March is National Women’s History Month! San Francisco is home to many women entrepreneurs and small business owners. We celebrate you! This month also marks the time when San Francisco hosts one of the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with the annual parade on March 12.
This newsletter comes out monthly. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more announcements and resources all month long.
COVID-19 Announcements
Office of Small Business reopening for in-person services
Starting on March 7, 2022
Monday-Friday, 9:00am-noon and 1:00pm-5:00pm
Get directions to City Hall, Room 140
We can also help by phone, email, and Zoom
(415) 554-6134
Changes in mask and vaccination requirements
COVID-19 case rates and hospitalizations are slowing. San Francisco is changing its rules for masks, vaccines, and more.
- San Francisco aligns with California to recommend, but not require, masks in schools and childcare settings. Read the full details.
- No longer requiring proof of vaccination in certain businesses. Read this up-to-date overview.
2022 State COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave
For businesses that have 26+ employees, employers must provide workers up to 80 hours of sick time for COVID-19. This includes quarantining, getting vaccines, and caring for a child when their school closes.
Announcements
Small Business Commission Meeting – March 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:
- A presentation on urban crime, community investment, and policing with Patrick Sharkey, Professor of Sociology and Public Affairs, The Princeton School of Public and International Affairs
Watch live on SFGovTV: http://sfgovtv.org/ch2live or attend the meeting in person.
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 you can attend the meeting in person or call 415-655-0001; Access Code: 2480 898 6671. Press # twice in order to listen to the meeting via audio conference. Dial *3 when you are ready to queue.
Office of Small Business - New Website is Live!
Easily access resources, services, and important information for starting, sustaining, and growing your small businesses.
Visit us at SF.gov/osb
Pay your regulatory license renewal bill by March 31
This bill from the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector could include more than 1 annual license and permit fees. Once you pay your bill, you’ll get a license certificate to post at your business’s location.
The City will now include fees for weights and measures and point of sale (POS) devices on this bill.
Learn more about fees for your business
Become a small business operator at San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
The Airport Commission is requesting proposals for a small business to open for eating and drinking in Terminal 3. Apply by May 11, 2022
Legacy Business spotlight
Plough and Stars
Since 1975, the Plough and the Stars has supported local musicians with seisuns and set dancing, as well as bluegrass and Americana. Voted “Best Irish Pub” by the SF Weekly!
Visit their website for hours and event information
Webinars
Commercial vacancy tax – March 16, 3:00pm
The Office of Treasurer and Tax Collector is hosting a free session to learn about the new tax. Find out what spaces need to pay it, what “vacant” means, and how to pay it.
Click to register for the webinar
3-part series on hiring employees in California
Hosted by the Northern California Small Business Development Center. Learn how to follow the law, create good processes, and learn best practices for hiring employees. The series includes sessions on hiring, employee handbooks, and firing.
Click to see the details, schedule, and to sign up
Certifications for women owned businesses – March 8, 3:00-4:00pm
The Small Business Administration will explain how national certifications can help you make more money. They will review the qualifications and application processes for each.
Click to learn more and register
Financial statements and tax considerations – March 23, 7:00am
Learn about the financial statements you'll need to pay your taxes. This includes Profit and Loss, Cash Flow, and Balance Sheet. They will use examples for childcare business owners, but anyone is welcome to attend. Hosted by Start Small Think Big.
Small business legal clinic – March 17, 4:00-6:00pm
Pro-bono attorneys will be available to provide legal consultation to small businesses. Registration in advance is required. Spots are limited. Interpretation is available if needed. Hosted by the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights.
Click to register
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 April 5, 2022. Learn more.
Access resources, services, and important information for starting, sustaining, and growing your small businesses.
Click to visit us at SF.gov/osb