Vacant to Vibrant Expands this Summer and Wells Fargo Commits $1 Million to Further Program’s Local Impact
Launched last year to great fanfare, we’re thrilled to announce the second cohort of activators invited to participate in the Vacant to Vibrant program.
The second cohort of Vacant to Vibrant will include a diverse selection of small businesses, nonprofit organizations, artists, and makers representing unique concepts, operations, and industries. Each of these grantees will be offered a rent-free storefront space for three months beginning this summer with the potential to extend their leases.
The initial list of activators involved in Vacant to Vibrant’s second cohort include the following, with more grantees slated to be announced in the coming weeks:
7x7 Social Club (Financial District): Longstanding SF media publication offering original, authentic content around the Bay Area’s favorite pastimes including dining and drinking, travel and the great outdoors, arts and culture, style and wellness
Alimentari Aurora (East Cut): A petite San Francisco deli with a curious kitchen, offering eclectic cheeses, charcuterie, fish tins, chips, snacks, and more
Hungry Crumbs (East Cut): San Francisco's premier cookie bakery, serving up handcrafted, luscious cookies across the Bay Area
JUMA Ventures; Steep Boba (East Cut): Steep is a youth-run and led boba and ice cream shop focused on management and leadership training for young people from underserved communities in San Francisco; owned by Juma Ventures, a nonprofit social enterprise that operates businesses to employ young people for long-term career success
Koolfi Creamery (East Cut): Small-batch ice cream shop offering flavors made with the best local and imported ingredients
Paper Son Coffee (East Cut): Quintessential SF coffee shop offering both locally roasted coffee and adventurous new flavor profiles
SAINTFLORA (Financial District): Full-service floral and online shop specializing in unconventional flower experiences
Public Glass (SOMA): Nonprofit arts organization home to San Francisco's only public-access glass studio and school
Grantees were selected from a pool of over 1,200 total applications and narrowed down through a comprehensive review process by an advisory committee of local business owners, artists, and community-based organizations as well as downtown property owners.
The Vacant to Vibrant program was originally developed through a partnership with Mayor London N. Breed and the City of San Francisco’s Office of Economic Workforce and Development (OEWD), alongside support from presenting sponsor Wells Fargo.
To support their growing investment in the economic revitalization of San Francisco, Vacant to Vibrant’s presenting sponsor Wells Fargo has also announced today a generous $1 Million donation being made to SF New Deal. Wells Fargo’s contribution will provide transformational grant funding and support for Vacant to Vibrant pop-ups who have transitioned to long-term leases downtown.
“San Francisco’s vibrant economy depends on the strength of the small business community,” said Darlene Goins, head of philanthropy and community impact at Wells Fargo.
“In pursuit of a resurgence of downtown San Francisco, Vacant to Vibrant is a prime example of the innovation and can-do spirit of San Franciscans working towards a common goal.”
Of the original 9 properties involved in the inaugural cohort of the program that launched in the fall of 2023, 7 small business owners have signed long-term leases downtown and will receive additional grant funding and technical assistance from SF New Deal, made possible through Wells Fargo’s financial commitment to Vacant to Vibrant.
“San Francisco’s unique small businesses are the heartbeat of every neighborhood and are critical to the revitalization of downtown. It’s been inspiring to see how the first Vacant to Vibrant cohort has brought new life downtown, and we’re thrilled to continue to support their success and expand the program to more locations with exciting new activations.” said Simon Bertrang, SF New Deal Executive Director. “Vacant to Vibrant demonstrates what’s possible through strong and effective public-private collaboration.”
“My wife and I are very excited to be included in the second cohort of Vacant to Vibrant because we get to be a part of the revival story of the heart of San Francisco - its downtown. We look forward to creating a joyous space for our neighbors, visitors, and our queer, women, South Asian, and progressive communities to gather and enjoy our unique take on Indian-inspired craft ice cream and savory bites,” said Priti Narayanan, owner of Koolfi Creamery & Cafe.
Visit vibrantsf.org or call (415) 480-1185 to learn more. Follow along on Instagram at @VacantToVibrant.
