After a record-breaking winter of damaging storms, warmer and drier days are on their way. This month features several chances to get out and enjoy the small businesses that San Francisco has to offer. Head to Japantown the weekends of April 8th and 15th for the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. There are dozens of events to choose from! Starting on April 14th, eat your way through SF Restaurant Week with special deals on prix-fixe meals from local restaurants. And get ready for Small Business Week in May, with even more opportunities to celebrate and support San Francisco’s small business community!
Announcements & Highlights
New: Schedule appointments online with the Office of Small Business
You can now schedule appointments with our small business case managers and permit specialists. Select the service you want and receive automatic reminders for your appointment time. Appointments with Spanish or Chinese-speaking staff are available. Translation services for additional languages are also available.
Click to schedule an appointment
April is Financial Capability Month
The San Francisco Public Library is holding many free workshops throughout the month to help San Franciscans get their finances in order. Workshops include taxes, insurance, retirement planning, stock investing, and even one-on-one financial coaching.
Power your business with 100% renewable electricity
Fight climate change and showcase your sustainability commitment by upgrading to 100% renewable electricity through CleanPowerSF, the City’s local, clean energy provider. For the average small business, it’s $15 more per month. Learn more and upgrade at CleanPowerSF.org/SuperGreen.
Extended Grace Period for JAM Permits in Pandemic Shared Space Parklets
Starting April 1, 2023, there will be a 180-day grace period where JAM (“Just Add Music”) Permits in pandemic Shared Space parklets may continue to operate. The final end date for an ongoing JAM permit in a parklet is September 27, 2023. For ongoing JAM permits in Shared Space roadway closures and Shared Space private lots, the grace period extends until May 30, 2023 (60 days after March 31st).
New on-demand business training program from the Renaissance Women’s Business Center
Next cohort starts on April 15
Over 3 months, participants will have access to on-demand business planning classes with pre-recorded video lessons, interactive quizzes, and exercises; networking events; and 1:1 consultations with experienced instructors. Their flexible schedule and supportive community make it easy for you to succeed.
For any questions, email scardenas@rencenter.org
Deadlines
Federal Disaster Loans for storm-damaged businesses
Property damage loan applications due May 8
Economic injury loan applications due Dec 7
The U.S. Small Business Administration has two low-interest loan options for San Francisco businesses impacted by winter storms in December and January 2022/2023. Applicants may apply online, receive additional disaster assistance information, and download applications at disasterloanassistance.sba.gov. The San Francisco Small Business Development Center can offer free application help, at sfsbdc.org.
Employer Annual Reporting
Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) and Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO)
Deadline for 2022 reporting is May 1
Employers covered by the San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance and/or the Fair Chance Ordinance must submit the 2022 Employer Annual Reporting Form by midnight on May 1, 2023 or be subject to penalties of $500 per quarter.
Leasing opportunities at Fillmore Heritage Center
Proposals will be accepted through April 24
San Francisco is seeking competitive proposals to fulfill the promise of bringing a new commercial establishment to the Fillmore corridor and Western Addition community. Leasing opportunities include restaurant and gallery space.
Questions? Email: fillmore-heritage-rfp@sfgov.org.
Legacy Business Events
Apr 13
Heritage Happy Hour at Caffe Trieste
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.
May 11
Legacy Business Mixer: Anchored in San Francisco
An annual celebration of San Francisco’s over 300 registered Legacy Businesses, hosted by the Office of Small Business. It’s also a place for Legacy Business owners to meet, socialize, and network. The event will spotlight host Legacy Business Anchor Brewing Company at their expansive tasting room, Anchor Public Taps.
Webinars & Events
Apr 7
First Fridays Preventive Business Law Office Hours for Entrepreneurs
This monthly session is for microbusinesses to access free nonprofit legal resources to prevent messy, disruptive, and expensive legal problems before they can seriously damage your business plans.
Apr 12 & 19
Basic Bookkeeping
A 2-part class offered by the Small Business Development Center. First, learn the basics like cash vs. accrual accounting, proper accounting data flow processes, accounting records & files, the chart of accounts, and the purpose of different financial reports. In the second session learn how to analyze and make decisions based on your financial documents.
Apr 13
Entrepreneur, Investor and Small Business Networking Event
Ocean Avenue Association us hosting quarterly networking events for aspiring or established businesses or investors along the Ocean Ave commercial corridor.
Apr 18
Retailing
This is a new webinar by the Small Business Development Center, led by expert Steve Roth. This webinar will focus on brick-and-mortar retailing with some discussion of online sales. Topics covered will include inventory management, promotions, store location, the importance of an inventory management system, and the need for top line growth.
Apr 20
Design & Construction Day
UCSF is hosting this 2nd annual event to engage small and diverse businesses and share information about upcoming project opportunities and the procurement process. The event will be in-person, held at the UCSF Mission Bay William J. Rutter Center.
Apr 24
Small Business Commission meeting
The agenda will likely include presentations on: Workforce Development programming, ShopDineSF campaign to shop local, and Small Business Week 2023. The final agenda and meeting details will be available the week before the meeting.
Coming up!
Small Business Week
May 8-12, 2023
The annual Small Business Week, presented by the SF Chamber of Commerce, is an opportunity to celebrate our small business community and help them thrive!
Events from the Office of Small Business include our annual City Hall Pop-up Shop, a Legacy Business celebration, and a special partnership with Small Business Boogie at the San Francisco Ferry Building. The San Francisco Public Library is hosting seven workshops throughout the week focused on small business management.