ABOUT
History:
Originally formed in 1992, the South of Market Business Association (SOMBA) is a
non-profit professional organization governed by its Board of Directors and bylaws.
Work is carried out through committees and direction comes from dues-paying Members
and vital input from community stakeholders.
SOMBA member businesses are tightly integrated into the community; many owners and
employees live and work in the area. On a day-to-day basis, SOMBA businesses are
resources for each other as they serve the unique populations that reside and work
in the South of Market. Members and partner organizations work together to create a
more vibrant, connected and successful business environment.
SOMBA serves as a resource to:
-support and strengthen SoMa businesses
-promote SoMa businesses doing business with each other
- attract more customers to the neighborhood
-advocate for a more vibrant community overall
Partnering Organization:
Urban Solutions
Urban Solutions a non-profit economic development organization headquartered in the
South of Market, serves as SOMBA’s fiscal and administrative agent. Both SOMBA and
Urban Solutions receive financial support from the San Francisco Redevelopment
Agency. Urban Solutions provides comprehensive small business services to businesses
in SoMa and citywide.
Urban Solutions’ mission is to strengthen underserved neighborhoods by supporting
small businesses, job creation, diversity and sustainability.
Services include: free loan packaging support to help businesses with access to
capital, technical assistance such as financial planning and marketing, help for
businesses to make a building purchase using SBA financing, Green Business
Certification and access to economic development tools such as façade improvement
grants from the San Francisco Redevelopment Agency.
SOMBA: For a vibrant community
