ACE Collective

Full-stack consulting for creatives & entrepreneurs ready to grow into their dream commercial real estate space in SOMA

Sponsored by SF’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Kultivate Labs

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Past drivers of community and commerce — like big box retail and corporate work culture — no longer exist. San Francisco is craving for the next generation of neighborhood anchors.

Full-stack Support

San Francisco is ripe and ready for a generation of creatives and entrepreneurs who care about their culture and community as much as their craft and economic success.

Real estate prices and access to business technical expertise such as finance and legal support had historically made it impossible for these types of leaders to plant roots. The ACE Collective strives to remove those barriers.

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Program Components

Over a six-month period, participating ACEs will have access to a full-stack of business consulting support designed to break down barriers to accessing commercial real estate opportunities and surviving their first few months open.

Each ACE will have the opportunity to receive a $5,000 unrestricted cash grant upon signing a commercial real estate lease of at least 12 month term.
ACEs receive six-months of dedicated 1:1 Business Coaching sessions to help them set goals and stay accountable.
Their Business Coach will also scope when it’s time to get additional hands-on help. They will facilitate introductions to vetted Business Technical Experts (i.e. Finance, Legal, HR, Marketing), and coach ACEs through the onboarding and oversight of this partnered work.
ACEs get connected with Business Technical Experts and service providers to receive real, hands-on support for projects related to their real estate growth. Our network of experts and providers are vetted to work in a style that feels like they are a part of their team, sitting with ACEs in the details.
ACEs will receive help on work like financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting, business entity formation and permitting, and LOI + lease agreement reviews.
We’re partnered with long-standing commercial real estate brokers who have strong relationships with SOMA landlords.
ACEs will have access to free dedicated support from them for real estate searches, tours, and tenant representation in the lease negotiation process.
We care deeply about uplifting a generation of entrepreneurship and creative independence culture that inspires others to be the change they wish to see in the world.
We are running multiple storytelling efforts and marketing campaigns to uplift each ACE’s story.
ACEs will have access to all content for their own uses as well.

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Qualifying Criteria

— In operation for a minimum of one year
— Currently generating revenue
— Focused on strategic growth and committing to a commercial lease in the next 12 months
— Credit score of 600 OR 3 months operating cash in the bank
Food + Bev
Wellness + Health Services
Family Services (i.e. childcare, pet care)
Artists + Designers + Makers
Entertainment
Community-driven Retail

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Timeline & Events

March 2024

Season 2 ACE rolling applications open.

April 2024

Season 2 ACE consulting begins.

May 17, 2024

Season 2 ACE rolling applications close.

December 2024

Season 2 ACE participant programming ends.

Real Estate Opportunities in SOMA Pilipinas’ Developing Commercial Corridor

Below are a few examples of spaces we are actively looking to fill, but there are also so many more.

The Metreon - Food Court

Space FC02 - 892 sq ft with full prep kitchen & corner visibility
Space FC03 - 1,168 sq ft with full prep kitchen & type 1 hood
The Metreon - 165 4th St

Space 1070 - 1,943 sq ft retail shop
Previously Chronicle Books
The Metreon - 161 4th St

Space 1060 - 2,749 sq ft office/retail space with conference room and bathroom
Previously a university sales office
The Metreon - 145 4th St

Space 1040 - 2,179 sq ft restaurant with full dining room and type 1 hood
Previously Split Bread
The Metreon - 175 4th St

Space 1080 - 11,742 sq ft restaurant with type 1 hoods and event space
Previously Tabletop Taphouse
Executive Order

A bar with fully equipped kitchen with type 1 hood attached to the Westfield Mall available for food pop-ups
90 Mint - Bank

A former bank with vault feature
90 Mint - 3rd Floor

Former mixed use office space featuring polished floors, ADA/elevator access, large arched windows, and two private rooms
5M

Multiple street-facing retail spaces available within 5M mixed real estate development
Trellis - Cafe

A retail cafe and tap lounge available for pop-ups within Trellis, a coworking space with vaulted ceilings, natural light
Sarap Shop's Little Piña Food Trailer Incubator @ Kapwa Gardens

A fully permitted solar + generator powered food trailer located within Kapwa Gardens, available for food pop-ups
Sarap Shop’s Creative Studio & Commissary

A fully permitted commissary and creative studio available for food product R&D and test kitchen pop-ups