The Legacy Business Program is part of the San Francisco Office of Small Business. It is the first-of-its-kind program in the United States and is pioneering a new take on government's involvement in maintaining and promoting the small business community.
New Legacy Businesses
Currently, a total of 416 businesses have been added to the Legacy Business Registry since it started in 2015. Entrants this summer include:
- Bissap Baobab
- Bob’s Donuts and Pastries
- Christopher’s Books
- El Faro Restaurant
- The Fly Trap
- Gallery 444
- Java Beach Café
- Joanne's Beauty Boutique
- Lien Ying Tai Chi Chuan Academy
- MPA Design
- The Ramp Restaurant
- Roberts Corned Meats
- Rocco’s Cafe
- The Verdi Club
Press Highlights
With grandson at the helm, famed bakery in San Francisco's Japantown celebrates 50 years
“A Japanese-American bakery in San Francisco and its famous coffee crunch cake turn 50 years old this year.”
Read the full article at CBS News Bay Area
Anchor Brewing sold to Chobani yogurt king. Yes, the old label will return
“After its abrupt closure last July shocked city beer fanatics—and led to a run on the dwindling supply of the brewery’s products—the historic San Francisco Anchor Brewing finally has a new buyer and a real chance at revival.”
Read the full article in The San Francisco Standard
Little Original Joe's Unveils New Marina Location in San Francisco with Classic and Innovative Italian American Fare
“San Francisco's famed Original Joe's is expanding its culinary footprint once again with the grand opening of Little Original Joe’s in the Marina District.”
Read the full article in Hoodline
News and opportunities
Legacy Business Passport
Starting on May 1, our office will be encouraging residents and visitors to pick up a pocket-sized booklet featuring nearly 80 participating Legacy Businesses. Once they collect 25 stamps, they win a prize!* The program runs through December 20, 2024. Booklets are free and purchase is not required to participate.
The Legacy Business Passport is a campaign from Shop Dine SF and the Office of Small Business.
*Prizes available while supplies last.
Upcoming Heritage Happy Hours
Heritage Happy Hour is a convivial “no-host” gathering of heritage professionals, young preservationists, aficionados, friends, and Legacy Business cohorts interested in preserving San Francisco’s unique architectural and cultural identity. We get together on the Second Thursday of each month from 5-7 pm at a registered Legacy Business bar in San Francisco.
September 12: Elixir, 3200 16th St.
October 10: The Blue Light, 1979 Union St.
Resources for Legacy Businesses
Get leasing help
The Office of Small Business provides one-on-one leasing help for small businesses looking for a location, at the LOI or lease stage, or needing help with an existing lease.
Email: sfosb@sfgov.org
Call: 628-652-4949
Schedule a virtual appointment or site visit
https://sf.gov/commercialspaces
Reminder: New federal reporting for most companies
Existing businesses have until Jan 1, 2025
Most companies (such as LLCs, partnerships, and corporations) must now file “Beneficial Ownership Information” with the federal government. 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.
The SF Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has advisors available who can help you file.
Get help with hiring
The Office of Economic & Workforce Development’s Employer Services team is your workforce concierge and can assist your business with promoting jobs, finding local candidates, accessing hiring events, and introductions to workforce community partners. These services are available for bilingual and monolingual employers and employees.
Learn more about hiring services
Business-to-Business Spotlight on Legal Services
Legacy Businesses provides goods and services to individuals and fellow businesses. Do you offer a discount to fellow Legacy Businesses and/or have services that you think might be a good fit for a fellow Legacy Business? Email it to legacybusiness@sfgov.org.
AIDS Legal Referral Panel
Their mission is to advance and protect the rights, dignity, and health of people living with HIV/AIDS in the Bay Area. AIDS Legal Referral Panel accomplishes this through direct legal representation by Staff attorneys, careful placement of clients with over 500 Volunteer Panel attorneys, and by connecting clients to non-legal service providers to secure other vital resources.
La Raza Centro Legal
La Raza's mission is to provide high quality, free legal representation to the Latino community and other low-income immigrant families. The provide direct legal services by licensed attorneys and competent staff to ensure that poverty, immigration status, disability, language, sexual orientation, or gender identity will not be an impediment to justice.
Legal Assistance to the Elderly
Since 1979, Legal Assistance to the Elderly has ensured that San Francisco's seniors and adults with disabilities can exercise their legal rights with full access to all benefits and services to which they are entitled. When eviction, elder abuse, problems with benefits or creditors threaten, LAE is the lifeline.