CityRise Business Initiative
Launch a business or build the one you have. Get expert advice from USF professors. Meet other founders and learn with them and from them. Turn your dream into a reality — without paying a dime.
Why Should You Join CityRise Business Initiative?
You'll receive:
- Business training led by USF faculty, local entrepreneurs, and industry experts — at no charge.
- Tools to build or refine your business model, pricing, customer outreach, employee structure, and revenue strategy.
- A community of aspiring and existing business owners facing similar challenges, who care about creating thriving neighborhood corridors.
- Access to the broader San Francisco entrepreneurship network.
- Clear, realistic next steps to keep your business growing.
Who Should Apply?
You are a San Francisco Bay Area community member who wants to explore a new business idea, side hustle, or reboot a struggling small business. You have ideas, but have not had access to formal training and support to turn your dreams into reality. No USF affiliation or business experience is required. If you’re motivated and ready to learn, you are welcome here.
What to Expect
The ten month program includes:
- A six week business bootcamp led by business faculty and professionals
- Eight hours of personal mentoring by local experienced entrepreneurs
- Twelve weeks of customized consulting from USF students
- Practical tools, step-by-step workbooks, and business-building resources
Bootcamp Schedule
All sessions will be held in person on Saturdays in downtown San Francisco, accessible through Caltrain, MUNI, and BART. All sessions will run from 9 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
| Date | Session Theme | What You’ll Focus On |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 7, 2026 | Bootcamp Basics: Cohort introduction and Shared Goals | Discover the entrepreneurial mindset, types of ventures, and how to turn an idea into a starting point. |
| Feb 21, 2026 | Understanding Your Customers | Learn the core financial concepts: business models, cash flow, financial statements, and how many sales you need. |
| Feb 28, 2026 | Thinking Strategically and Managing Risks | Explore how to strategically plan your business, think ahead, and mitigate risks with an effective business structure. |
| Mar 7, 2026 | Getting Resources (Including Money) | Understand bootstrapping, resource leverage, funding sources, and negotiation, even when you’re starting with little capital. |
| Mar 21, 2026 | Customers Drive the Business | Focus on customer discovery, market segmentation, guerrilla marketing, and how to do more with less. |
| Mar 28, 2026 | Operations & Organizing and Other Fundamentals That Matter | Dive into operations: workflows, staffing, organizational models, value chains, and what your first 100 days should look like. |
Bring Your Vision to Life
Take your next step as a San Francisco entrepreneur. Email us at cityrise@usfca.edu with any questions.