fresh eyes, viewers are invited to rediscover the world—where companionship, nature, and whimsy intertwine. Each image transcends a mere portrait, becoming a celebration of the quiet, transformative magic that exists in the bond between artist and animal.
Check out this artist & the story behind her & her donkey companion on Instagram:
| | |
During the pandemic, the beloved basement café at City Hall was forced to close, leaving staff and visitors to venture elsewhere for their daily coffee or lunch break. Now, there’s a delicious reason to stay on-site — the Bayview Collective, a curated culinary collaboration showcasing African diaspora restaurants from San Francisco’s 3rd Street Bayview Corridor.
We’re thrilled to welcome Café Mélange, the newest addition to City Hall’s basement. This inviting café serves up high-quality coffee, satisfying breakfast bites, and flavorful lunch options — from gumbo, recipe provided by Gumbo Social, and jambalaya to sandwiches, fresh salads, African and African-American dishes, and irresistible sweets.
Whether you work at City Hall, are visiting for business, a tour, or even to tie the knot, make sure to stop by Café Mélange, open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., for your next cup of coffee or meal.
And while Café Mélange may not be located in SOMA, we believe they more than deserve a special shout-out from us!
Check out what's on their menu by clicking the button below:
| | | | |
