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.

CASE STUDY: Economic Growth Through Sustainability: The Reno + Sparks Green Business Certification Program

Providing thought leadership in the new energy economy

Overview

Set against the backdrop of Northern Nevada’s rapidly growing tourism and business landscape, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce’s (NV) Green Business Certification program is driving economic growth by helping businesses be more sustainable and profitable. Complete with training, tools, and support, the Green Business program enables businesses to reduce costs, enhance profitability, and attract eco-conscious customers and employees. By positioning the region as a leader in the new energy economy, the Chamber strengthens its role as a business advocate and makes the Reno metro area more attractive to investors.

Context:

• Reno and Sparks (NV) population: 538,000 (2024 estimate, Macrotrends)

• Reno + Sparks Chamber membership: 2,200+ businesses 

• Green Business Certification program launched 2022

Opportunity

With the increasing importance of sustainability in both consumer preferences and regulatory landscapes, the Reno + Sparks Chamber of Commerce recognized an opportunity to provide significant value and thought leadership. In partnership with Chamber member GreenUP!, the Chamber developed comprehensive training that includes metrics, tools, and processes, and is open to all businesses, to achieve Green Business Certification. Recognizing the significant economic contributions of the tourism and restaurant industries in the region, the Chamber also leads the specialized Green Dining Nevada Initiative. 

How the Program Works

Upon registration, a green business coordinator is assigned and offers a site assessment, technical assistance, and connections to incentive programs, recommending low-and no-cost solutions to help businesses save money.  The coordinator also provides useful resources, and evaluates certification criteria across seven categories: including energy, pollution prevention, solid waste, transportation, wastewater, and water. The Chamber covers all associated costs.

Vision

The Chamber’s commitment to innovation and sustainability positions the region at the forefront of the new energy economy.  Per Chamber CEO Ann Silver’s recent opinion piece in This is Reno, “At the Chamber, we’re convinced that dedication to innovation and investment in grid modernization, energy storage diversification, and advanced transportation options are crucial to ushering our local economy into the new energy economy. This commitment will unlock countless opportunities for businesses to thrive and create a pipeline of great jobs for future generations and for homeowners to reduce costs and conserve energy.” 

Economic Development Benefits

Reno + Sparks Chamber CEO, Ann Silver, sees significant economic benefits from the program for the Chamber, its members, and the community:

For Businesses: 

• Cost Savings: Businesses save money through waste and energy reduction, including the option to generate solar energy onsite—possibly even selling it back to the grid for passive income.

• Enhanced Competitiveness: Practices such as installing EV chargers or electrifying vehicles, save money and attract eco-conscious customers and employees, particularly in the competitive tourism and restaurant sectors.

• Increased Profitability: Sustainable practices, including the knowledge and tools to run a more sustainable business, lead to long-term profitability, positioning businesses to thrive in the evolving energy economy.

For the Chamber: 

• Membership Growth: The program draws new members, attracted to the Chamber for the Green Certification Training, and strengthens ties with non-member businesses, engaged as thought leaders.  Once engaged, these thought leaders often become investors.  

• Policy Influence: By engaging with policymakers on this program, the Chamber deepens relationships and solidifies its role as a business leader and advocate for regional economic growth.

• Regional Attractiveness: The Chamber’s leadership in sustainability strengthens area businesses and industries and makes the Reno-Sparks region more attractive to investors.

For the Reno + Sparks Community:

• Tourism Protection: The program safeguards the valuable tourism economy by increasing environmental stewardship.

• Meeting Consumer Expectations: Businesses that adopt sustainable practices meet growing consumer demands for recycling, composting, and reduced plastic use.

Results

• Growth: Over 200 businesses are certified, with numbers steadily increasing.  

• Program Expansion: Chamber partner GreenUp! is looking to expand and add a level 3 certification.

• Media Recognition: The program has garnered positive media attention for the Chamber. 

• Competitive Edge: Certified businesses are gaining an advantage in recruiting staff, particularly during peak seasons.  A restaurant, for example, hiring students for the busy summer season, will have a leg up in attracting prospective employees as a green certified business.  

Additional Lessons Learned

According to CEO Ann Silver, “It’s important to get ahead of the curve and not wait until something is legislated or inevitably becomes the sensible choice.  If you wait, you miss an opportunity to be viewed as a leader.”  

This proactive approach not only reinforces the Chamber’s role as a leader, but also helps attract and retain members by providing value upfront and driving long-term economic growth in the region.

To learn more about the program, check out the website. Or reach out to CEO Ann Silver at: asilver@thechambernv.org