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.
News and Opportunities
Passage of Prop M
Last week’s election was important on several levels, and especially for business owners in San Francisco. San Francisco voters are on track to approve Proposition M, which will:
- Increase the Small Business Exemption to businesses making $5 million or less in annual gross receipts (currently at $2 million)
- Estimated 88% of all restaurants will be exempt
- Estimated 50% of retailers who currently pay Gross Receipts Taxes will be exempt
- Eliminate $10 million in license fees annually, waiving 49 license fees. Now that Prop M passed, these will now proceed legislatively.
- Instate progressive tax rates in all categories
- Simplifying San Francisco’s business tax structure will make it easier for businesses to navigate
- Spreading the tax burden more evenly across industries will ensure financial stability for critical city services
City approves legislation to require Conditional Use Authorization for former Legacy Business locations
Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin’s new interim zoning controls for Legacy Businesses located in neighborhood commercial districts was approved and became effective on November 1.
This means that for the next 18 months, Conditional Use Authorization from the Planning Commission is required for any new business seeking to locate in a space that was formerly occupied by a Legacy Business. This is limited to locations in zoning districts listed in the final legislation. You can find your zoning district by entering your address here, under “Zoning.”
Further, the Planning Department is required to study how to best protect Legacy Businesses and report back to the Board of Supervisors with suggestions of if and how to make these controls permanent before they expire.
Similar Conditional Use Authorization legislation already exists in the Mission, North Beach, Pacific Avenue, and Polk Street. More information about that existing legislation can be found here.
Press Highlights
San Francisco Celebrates 11 New Additions to its Prestigious Legacy Business Registry
“The San Francisco Small Business Commission (SBC) recently honored 11 more businesses titled Legacy Business. This addition brings the total to 427 businesses…”
Read the full article in Hoodline
‘Now is the time’: Why these small-business owners are doubling down on SF
“As businesses call it quits, leaving SF with record-high retail vacancies, these entrepreneurs are doubling — or tripling — down, taking advantage of the tenant’s market to expand.”
Read the full article featuring Just For Fun in the SF Standard
Other Avenues Celebrates a Half Century Serving the West Side
“Other Avenues is a different kind of business. A new shopper may not know that Other Avenues Co-op is not owned by a single person, but its loyal customers know, celebrate, and support…”
Read the full article in the Richmond Review/Sunset Beacon
Heritage Happy Hours
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.
November 14: Butter Bar, 354 11th Street
December 12: Spec’s Twelve Adler Museum, 12 William Saroyan Place
Resources for Legacy Businesses
Business Stabilization Grant for Legacy Businesses and their landlords
Applications are now open for the Legacy Business Program’s new Business Stabilization Grant.
The program is like the Rent Stabilization Grant, except that it includes a requirement that landlords share at least half of the grant with the Legacy Business. The grant is an incentive for landlords to extend or sign new long-term leases with Legacy Businesses.
Note that if your landlord already receives a Rent Stabilization Grant, they will continue unchanged.
Connect with a fellow Legacy Business offering conflict resolution support
Founded in 1976, Community Boards operates the longest-running nonprofit conflict resolution and restorative justice center in the United States. They offer a range of conflict resolution and restorative justice services including mediation, conflict coaching, circles, facilitation, and training. Mediations are provided in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, or English.
Learn more by emailing jgarrison@communityboards.org, calling 415-920-3820 or visiting online.
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.
Spotlight on the Fort Mason Center
The Center operates along the northern waterfront of the San Francisco Bay and is an award-winning pioneer in the reuse of military bases. They are also home to a growing number of Legacy Businesses – six in all!
NEW: Arion Press
Where books are created from start to finish
Blue Bear School of Music
Teaching rock, blues, jazz, folk and pop music since 1971
FLAX art & design
Offering a large selection of art supplies since 1938
Greens Restaurant
Known for a distinctive culinary style of celebrating vegetables
SF Camerawork
A space for provocative photography since 1974
St. John Coltrane Church
Furthering the music of jazz
Business-to-Business Spotlight on Animal Care
The Animal Company
The Animal Company is a true mom-and-pop pet store specializing in birds, high-quality pet products, and excellent customer service. They offer a variety of exotic birds that are lovingly raised with the healthiest diets in a clean and conscientiously maintained environment. The business always strives to maintain the highest standards in the health and care of all their animals.
Bay Area Bird & Exotics Hospital
This veterinary hospital is dedicated to the care of avian and exotic pets, including birds, rabbits, rodents, and reptiles. Their experienced veterinarians treat thousands of avian and exotic patients each year. By limiting their practice to these species, they have accumulated in-depth knowledge and experience that translates into expert treatment for your pet.
City Dogs
All dogs in the Bay Area, from doodles to danes, will experience fabulous canine grooming and bathing services at City Dogs. They will pamper your dog, tailor appointments to your dog’s needs, and care for your dog in a safe and comfortable manner. Their fabulous team is looking forward to meeting you and your fantastic pup!
Russian Hill Dog Grooming
Since 1994, Russian Hill Dog Grooming has kept generations of dogs in optimal hygiene and looking fabulous at the same time through state-of-the art, safe, professional dog grooming for all breeds. Regular, thorough grooming is an essential element to every dog’s health and well-being. The core philosophy of the business is to gently attend to any and all breeds of dogs and provide the utmost level of competent care.
VIP Grooming
VIP Grooming is not just another dog grooming business. It is a space where your dog will feel pampered and safe – your best friend’s spa. Their compassionate grooming techniques make a pup-friendly environment that will make this your best friend’s second favorite go-to spot. They are a woman-, minority-, lesbian-owned business that supports a diverse staff.
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.
Please note, we are sharing businesses for informational purposes, and listing does not constitute endorsement by the Office of Small Business.