The holiday season is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate our commitment to small businesses by shopping locally for gifts! There are many neighborhood events, pop-up shops, and block parties. Find out more by following ShopDineSF on social media or at sf.gov/ShopDineSF. This Friday and Saturday, the Office of Small Business is hosting a pop-up shop at the San Francisco Centre this Friday and Saturday. The event features nearly 70 local makers!
Announcements
Important reminder – Beneficial Ownership Information
There is a new federal reporting requirement for many small businesses. The penalties for not filing are significant - $500 per day until violation is remedied and potential larger fines and possible imprisonment for criminal violations. 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 by January 1, 2025.
The SF Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has advisors available who can help you file.
New: Downtown San Francisco Vibrancy Loan Fund
A new $3.6 million loan and grant program from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development and Main Street Launch will provide capital to underserved markets for those who experience barriers to accessing traditional banking services. Loan amounts will be up to $100,000 with a 4% interest rate for qualifying businesses. In addition, those who qualify for the loan will also receive a grant of $25,000 from the City to support the launch of their downtown SF business.
Sign up for the 2025 NBA All-Star Rewards Program
The NBA All-Star game is coming to San Francisco, and the NBA is partnering with local businesses. Fans who visit a participating business and open the Rewards Program within the NBA Events App will be shown a Digital Scratch Card that will allow fans to win various NBA prizes and/or a specific offer relating to your business.
All interested businesses can sign up for the NBA Rewards program by filling out this form.
Presidio Pop Up program seeks mobile food businesses
The Presidio Trust seeks food vendors for Presidio Pop Up who offer delicious food at approachable prices that celebrates the Bay Area’s diverse cultures and cuisines. They are looking for a mix of rotating options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner that are family-friendly and easy to eat while enjoying the park.
Tax scam warning signs
As tax season approaches, learn how to recognize tax scams and fraud. Watch out for:
- A big payday - If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Bad tax advice on social media could urge you to falsify tax forms or credit claims.
- Demands or threats - Impersonators want you to pay “now or else.” They threaten arrest or deportation.
- Website links - Odd or misspelled web links can take you to malicious sites instead of IRS.gov.
Read more about common scams and how the IRS will try to reach you
Share information with San Francisco Travel
To help promote SF’s small businesses, SF Travel welcomes information about events, promotions, attractions and news that may interest visitors. All submissions are subject to SF Travel's content selection process.
Events
You can add events at no cost to SF Travel's Events landing page. Please use this platform to submit events; they're automatically added to the calendar via a third-party service.
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Visitor Deals / Events
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Accessibility Information
- SF Travel is gathering information on how businesses accommodate visitors with disabilities. Please complete this form to share your accessibility information.
Office of Small Business in the Community
Let us know if you would like the Office of Small Business to visit your corridor and share resources for small businesses. Please send requests to: sfosb@sfgov.org.
Upcoming
Learn how to be part of the Super Bowl LX Procurement Program
Virtual informational session on Thu, December 5 at 6:30 PM. Sign up
Source LX is an 11-month program for local and diverse businesses. You are encouraged to apply for the following opportunities for the Super Bowl, which will be in the Bay Area in 2026:
- Be included in the Source LX Member Directory: Provides the business exposure to contractors and event producers for Super Bowl-related subcontracting needs, as well as exposure to future BAHC, 49ers, and NFL procurement opportunities
- Access to educational resources and workshops: Supports the business’ development and helps provide insight into various event procurement learnings
- Exclusive networking opportunities: Build connections with key partners from the BAHC, 49ers, and NFL
Brought to you by the Bay Area Host Committee, 49ers, and the NFL.
Sign up here to be notified as soon as the application opens
Refrigerator replacement program for small businesses
Opening in 2025
The BayREN Refrigerant Replacement (BRRR) Program helps Bay Area food and floral businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions by swapping out harmful refrigerants for more environmentally-friendly alternatives. Additionally, the program installs energy efficient equipment that will help lower utility bills. All this at little to no-cost to the participating businesses.
Email env-bayrenbpa@sfgov.org to request an interest form.
Apply for business training for entrepreneurs aged 50+
The next session begins on January 27, 2025
This is a free, 10-week program designed to guide aspiring older adult entrepreneurs through the step-by-step process of bringing their business ideas to life. This program is conducted by SF Tech Council and Blissen.
Tax preparedness workshops
Jan-Feb 2025, in person and online
The SF Small Business Development Center is hosting a series of workshops to help businesses prepare for filing federal tax returns. They will go over the steps for filing, answer tax-related questions, and review changes for the new year. Separate workshops are offered in English, Spanish, and Chinese.
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at Specs' 12 Adler Museum Cafe
Dec 12, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
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.
Since 1968, Specs' has served as a cultural institution and watering hole for artists, activists, and travelers with its old-school charm and a sanctuary-like atmosphere.
Webinars & Events
DEC 10
Commercial Leasing for Small Businesses: Tenant Rights and New Protections in 2025
This webinar by PublicCounsel, Bet Tzedek Legal Services, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area, and CAMEO, will focus on issues to be aware of when leasing commercial space for your small business and SB 1103, a new law that provides tenant protections for small businesses and small nonprofits.
DEC 10
Small Business Financial Management 101
Learn key financial management concepts for your business, including cash flow, financing options, and pricing strategies. Enhance your preparedness for financial challenges and develop skills to boost your company's revenue and profitability. A partnership between the SF Public Library and the SF LGBT Center.
DEC 10
Making Food for Sale in Your Home Kitchen (Cottage Food Laws)
This course provides an overview about the cottage food laws that regulate home-based food businesses. A particular emphasis will be placed on which foods can and cannot be made under this regulatory regime. Hosted by Start Small Think Big.
DEC 12
Small Business Office Hours with an Advisor
Get feedback on your small business ideas from a business advisor. In partnership with the SF Small Business Development Center.
Shop Dine SF
A campaign to support businesses in San Francisco. Visit shops, eat at restaurants, and get services and experiences from the small businesses that make San Francisco special.
Visit sf.gov/shopdineSF or follow the campaign on social media to find events and initiatives across San Francisco! Share events supporting businesses and commercial corridors by emailing shopdinesf@sfgov.org.