Pride month is here in San Francisco! LGBTQ-owned and operating small businesses are a vital part of our communities, economy, and city culture. If you are an LGBTQ small business owner, the SF LGBT Center offers specialized Small Business Services all year round. Our staff at the Office of Small Business are also available to any small business entrepreneur – online, by phone, or in person at both the San Francisco Permit Center and City Hall.
Announcements
Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance updates
The Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) released proposed rules interpreting the Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance, which gives certain employees the right to request flexible or predictable work arrangements to assist with caregiving responsibilities. Employers with 20 or more employees are covered by the law.
Employees (of employers covered under this law) who may request the flexible or predictable working arrangement include those who (1) are employed in San Francisco, (2) have been employed for six months or more by their current employer, and (3) work at least eight hours per week on a regular basis. Covered employees may request the flexible or predictable working arrangement to assist with care for:
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a child or children under the age of eighteen;
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a person or persons with a serious health condition in a family relationship with the employee; or
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a parent (age 65 or older) of the employee.
There will be a public hearing on Thursday, June 16 at 10:00 AM at City Hall, room 408 for the public to weigh in on the proposed rules to this updated law. Public comment is welcomed, in writing or in person, at the hearing.
Mobile food program at Presidio Tunnel Tops seeks vendors
The Presidio Trust is seeking Bay Area mobile food businesses (vendors) to offer outdoor daily food service at Presidio Tunnel Tops, near the Presidio Visitor Center, Presidio Transit Center, and Crissy Field.
The Trust is seeking vendors who offer delicious food at approachable prices that celebrate the best of the Bay Area. They are looking for a mix of rotating food options that include, but are not limited to, breakfast/brunch items such as coffee, pastries, and bakery items, a wide variety of ethnic food choices that are both family friendly and easy to eat while enjoying the park.
Business support services for distribution and repair businesses
The Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center helps industrial distribution and repair businesses stay in the City. Business support services can include help with permitting and zoning, and help with real estate (relocation and expansion).
To sign up and learn more email bayview@rencenter.org or call 415-647-3728
Videos on Demand from the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE)
OLSE supports businesses by providing virtual proactive education and technical assistance. Access videos to understand labor compliance requirements on your own schedule.
Make Music Day
Join a global celebration of music on the summer solstice! Make Music San Francisco is inviting your business, you, your neighbors, your friends, your community to host entertainment on June 21st.
Businesses that already have an outdoor Just Add Music (JAM), Limited Live Performance, or a Place of Entertainment Permit likely do not need to apply for a new permit. Email questions.
For outdoor entertainment, apply for a JAM Permit. It’s a free permit.
For indoor entertainment, apply for a One Time Indoor Event Permit.
Events
10-WEEKS
Virtual Business Planning Class
Join the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to learn business basics, develop networks, and build your business plan with confidence. This class will guide you in creating a practical and effective business plan by providing an overview of marketing strategies, business operations, and financial projections. Spots are limited.
JUNE 7
SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit
Join the SF Entertainment Commission, City officials, community leaders, and industry peers. The Summit features discussion on the current issues facing the industry, and ways the industry and the City can continue working together toward long-term recovery.
The Summit will be held in-person and live-streamed on SFGovTV.
MONTHLY
Rapid Response: Virtual Info Sessions
On the first Tuesday of each month get help if your business is facing layoffs or closure. Learn about job training, career services, union member resources, healthcare options, and filing for unemployment insurance. Hosted monthly by the Office of Economic & Workforce Development.
JUNE 9
Small Business Wealth in California
Join Prestamos CDFI, Oakland African American Chamber of Commerce, SCORE Silicon Valley and Small Business Majority for an interactive presentation on wealth-building tactics to grow your wealth as a small business owner.
JUNE 14
COVID-19 Prevention Plans
This free half-day course is specifically designed for managers and supervisors working in the grocery, restaurant, retail, construction and other industries where employees commonly come in contact with the public. It will focus on the COVID-19 protections required by OSHA and Cal/OSHA. Hosted by Labor Occupational Health Program of UC Berkeley.
JUNE 14
Business Law Basics
Hosted by Legal Services for Entrepreneurs, this webinar will provide you with the legal basics to starting a business. You will learn about choosing a business entity, licensing and permits, contracts, and more. A volunteer attorney will be available to answer any questions. English with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish.
JUNE 16
Free virtual legal clinic
Pro-bono attorneys will be available to provide free legal consultation to small businesses. Registration in advance is required. Spots are limited. Hosted by Legal Services for Entrepreneurs.
Deadlines
ADA Inspection Grants
Apply by June 30, 2022
Apply for a small business grant to help you understand and plan for accessibility improvements. This grant will pay for an inspection of your storefront from a Certified Access Specialist, licensed architect, or licensed engineer and help small businesses required by landlords to comply with accessibility projects.
Minimum Compensation Rate updates
Effective July 1, 2022
The Minimum Compensation Ordinance (MCO) covers most City service contractors as well as tenants at the SF International Airport. Effective July 1, 2022, the For-Profit Rate increases to $19.15 per hour. Updated posters and forms are available here. The non-profit and public entities rates are contingent on the City's Budget and will stay the same until further notice. For questions contact mco@sfgov.org or 415-554-7903.
Legacy business spotlight
Moby Dick is one of the oldest gay bars in the Castro and an integral part of LGBTQ+ community history. They offer live drag shows, music videos throughout, pool table, pinball, and a glowing 250-gallon salt-water tank, a true customer favorite.
The Legacy Business Program recognizes over 300 iconic, long-standing businesses
Did you know?
You can get help with permits for your small business from the Office of Small Business. We now offer in-person support Monday-Friday to small businesses at the San Francisco Permit Center. Our general business help services remain available in-person at City Hall.
FIND US AT THE PERMIT CENTER