July marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for both San Francisco and California. Our office will continue our work helping small business start, stay, and grow here in our City, with more resources to share with entrepreneurs. Two updated grant programs are launching this week, SF Shines and Accessible Barrier Removal.
Announcements & Highlights
SF Shines expands to fund construction
The storefront improvement program includes free services from a licensed architect. Starting in July 2022, businesses can also apply for a grants to help fund construction projects.
New Small Business Inspections Ambassadors
Department of Building Inspection now has two inspectors to help fix any final issues to get a permit. They are available to help resolve issues or get questions answered.
New Accessible Barrier Removal Grants
Apply for a grant to make your business more accessible. Up to $10,000 for either or both a purchase of accessible furniture, fixtures, or equipment, or CASp inspections and report.
California waives some new business filing fees
The state is waiving the filing fees for establishing LLC, LP, and Corporations from July 2022 through June 2021.
New permit pre-check process with Department of Building Inspection (DBI)
Starting July 1, new in-house review permit applications will start at a DBI Pre-Plan Check Station where it will be assessed by how long the review will take, and then assigned to a new central queue for plan review. This change is for permit applications that take more than 1 hour but less than a day. It will provide more predictability for project reviews, clarify the process for applicants, and speed up the permit application process.
Parklet Design Certification Program
This Shared Spaces program is for architects and general contractors to become a certified Shared Spaces builder. You will learn best practices and important design guidelines for parklet construction. If you are planning on modifying your parklet to meet the design guidelines for the legislated version of the program, and would like to refer your contractor, please fill out the sign-up form.
Searchable guidebook for small business
Our “Starting a Business in San Francisco” guidebook, which provides detailed information about launching or expanding your business is now available online, in a searchable format, with automated translations into Spanish, Chinese, and Filipino.
Budget Update
Following Mayor London Breed’s budget proposal, the Board of Supervisors recently concluded budget hearings. Pending formal adoption and signing of the budget, San Francisco is investing $10M in our small business communities, along with funds to help address key concerns such as public safety and pandemic recovery. Statewide, more than $700M will go to support businesses and economic development.
Legacy Business Spotlight
Located in the heart of San Francisco’s Richmond District, Joe’s Ice Cream's award-winning ice cream is known for its texture - a delicate balance of creaminess, sweetness, and flavor that has stood the test of time. Joe's Ice Cream has been serving its famous Korean-inspired ice cream flavors to locals and visitors alike since 1959.
The Legacy Business Program recognizes over 300 iconic, long-standing businesses
Webinars & Events
MONTHLY
Rapid Response: Virtual Info Sessions
On the first Tuesday of each month 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.
JULY 11
Small Business Commission meeting
Members of the public can join in person or call in to the meeting. Items to discuss include:
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BOS File #220538 – Public Works Graffiti Abatement Pilot Program discussion and possible action. Supervisor Melgar’s office will present this proposal. (Legislative Review)
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Street Vendor Permit Program update from the Department of Public Works
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Shared Spaces Program update from SFMTA, SF Dept. of Planning, and SF Dept. of Public Works
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Office of Small Business budget update
JULY 12
Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance
Join the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement (OLSE) to learn about the amendment to the Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance (FFWO). Compliance with the FFWO is a requirement for companies with 20 or more employees. This webinar reviews the requirements, and will offer best practices and common compliance issues which may arise.
JULY 14
Free Virtual Legal Clinic
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.
JULY 19
Employment Law Webinar
This webinar will provide you with information on your legal obligations as an employer. A volunteer attorney will be available to answer any questions. This webinar will be offered in English with simultaneous interpretation in Spanish.
4-WEEK CLASS
Start Smart
Beginning on July 25, this class series from Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is for those who ready to start a small business, are very new to business, or are thinking about how to pivot your business. You will learn the basic tools and business fundamentals needed to start-up successfully.
JULY 26
Retaining and Expanding Your Customer Base
This in-person event hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is a space for entrepreneurs to share stories of resiliency, strength, and support during the COVID-19 crisis. The interactive discussion topics include the importance of creating a customer communication plan and identifying activities that will keep their products and/or services on the mind of their customers.
Deadlines
Minimum Compensation Rate updates
Effective July 1, 2022
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 are available here. 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.
Mandatory Responsible Beverage Service (RBS) Training
Current 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. The RBS exam is currently available in English, Spanish, Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese and will soon be offered in Tagalog, Hindi, and Punjabi.
There are efforts being made to extend the deadline. Check the website for any updates or announcement.
Did you know?
There are still four Sunday Street festivals coming up this year. Each event transforms miles of city streets into car-free community spaces for kids to play, seniors to stroll, businesses and organizations to connect, and neighbors to meet.
July 10: Valencia St.
August 21: SoMA
September 18: Western Addition
October 16: Phoenix Day
Small businesses can register to be vendors.