CASE STUDY: San Francisco Chamber Leverages Sustainability to Drive Economic Growth
The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is proving that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s a catalyst for economic development.
Opportunity
Like many metro chambers, the San Francisco Chamber faced the challenge of revitalizing its downtown in response to shifting economic conditions and commercial real estate trends. Recognizing an opportunity to position the city as a leader in sustainable business innovation, the Chamber said ‘yes’ to Yes SF, an urban sustainability challenge aimed at transforming the city.
In collaboration with UpLink—an open innovation platform from the World Economic Forum—and Chamber members Deloitte, Salesforce, and Citibank, the Chamber launched Yes SF, a startup incubator designed to help startups scale innovative solutions while strengthening the city’s business ecosystem.
Through a competitive process, Yes SF selected 14 climate tech startups from over 150 applicants in its inaugural 2023 cohort. These companies receive grants, mentorship, and access to an extensive business network to help them scale, attract investment, and create regional jobs.
Sustainability as an Economic Development Strategy
Recognizing the economic power of startups, the San Francisco Chamber granted all 14 Yes SF participants complimentary chamber memberships, integrating them into the city’s business community from day one.
Rodney Fong, President and CEO of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the broader vision: “Our long-term goal is to contribute to the city’s resurgence by providing a dynamic environment that fosters sustainable innovation, economic growth, and community connection.”
To provide a physical hub for collaboration, the Chamber established the Yes SF Headquarters, a coworking, networking, and cafe space in the heart of downtown San Francisco. Opened in September 2024, the space serves as a central hub for business leaders, investors, and climate innovators, hosting regular events focused on economic revitalization and sustainability.
The Chamber’s Leadership
As a driving force behind Yes SF, the San Francisco Chamber is doing more than promoting the program—it’s leading it.
By leveraging its network, the Chamber facilitates connections between startups and established businesses, fostering collaborations that drive innovation. Posh Energy, a Yes SF startup, exemplifies this. Its Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) help businesses reduce electricity costs, enhance energy reliability, and meet sustainability goals. Companies across the Bay Area are already benefiting from its technology.
To ensure the program’s success, the Chamber has dedicated staff to support Yes SF startups, offering participants access to advisory services, introductions to key stakeholders, and integration into UpLink’s global innovation network.
Emily Abraham, the Chamber’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and chamber lead for the Yes SF Partnership, explained, “We have learned a great deal about how to support the startups in ways that increase the likelihood of success. They need specific help in understanding state and federal tax incentives, introductions to folks in city government and in our member community, and like all small businesses, support for infrastructure, such as employee benefit programs.”
Results & Impact
Since launching, Yes SF has hosted over 70 business and investor events, spotlighting climate tech startups and their role in revitalizing the city. The Yes SF Headquarters has become a vibrant hub for collaboration, drawing entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors together in one space.
While investment and job creation numbers are still emerging, Yes SF demonstrates a model for urban transformation and how chambers can integrate sustainability and innovation into their economic development strategies to drive community revitalization.
Lessons Learned
For chambers of commerce looking to drive economic growth, attract investment, and support local businesses, Yes SF offers key takeaways:
Leverage existing networks: Chambers can connect startups with established businesses to speed up market adoption and drive innovation.
Build strategic partnerships: Large corporations and global platforms like UpLink provide funding, credibility, and expertise.
Create a physical hub: If possible, establishing a coworking or event space fosters collaboration and visibility for emerging industries.
San Francisco leads the U.S. in climate tech investment, attracting $8.8 billion since 2020, but this opportunity extends beyond the Bay Area. Cities like Houston ($1.6 billion in climate tech investment) are also capitalizing on sustainability-driven economic growth.
For chambers in any region, integrating sustainability into economic development strategies can create business opportunities, attract new industries, and support entrepreneurs in their communities.
For more information, visit yessf.org.