What made you want to start a business in San Francisco, and what does it mean to you now?
Starting a business can be challenging and risky, but also joyful and life-changing. We would like to share the personal stories, histories, and innovative ideas that inspire people to start their own business. We want to hear from you. Email sfosb@sfgov.org or call 628-652-4984 to share with us your story.
Follow along on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Announcements & Highlights
Update on Monkeypox
On Thursday, July 28, San Francisco declared Monkeypox a public health emergency. This declaration does not include a health order or restrict any activities. It is intended to provide the City with more flexibility to manage this urgent issue.
For nightlife, gyms, personal services, or other businesses where employees and/or patrons are in close contact, there is an outreach toolkit online and you may email mpx@sfdph.org to request more information or if you want to host an informational meeting or Town Hall event.
Get help recruiting new employees
The Office of Economic & Workforce Development’s Employer Services team is a workforce concierge that can assist your business with promoting jobs, finding local candidates, accessing hiring events, and introductions to workforce community partners. Contact Employer Services at employer.services@sfgov.org and register your business on the City’s job matching resource tool: WorkforceLinkSF.org.
Emergency Ride Home Program for San Francisco workers
Share this resource with your employees, who are eligible for a free taxi ride home in case of emergency. This is to encourage commuting sustainably to work. If or when someone experiences a personal emergency such as illness (them or a family member), they can take a taxi ride home and submit a reimbursement request. The City will cover the cost!
Make sure your Shared Space is in compliance
Businesses have until March 31, 2023 to comply with regulations for the permanent Shared Spaces program. Ahead of this deadline, all business will get a “single bill of health” that lists all required improvements. Start planning for your improvements soon; if you haven’t received your notice from the City yet and want to know if you’re in compliance, contact the Shared Spaces team at shared.spaces@sfgov.org
Learn more about Shared Spaces compliance
August 10: Town Hall at the San Francisco Italian Athletic Club.
August 16: Shared Spaces Interactive Guidelines Presentation and Town Hall
More about Shared Spaces
You can still open a new parklet through the regular application and review process.
Legacy Business Spotlight
San Francisco Heritage is a nonprofit that preserves and enhances San Francisco’s unique architectural and cultural identity. Throughout August, SF Heritage is spotlighting the Haight-Ashbury for Heritage in the Neighborhoods! They will go beyond the iconic Summer of Love to spotlight early architectural styles and cultural cornerstones, with a special focus on legacy businesses.
The Legacy Business Program recognizes over 300 iconic, long-standing businesses
Webinars & Events
AUGUST 4 & 11
Free Virtual Legal Clinics
Join Legal Services for Entrepreneurs where pro-bono attorneys will be available to provide free legal consultation to small businesses. Registration in advance is required. Spots are limited.
AUGUST 8
Small Business Commission meeting
Members of the public can join in person or call in to the meeting. Items to discuss include:
-
Legacy Business applications and updates
AUGUST 21
The Past, Present & Future of Food Cooperatives in the Bay Area
Participate in a panel discussion on how food cooperatives have been part of the food, workplace democracy, and justice movements. Hosted by the Main Branch of the Public Library, this hybrid event features Other Avenues (SF), Arizmendi Bakery (SF), Cultivate Community Food Co-op (Benicia), and The DEEP Grocery Coop (Oakland). Moderated by author Shanta Nimbark Sacharoff.
AUGUST 30
Capital Summit 2022
The San Francisco Small Business Development Center invites founders, startups, lenders, and local leaders for a conversation centered on capital. If you are thinking of starting or growing your business and plan on looking for a loan or other funding, these panels will provide you with the insight you need to make that opportunity a reality.
Deadlines
Sell Black: Grow Your Online Presence
Apply from August 9-30
Led by En2action, this is a 14-week digital marketing training program to support Black-owned businesses in operating competitively online. A program of the Dream Keeper Initiative. This program is part of the Dream Keeper Initiative.
Mandatory Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training
Deadline: August 31, 2022
This statewide program requires that any on-premise alcohol server and manager be certified by an accredited RBS training provider and pass an ABC exam within 60 calendar days from their first day of work. Find a list of RBS training providers.
Business Property Tax Bill
Due August 31, 2022
The Treasurer and Tax Collector’s Office has mailed tax bills for unsecured property to business owners in July if you filed your business property statement in a timely manner. For questions, contact the Business Personal Property Division of the Office of the Assessor-Recorder at 415-554-5531 or email at askbpp@sfgov.org.
Kickstart Your Business at 50+
Apply by October 3, 2022
This is a free 10-week session for entrepreneurs over the age of 50 who are just starting out, turning a side hustle into a full-time business, or growing an existing business. This program will give you the self-confidence, business know-how, support system and tools you need to build a viable business from scratch. Hosted by Blissen; they recommend applying early.
La Cocina Incubator Program
Apply by August 15, 2022
The program provides affordable, shared commercial kitchen space, along with technical assistance, access to market opportunities, and capital to launch successful food businesses. They focus primarily on women from culturally diverse communities and immigrant communities.
Did you know?
Employee Retention Tax Credit
Claim a refundable business tax credit from the IRS. If your business had employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for up to $26,000 per qualified employee.