Welcome to the new year! We would like to start out 2024 by thanking all the courageous small business owners for your investment and contributions to this city and our communities. We wish you all a joyous and successful year ahead. 2024 is starting with the roll-out of over 100 changes to the Planning Code to improve the small business permitting process and help fill commercial vacancies faster. The changes go into effect on January 13th.
Announcements & Highlights
Expanded CVR fees for beverages
Starting on January 1, 2024, CA Redemption Value (CRV) fees expanded to include beverage containers that are boxes, bladders, or pouches containing wine, distilled spirits, wine coolers, or distilled spirit coolers.
Find more information at the Cal Recycle website.
Reminder: register your point-of-sale station
Any business that uses a point-of-sale (POS) station, including from 3rd parties like Square and Shopify, need to register the device with the Department of Public Health, Weights & Measures division. Download the PDF application form here. Email SFWeightsAndMeasures@sfdph.org or call (415) 252-3884 with questions.
Affordable loans for certified Local Business Enterprises (LBEs)
SF Lends aims to connect small businesses to affordable loans and lines of credit for your day-to-day cashflow needs. This program is available to all Certified San Francisco Local Business Enterprises (LBEs) with active contractual relations with the City – direct or subcontract.
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
New federal reporting for most companies
Beginning on January 1, 2024
Most companies (such as LLCs, partnerships, and corporations) must now file “Beneficial Ownership Information” with the federal government. Existing companies have until January 1, 2025 to file, but new businesses have only 90 days. Sole proprietors and non-profits are among the business types that may be exempt and don’t have to file. Learn more and then file online. Questions can be submitted here.
Annual survey of entertainment and nightlife businesses
Submit by Jan 31
The SF Entertainment Commission is looking for anonymous feedback from business owners (including self-employed people), business managers, and non-profit executives. The purpose of the survey is to understand the continued economic impacts of the pandemic on the industry, the latest needs and challenges affecting the industry, and its priorities for continued recovery.
New legislation will waive fees and reduce permitting for outdoor entertainment
Starting January 13, 2024
This legislation will waive entertainment permit application fees for any business that had a Just Add Music (JAM) permit during the pandemic and wants to continue that outdoor entertainment or amplified sound. Businesses getting an entertainment permit for the first time will also have their initial license fees waived. It also expands where businesses can get a Limited Live Performance (LLP) permit. These are just some highlights of many updates and improvements to the rules for outdoor entertainment.
Read more here and email questions to entertainment.commission@sfgov.org.
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at Pop’s Bar
Jan 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.
From an underground bar in the 1930s, to an Irish post-World War II flyboy bar in the 1940s and 1950s, to a fixture of the Calle 24 cultural district in the present, Pop’s has served a range of Mission District communities over its history.
Webinars & Events
JAN 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.
JAN 16
Accessing Capital for Early Stage Businesses
This webinar from the Small Business Development Center is designed for new companies looking to raise their first outside money. The webinar will cover equity and debt and feature a panel of experts.
JAN 16 – FEB 6
Start Smart 2024
Join the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center for a multi-session training to develop essential skills and create a strong foundation for your business ideas.
JAN 22
Info Sessions: Starting a Child Care Business
Learn about the Family Child Care Fundamental Series from the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. It is an 8-week program to assist individuals in initiating or expanding their family childcare business.
JAN 22
Small Business Commission meeting
Agenda items include a discussion about the impacts of San Francisco Municipal Transportation Authority (SFMTA) projects on small businesses, and a presentation on the City's new SF Lends initiative that aims to connect small businesses to affordable loans and lines of credit.
JAN 22
Understanding & Working with Food Costing
This session from the Small Business Development Center will teach you food costing basics, and understanding how to use it to make your business thrive, even when ingredient prices change.
JAN 23
Shared Spaces updates for restaurants
The Shared Spaces team will provide updates on what you need to do to make sure your parklet passes final inspections. Following a presentation, a Q & A will allow you to follow up on concerns and questions. Hosted by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association.
JAN 23
Grow Your Sales Through Trade
California and the U.S. Small Business Administration are hosting a webinar to help you grow your business and become competitive in global markets. Learn about grant opportunities, tools, and resources. Find general information about exporting globally.
JAN 25
Understanding your electricity bill
This webinar is hosted by the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission, to learn how energy bills work and the cost drivers on the bill. It will include tips for how to save on their bills through discount options, conservation programs and much more.
JAN 30
Thinking of Starting a Business in San Francisco?
Join Office of Small Business staff in-person at Manny’s to learn about the basic steps of starting a business, tips and resources when searching for a space to locate your business and negotiating lease agreements, permitting support, and more.
Shop Dine SF
Shop Dine SF is 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.