February began with Lunar New Year, a time to celebrate traditions to bring good luck, health, and fortune. All of us at the Office of Small Business wish you happy and healthy celebrations! This month is also Black History Month. San Francisco is home to many Black-owned businesses, and our Office will be proudly showcasing some throughout the month in our emails, Facebook, and Twitter.
Our office is currently closed for in-person services through March 7, 2022. We will continue to provide services virtually by phone, email, and Zoom, Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm. Businesses needing assistance may contact us at (415) 554-6134 or via email at sfosb@sfgov.org.
COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENTS:
San Francisco Lifting Most Universal Mask Requirements for Most Indoor Public Settings Beginning Feb. 16, 2022
The change aligns with the California Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) decision to let expire the statewide indoor mask requirement, which was instated on December 15 during the latest COVID-19 surge. Unvaccinated individuals over age 2 will continue to be required to wear masks in all indoor public settings. Businesses may determine their own paths forward to protect staff and patrons and may choose to require all patrons to wear masks. Read the full release.
Updated COVID-19 Guidance for Early Childcare Settings and Youth Sports
- Sports players who are “up to date” on their vaccination status may remove masks while practicing indoors under specific conditions.
- Changes to “What to do when someone has COVID-19 symptoms, infection or exposure”
- Positive case reporting requirements to SFDPH from within 1hr to 24hr
Read the full release.
COVID Sick Pay Returning under State Law (Senate Bill 114) – through Sept. 30, 2022
Effective February 19, 2022, employers with more than 25 employees are obligated to pay for qualifying leaves related to COVID-19. The new law is retroactive and covers leaves starting January 1, 2022. The new law re-establishes leave up to one week or 40 hours of COVID-19 supplemental leave to eligible employees, such as those having to self-quarantine due to concerns related to COVID-19 or caring for a family member who is subject to quarantine or isolation. The COVID-19 supplemental paid sick leave remains in effect through September 30, 2022. Read for detail.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Small Business Commission Meeting – Feb. 14, 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:
- An update to the Accessible Business Entrance program
- A review of amendments proposed for the Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance
- A presentation from SFPD on crime/safety in commercial corridors
- A presentation on the status of the City’s economic recovery
Watch live on SFGovTV: http://sfgovtv.org/ch2live
To provide the Small Business Commission with written public comment on any of the above matters, please send to sbc@sfgov.org, or join the meeting for public comment. For public comment, call 415-655-0001; Access Code: 2491 790 2477. Press # twice in order to listen to the meeting via audio conference Dial *3 when you are ready to queue.
First Year Free Program for New Businesses
This a reminder that qualifying new businesses can have their initial registration fees, license fees, and permit fees waived. There is no extra paperwork to apply – enrollment is automatic when you register as a new business or new location with the City. Learn more.
Shared Spaces Improvements Grant – Closes on Feb. 28, 2022
Get help paying for your Shared Spaces (parklet) improvements. The City will give grants of up to $2,500 to bring your Shared Spaces into compliance with new guidelines. Grants can be used for materials or professional services. Learn more and apply by Feb. 28.
Accessible Business Entrance Program
Letters are currently going out to help property owners follow accessibility laws so that people with disabilities can access goods and services. If a building has a business that serves the public, the property owner must provide a main entrance that is accessible to people with disabilities. All buildings must submit a checklist by June 30, 2022 to the Department of Building Inspection. Financial support is available. Learn more.
Annual Business Tax Returns (2021) – File by Feb. 28, 2022
The San Francisco Annual Business Tax Returns include the Gross Receipts Tax, Administrative Office Tax, Commercial Rents Tax and Homelessness Gross Receipts Tax. To avoid late penalties/fees, the returns must be submitted and paid on or before Feb. 28, 2022. Click for instructions and to file.
San Francisco Music and Entertainment Venue Recovery Fund: Round 3
On February 2, the Office of Small Business awarded 74 grants to San Francisco-based live music and entertainment venues to prevent their permanent closure due to the pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. Future Venue Fund grants will support relocation and reopening, with full details to be announced. Learn more about the program and current grantees.
Legacy Business Spotlight: Bay View National Black Newspaper
Founded in 1976 to serve thought-provoking stories and commentary on the full range of Black trials and triumphs. Bay View Times’ thought-provoking stories and commentary – covering the Black economy, politics, arts, education, history, current events, health, religion – and those of other communities, fill its website and the pages of each monthly paper. The Bay View aims to equip and inspire Black people and all people to rise up and fight for freedom and justice, to build unity within the community and solidarity with other communities. Visit their website.
WEBINARS:
Rapid Response: Virtual Info Sessions – 1st Tuesdays, 2:00-3:15pm
If you are a business that is facing layoffs or closure, the Office of Economic & Workforce Development’s Rapid Response team can assist to ensure a smooth transition for your business and employees. Get information on job training, career services, union member resources, healthcare options and unemployment insurance filing processes. The next information session is on March 1, 2022. Learn more.
Legal Services for Entrepreneurs – Feb. 17, 4:00-6:00pm Hosted by Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights, pro bono attorneys will provide legal consultation to small businesses. Advance registration required. Learn more and sign up.
IRS Webinars for the 2022 Tax Filing Season
Join the IRS for a series of online meetings in February and March for small business organizations and owners. See the full schedule.
Let’s Fix Your Website — Live Audits and Tweaking Workshop – Feb. 16, 2:00-3:30pm
Learn 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. Register here. Find more events hosted by SF’s Small Business Development Center.
Commercials Lease and ADA Compliance – Feb. 23, 3:00pm Understand ADA compliance under a commercial lease, with time for specific questions. (Available in English / Spanish / Chinese / Vietnamese). Hosted by Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCRSF)’s Legal Services for Entrepreneurs. Register here.
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.