Message from the Director
Welcome to 2022! As we begin the new year, I would like to extend my greetings to you as the new Director of the Office of Small Business. The past two years have been extremely difficult for small businesses, but it is no secret that people looking to start, stabilize or grow their businesses in San Francisco have experienced countless struggles prior to the pandemic.
One of the many beautiful things about the small business community is that each and every one of us is connected to it in some way. Whether it’s the place you go to each morning for your cup of coffee, the place where you went on your first date, or the place that brought your dream to reality, small businesses have a special place in all of our hearts.
This is why I am excited to apply over a decade of experience assisting small businesses struggling through the City’s challenging processes to allow our business community to thrive in what you do best, which is to create and innovate, provide job opportunities, and build vibrant neighborhoods and communities.
In the year ahead, I am looking forward to:
- Prioritizing economic recovery, including support with financial assistance programs and free counseling sessions, but not losing sight of the always present goal of making it easier for small businesses to get started, operate, and grow in San Francisco.
- Improving access to small business services and resources, including a more customer-centered website with all resources at your convenience and welcoming staff dedicated to small business services at our City’s new Permit Center (49 S. Van Ness).
- Proactive development and advocacy of proposed policies and solutions to better support our small business community. This includes expanding policies I initiated while serving on the Board of Supervisors, including accelerating the small business permitting process timeline, giving business owners additional flexibility in ground-floor space use, and waiving certain small business permit fees.
What are you looking forward to in 2022? How can our office be of better service? I welcome your ideas at Katy.Tang@sfgov.org.
Katy Tang
Executive Director
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ANNOUNCEMENTS:
OSB In-Person Service Hours Update
Due to the current surge in COVID-19 cases as a result of the Omicron variant, our office will remain closed for in-person services through February 14, 2022. We thank you for your understanding during this challenging time for all. Our office continues to be available to assist via phone or email. Please contact us at (415) 554-6134 or via email at sfosb@sfgov.org.
2022 Important Due Dates for Businesses
Businesses must comply with various city requirements (if applicable), including but not limited to filing annual business taxes, renewing the business registration, and paying regulatory licenses. We have created a list of important due dates for businesses. Click here to access the list so you don't miss any important deadlines.
Small Business Commission Meeting - Monday, January 24, 2022 at 4:30 PM
The Small Business Commission will be meeting on 1/24 to review the following policy issues and proposals:
- Street Vendor Legislation: this proposal by Mayor Breed and Supervisor Safai would develop a citywide permitting system for street vendors to be administered through the Department of Public Works.
View the meeting here. To provide comment, call 415-655-0001, Access Code: 2495 351 7176
Press # twice in order to listen to the meeting via audio conference. Dial *3 to comment.
State Budget Proposal
Governor Gavin Newsom recently released the Budget proposal for the 2022-23 fiscal year. Find a summary of proposed initiatives related to small businesses here.
SF Entertainment Commission Updates
- New Health Order Rules for Mega Events
Earlier this month, the SF Department of Public Health issued a new Health Order that impacts indoor and outdoor "mega events." The primary change to the Order is to comply with changes the state made lowering the threshold for mega events to 500 attendees for indoor events, and 5,000 attendees for outdoor events, beginning January 15th. The new requirement for Up-to-Date Vaccinations at mega events goes into effect on February 1st.
As always it is important that everyone read the Health Order in its entirety. Here is a redlined copy to make it easier to spot the totality of changes.
- Active JAM Permits extended through June 2022
Active JAM or "Just Add Music" permits with ongoing outdoor entertainment or amplified sound will be automatically extended through June 30, 2022. The extension is only approved for permit holders that continue to have a valid property approval, like a Shared Spaces or ISCOTT permit, through June 30, 2022 for their outdoor premises. New JAM permit applications will continue to be accepted through June 30, 2022. Apply at sf.gov/jam.
Health Care Accountability Ordinance (HCAO) Updates
Effective January 1, 2022, the mailing address for all HCAO Fee Payments to San Francisco General Hospital has been changed. Please send all payments and payment forms to:
Fiscal Accounting - Revenue Unit
101 Grove, Room 110
San Francisco, CA 94102
For more information and updates on HCAO, please visit the HCAO website.
Lower Speed Limits in Targeted Business Districts Under New State Law
Last week, San Francisco began lowering speed limits to 20mph on select corridors using new authority granted under Assembly Bill 43 (AB43). The first component of the bill went into effect on January 1, 2022, authorizing cities to lower speed limits by 5pm in business activity districts (that is, those streets where at least half of the property uses are dining or retail). For more information, visit the SFMTA website.
Legacy Business Bronze Plaques
In November and December 2021, the Office of Small Business installed the first round of Legacy Business bronze plaques on the storefronts of 19 businesses throughout the city. The plaques, which are 15 inches in diameter and quite attractive, were designed by Osaki Creative Group and manufactured and installed by Priority Architectural Graphics. A second round of 25-30 plaques will be installed in 2022.
Take CleanPowerSF’s 3-Minute Survey
CleanPowerSF, your local, clean energy provider, wants to better understand your experiences and views regarding electricity service at your business.
CleanPowerSF is a program of the SFPUC that serves over 380,000 residents and businesses in San Francisco with clean electricity. Weigh in on the future direction of its programs, rates, and more. Complete the survey today.
San Francisco Green Business Program
Become a San Francisco Green Business! Businesses can receive up to $2,000 in prebates and rebates towards green purchases or upgrades needed to complete the recognition process. For more information, visit SFGreenBusiness.org or email kevin.kumataka@sfgov.org.
WEBINARS:
Basic Bookkeeping 1: Bookkeeping Terms & Processes - Thursday, 1/20/22, 10:00AM - 12:00PM
Learn how to get timely and accurate bookkeeping information. Topics include cash vs. accrual accounting, proper accounting data flow processes, accounting records & files, the chart of accounts, the purpose of different financial reports, and more. Click here to learn more and to register.
Virtual Legal Clinic - Thursday, 1/20/22, 4:00PM - 6:00PM
Join Legal Services for Entrepreneurs for a legal clinic. Pro-bono attorneys will be available to provide legal consultation to small businesses. Registration in advance is required. Spots are limited so register today.
Government Contracting - Thursday, 1/27/22 at 11:00AM PT
Are you interested in government contracting? Join the U.S. General Services Administration for a free webinar about the GSA Multiple Award Schedules Program and how to get on the GSA Schedule. The GSA Schedule is a long-term government wide contract with commercial firms providing federal, state and local government buyers access to more than 11 million commercial supplies, products and services at volume discount pricing. Register here.
Let's Fix Your Website - Live Audits and Tweaking Workshop - Wednesday, 1/26/22, 2:00PM - 3:30PM
Ensuring your website is functional and SEO ready is critical to your success. Even the most basic website issues can hurt your traffic and sales. In this webinar, we’re going to look at practical components of user experience, where to apply your creativity, connecting your digital assets with plumbing, and how you can assess and fix a broken website. If you sell products/services online, or if you plan on doing this, make sure to register and join!
Know Your Rights: Commercial Evictions Webinar Recordings
Legal Services for Entrepreneurs has shared their recent "Know Your Rights on Commercial Evictions Webinar" recordings, available in multiple languages.
[English] [Spanish] [Chinese] [Vietnamese]
If you are facing a commercial eviction, in need of lease negotiation assistance, or creating a rent repayment plan, please reach out to their team for assistance.
We encourage businesses to check oewd.org/covid19 for new and updated resources.
To stay up to date on COVID-19 related announcements and resources, sign up for our e-news at https://sfosb.org/subscribe-small-business-e-news.