News

Get help if your business was damaged by flooding

Apply for a grant if the winter storm flooding significantly damaged your small business.
January 16, 2023

In response to the storms and flooding impacts on San Francisco businesses, the Office of Small Business is launching a Flood Disaster Relief Grant.  

Grants are available to support small businesses that have been severely impacted by flooding. Eligible small business within the city’s flood zone will be prioritized for awards. Grants are available on a first-come, first serve basis, pending funding availability.

“We know that the recent storms have added additional difficulties to small businesses that have already been trying to recover from pandemic impacts,” said Katy Tang, Executive Director of the Office of Small Business. “While we recognize that this grant program will not solve all challenges, the City is offering support along with other resources and services currently available to businesses.” 

Grants can cover the following:

Flood damage to businesses from the 2022-2023 winter storms.

Grant amount:

$2,000 or $5,000

Program priority:

We are prioritizing grants to businesses with significant damages, located in parts of the City most prone to flooding according to the City's flood zone map. Check whether your business is in a flood zone. Businesses located away from a flood zone can still apply. Continue reading for more information.

Application deadline:

Applications can be submitted starting Friday, January 20. 

Applications are due on Friday, February 10 at 5PM.

Read more about the grant

The Office of Small Business will continue to share information and resources on sf.gov and via social media, on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Please stay tuned for more information in the coming days. 

More options for storm damage

Floodwater Management Grant

From the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC), this grant for up to $100,000 is for flood prevention improvements if you have experienced flooding in the past.

Property tax relief

Property owners might be eligible for property tax relief if they have damage of $10,000 or more and complete the required paperwork.

Grants for arts organizations

San Francisco Arts Commission and Grants for the Arts are coordinating on a flood relief program for impacted artists and arts organizations. Check their website for updates.

Contact your landlord

They may be responsible for repairs to the property, and may have insurance coverage as well. Click to be connected with advisors to help review and understand your lease.

Schedule time with a small business case manager for support reviewing your lease

Contact your insurer

Contact your provider if you have flood or business interruption coverage. If you don't, consider getting flood insurance privately, or through the National Flood Insurance Program.

Learn more about insurance options

Clean up safely

Find information to protect your business from dampness and mold, safely identify and clean mold, and treat any health impacts associated with mold exposure.

More recovery resources