The 32-unit, four-story building was built in the 1970s on a gas station site. At the time of the photo, the storefronts all focused on the Hispanic community. The tenants in 2014 included MG & Associates, which handled immigration and "confidential marriages", and the organization SFCAT producing Carnaval. Another tenant was Alternatives for Latinas in Self-Sufficiency (ALAS), with ALAS meaning "wings" in Spanish; they assist "high-potential low-income women" who dream of business ownership. Through an intensive program in English or Spanish, women are enabled to start or expand their businesses. There are also scholarships and stipends for childcare and transportation, as well as loans. The default rate is a very good 10% and median income regularly nearly doubled within 18 months of completing training. As of 2014, more than 1,600 businesses have been started or developed. See related slides.
