April is Climate Action Month, and the San Francisco Department of the Environment is organizing dozens of events throughout the city. Read about how they are helping small restaurants transition from disposable to reusable foodware.
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Announcements
Small Business Commission - upcoming meeting on April 11, 4:30pm
Join the San Francisco Small Business Commission (SBC) for its regular meeting to learn about programs and legislation impacting San Francisco small businesses. This meeting agenda will include discussion of the following:
- Community Policing Plans – Foot/Bike Patrols, an ordinance authored by Supervisor Mar which would require the Police Department to create a Community Policing Plan at each district police station by January 2023.
- Permitting of Adult Sex Venues, an ordinance authored by Supervisor Mandelman which would define Adult Sex Venues in order to principally permit, conditionally permit, or prohibit them.
You can attend the meeting in person or remotely, instructions here
Coming up: San Francisco Small Business Week – May 2-6
Hosted by the SF Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Week will focus on meaningful resources and information for small business owners at every point in their small business journey. Filled with networking opportunities, business-building workshops, and inspiring content, the week-long event serves to educate and empower entrepreneurs who are getting started, growing businesses, and staying in San Francisco.
Shared Spaces compliance deadline extended by April 2023
Valid pandemic permits for sidewalk tables & chairs, sidewalk merchandizing, parklets, roadways and private lots that are in good standing will be extended to March 30, 2023. At that point they will need to comply with new compliance guidelines. Many Shared Spaces are not compliant and we encourage you to check with the City to assess your Shared Space before April 2023.
Minimum Compensation Rate Updates
The Minimum Compensation Ordinance (MCO) covers most City service contractors as well as tenants at the SF International Airport. Effective July 1, 2022, the For-Profit Rate increases to $19.15 per hour. Updated posters and forms will be available in June online. The non-profit and public entities rates are contingent on the City's Budget and will stay the same until further notice.
For questions contact mco@sfgov.org or (415) 554-7903.
San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance and/or the Fair Chance Ordinance - Employer Annual Reporting Form (ARF) – Due May 2, 2022
After waiving the forms for calendar years 2019 and 2020, San Francisco employers must submit a form for calendar year 2021. There is a penalty of $500 per quarter for businesses who don’t submit.
Read instructions and download the form
Business Property Statement (Form 571-L) - Due May 7, 2022
This required annual filing details the acquisition cost of all supplies, equipment, fixtures, and improvements owned at each business location within the City and County of San Francisco.
Read instructions and download the form
Coming soon: 2022-23 Business Registration Renewal – Due May 31, 2022
An updated online form will be available here on May 1, 2022. New this year: Most businesses that have previously reported under $50,000 in Gross Receipts and zero employees will receive a bill and will not be required to file a return/renewal. Businesses that receive instructions from the San Francisco Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector to complete the 2022-23 Business Registration Renewal should do so.
Funding
ADA Inspection Grants – Apply before June 30
This grant will pay for an inspection of your storefront from a Certified Access Specialist, licensed architect, or licensed engineer and help small businesses required by landlords to comply with accessibility projects.
Click here to learn more and apply
SF Shines Design Services Grant – Rolling application deadline until funds are exhausted
These grants aim to assist businesses in getting permit drawings for improvements to their storefronts to help with compliance, safety, and business operations. Grantees will get access to a licensed architect who can ensure that a project will comply with applicable with local, state, and federal laws and codes.
Click here to learn more and apply
Webinars / Events
Kickstart Your Business @50+
Starting on April 11, Blissen and SF Tech Council will offer a brand new 10-week program online. This opportunity is designed to guide aspiring older adult entrepreneurs through the step-by-step process of bringing their business ideas to life.
Rapid Response: virtual info sessions – 1st Tuesdays, 2:00-3:15pm
Get help if your business is facing layoffs or closure. Learn about job training, career services, union member resources, healthcare options, and filing for unemployment insurance. Hosted monthly by the Office of Economic & Workforce Development. The next information session is on May 2, 2022. Learn more
Commercial Lease Negotiation – April 12, 3:00pm-4:00pm
This webinar will provide small business owners with information regarding commercial lease negotiation tactics. Hosted by an attorney with Legal Services for Entrepreneurs, co-sponsored by Oakland Black Business Fund. Live translation in Spanish and Chinese.
Virtual Legal Clinic – April 21, 4:00pm-6:00pm
Sign up for one free hour of legal consultation for small businesses, hosted by Legal Service for Entrepreneurs. Spots are limited, register in advance here.
“Office Hours” with Renaissance Women Business Center – April 25, 6:00pm-8:00pm
Learn how to read your balance sheet and income statements to better understand the health of your business. They encourage participants to bring their financials for this hands-on session.
Our San Francisco Legacy – May 5, 5:00pm-7:00pm
Hosted by the Office of Small Business’s Legacy Business Program, join us to eat, drink, and celebrate San Francisco's over 300 Legacy Businesses. This mixer part of San Francisco Small Business Week, which begins on May 2. See the full schedule of events here.
Learn more and sign up for the mixer
Legacy Business spotlight: Finnegans Wake
Known for their Bloody Mary’s, Finnegans Wake is a neighborhood bar in Cole Valley since 1989. Its indoor/outdoor space is the location for “Our San Francisco Legacy” on May 5.
Visit their website for hours and event information
There are now more ways to get help from the Office of Small Business
In person help with your permitting needs
A 2nd Office of Small Business location is now open at the Permit Center, 49 South Van Ness
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-noon and 1:00pm-5:00pm
In person help with non-permit questions
San Francisco City Hall, Room 140
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-noon and 1:00pm-5:00pm
Call, email, or request a Zoom meeting
(415) 554-6134 or sfosb@sfgov.org
Visit us at SF.gov/osb
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