Holiday Night Market by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center Celebrates Small Business Owners

The CZI Community Space transformed into a bustling, festive marketplace on Nov. 21 as more than a dozen local small business owners showcased their handcrafted products and goods for an inaugural Holiday Night Market.

CZI grantee partner Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center hosted the Night Market to give community members a unique opportunity to support local entrepreneurs ahead of the holidays, amplifying the importance — and the power — of shopping local.

The Night Market offered a treasure trove of goods: handmade, artisanal accessories by ChulaSF; handcrafted candles by Wick2Whispers; unique streetwear and athleisure by Unfazed; vegan, gluten-free, and corn-free snacks by Humble Bites and much more! Participants also enjoyed food and drinks and a free gift-wrapping station, while kids spent time in a play zone.

Small business owners and community members connect during the inaugural Holiday Night Market by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

Jose Campos, owner of Vasudeva Art, chats with a community member interested in his handmade jewelry and accessories.

Holiday goodies by Rustic Postres, a bakery that crafts homemade, rustic-style desserts.

The CZI Community Space bursts with energy and holiday cheer at the inaugural Holiday Night Market.

Curtis Yancy, a director for the CZI Community team, chats with Jonathan Makonnen, owner of Unfazed clothing, a streetwear/athleisure brand that focuses on empowering all human beings.

Leslie Cruz and Cassandra Ledezma of Morlie, which creates one-of-a-kind, embossed greeting cards.

Hand-painted aluminum Christmas angels on display by Viva Frida, which sells cultural items crafted by local Mexican artists and artisans.

Small business owners featured in the Night Market pictured with staff from CZI and Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

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Small business owners and community members connect during the inaugural Holiday Night Market by Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

Jose Campos, owner of Vasudeva Art, chats with a community member interested in his handmade jewelry and accessories.

Holiday goodies by Rustic Postres, a bakery that crafts homemade, rustic-style desserts.

The CZI Community Space bursts with energy and holiday cheer at the inaugural Holiday Night Market.

Curtis Yancy, a director for the CZI Community team, chats with Jonathan Makonnen, owner of Unfazed clothing, a streetwear/athleisure brand that focuses on empowering all human beings.

Leslie Cruz and Cassandra Ledezma of Morlie, which creates one-of-a-kind, embossed greeting cards.

Hand-painted aluminum Christmas angels on display by Viva Frida, which sells cultural items crafted by local Mexican artists and artisans.

Small business owners featured in the Night Market pictured with staff from CZI and Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

“The Night Market was more than a festive event, it was a celebration of community and entrepreneurship,” says Teresa Perez, program manager for South San Mateo County at Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. “By supporting small businesses, especially during the holiday season, we are not just buying products, we are investing in dreams, livelihoods, and the vibrant diversity that makes our community unique. We are thankful to everyone who supported our small businesses during this event.”

Renaissance opens pathways to small businesses through training, one-on-one consulting, access to capital, and networks of support. It’s part of CZI’s inaugural class of Inclusive Entrepreneurship grantees. By supporting this event, attendees supported small business owners during one of the busiest shopping times of the year.

“Entrepreneurs are the heart of our local economy and play a vital role in growing economic mobility in our communities,” says Rosa Cabrera, a senior program officer at CZI who leads the Inclusive Entrepreneurship portfolio. “We were thrilled to support Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center in this vision and will continue to support small business owners through our Inclusive Entrepreneurship work.”

Learn more about the featured entrepreneurs here.

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About the Chan Zuckerberg Initiative
The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative was founded in 2015 to help solve some of society’s toughest challenges — from eradicating disease and improving education, to addressing the needs of our communities. Through collaboration, providing resources and building technology, our mission is to help build a more inclusive, just and healthy future for everyone. For more information, please visit chanzuckerberg.com.