April is Climate Action Month, with Climate Week from starting on the 21st. It features events for individuals and businesses about how to reduce the effects of climate change in San Francisco. SF Environment offers year-round resources for businesses to become more environmentally friendly. This includes grants for automatic dishwashers and reusable foodware, a program for nail salons, and a registry of certified Green Businesses. Learn more at sfenvironment.org/business.
Announcements & Highlights
SF Shines storefront grants of up to $10,000
Apply for a reimbursement grant for your small business storefront. Eligible expenses are those made since January 2024 and can include professional design services, equipment, furniture, and construction materials. Eligibility requirements and details are online.
SF Nightlife & Entertainment Summit
Apr 29, 1:00 – 5:00 PM, 49 South Van Ness Ave and streamed online
The Summit is an opportunity to join in discussion of the issues facing the nightlife and entertainment industry and consider ways the industry and the City can continue working together toward long-term recovery.
Request for Proposal for the India Basin Food Pavilion
The SF Recreation and Park Department seeks proposals for three-year activation and management of the newly constructed Food Pavilion at India Basin. The Pavilion is scheduled to open in September 2024.
Apply to sell at In The Black
In The Black is a marketplace providing Black-owned businesses with access to affordable retail space in the Fillmore District. They are accepting applications for new vendors.
Learn more and apply
Apply to sell at the Frisco Friday marketplaces
Frisco Fridays is a monthly family-friendly small business marketplace on the India Basin Shoreline Park.
Learn more and apply
Opportunity to operate a food and beverage kiosk at the Golden Gate Park Carousel
The SF Recreation and Park Department seeks proposals. They are due on May 6, 2024. Contact Jackie Suen at Jackie.Suen@sfgov.org or 415-831-6821 with questions.
Future Entrepreneurship program for individuals with disabilities
This is an 8-week training program starting in April that is tailored to each participants’ needs and provides additional assistance and mentoring outside the classroom setting. Hosted by the San Francisco Disability Business Alliance and The Arc.
Office of Small Business in the Community
Let us know if you would like the Office of Small Business to visit your corridor and share resources for small businesses. Please send requests to: sfosb@sfgov.org.
Upcoming
Sell Black
Apply by Apr 19
This is a 14-week digital marketing training program for San Francisco Black entrepreneurs in the food industry. Led by En2action. An informational session is on April 4 at 6:00 PM.
Employer annual reporting for the Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) and Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO)
Due by May 3, 2024
Employers covered by the San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance and/or the Fair Chance Ordinance must submit the 2023 Employer Annual Reporting Form. The fee for not filing is $500 per quarter.
File your Business Property Statement
Due by May 7, 2024
Business owners must file a property statement each year detailing the cost of all supplies, equipment, fixtures, and improvements owned at each location in San Francisco.
File online
New law requiring bars serving spirits to offer drug testing devices
Takes effect July 1, 2024
The new state law requires businesses with Type 48 licenses to offer drug testing devices for sale or at no cost to patrons. You will need to have signage for patron. You are responsible for procuring testing kits.
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at The Plough and The Stars
Apr 11, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Heritage Happy Hours offers a casual “no-host” gathering of heritage professionals, young preservationists, aficionados, friends, and Legacy Business cohorts interested in safeguarding San Francisco’s unique architectural and cultural identity.
Since 1975, The Plough and the Stars has been the heart of Irish traditional music. They support local musicians with seisuns and set dancing, as well as bluegrass and Americana.
Webinars & Events
Apr 9
Accessing Capital for Early Stage Businesses
This webinar is for new businesses looking to raise your first outside money. It will cover equity and debt and feature a panel of experts. Hosted by the Small Business Development Center.
Apr 11
Virtual Office Hours for entrepreneurs
Get feedback on your small business ideas from a business advisor. Learn to structure an initial business idea, and start market research. Hosted by the SF Public Library and SF Small Business Development Center.
Apr 11
Entrepreneurship & Small Business Resource Fair
This in-person event will be in Visitacion Valley for prospective or existing small business owners. Learn about resources for small businesses and network. Hosted by Visitacion Valley Community Unity.
Apr 16
Contracting for Women Business Owners
This is a 4-session training starting with the basics of government contracting, to developing proposals, compliance, and business development. Hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.
Apr 24
Fix Your Digital Marketing
In this workshop, learn how to audit your digital presence with hands-on help from an expert with years of experience in digital marketing. Hosted by the SF Public Library.
Apr 25
Virtual Legal Clinic
Get free business law advice at the monthly virtual legal clinic from Legal Services for Entrepreneurs. Be sure to register in advance. Please select the 1-hour appointment time you prefer. They will try to accommodate your preferred time slot.
Sign up
Small Business Week is coming up
May 6-10, 2024
This is the 20th annual SF Small Business Week, produced by the SF Chamber of Commerce. There will be numerous events for small business owners, along with campaigns to encourage the public to shop small and local. Here are a few highlights:
Pop-up Shop
The Office of Small Business, Shop Dine SF, and the Transbay Joint Powers Authority are hosting over 40 small business vendors at the Transit Center at Salesforce Tower.
Legacy Business Mixer
On May 9th the Office of Small Business will host the 3rd annual celebration for and with San Francisco’s Legacy Businesses. Hosted at Zeitgeist at 199 Valencia St.
Trainings with the SF Public Library
The Main Library is hosting six virtual and in person events throughout the week, ranging from networking to starting, then expanding, a small business.
Find all Small Business Week events
Shop Dine SF
A campaign to support businesses in San Francisco. Visit shops, eat at restaurants, and get services and experiences from the small businesses that make San Francisco special.
Visit sf.gov/shopdineSF or follow the campaign on social media to find events and initiatives across San Francisco! Share events supporting businesses and commercial corridors by emailing shopdinesf@sfgov.org.