This month we celebrate Women’s History and the many woman-owned businesses that shape San Francisco. One of the most recent additions to the Legacy Business Registry is La Mejor Bakery, a staple of the Latino Cultural District with its delicious pan dulces. Owner Doña Carmen Elias came out of retirement to open her bakery at 3329 24th Street in 1993. From employing local residents to purchasing ingredients from neighborhood produce stores, La Mejor Bakery supports our economy and culture. Thank you to Doña Carmen and all of the women entrepreneurs operating and leading businesses in San Francisco!
Announcements & Highlights
Remember to remove any outdated COVID-19 emergency signage
San Francisco ended the COVID-19 public health emergency declaration in February 2023. While the threat from COVID-19 is not over, San Francisco is now in a significantly better position today than at any prior time in the pandemic. We recommend that businesses take down outdated signage from the previous phases of the pandemic, including blue flyers about social distancing, mask requirements, and vaccination verification.
Switch to reusable foodware and receive grant to reduce trash and save money
San Francisco Environment Department is offering up to $500 to help restaurants and cafes make the switch from disposable to reusable foodware for dine-in services. Business owners will receive free consultation and assistance to make the transition easier. Over 85 businesses in San Francisco are already participating in this program, saving an average of $3,000 - $21,000 annually while reducing trash and improving customer dining experience.
Schedule your free consultation today by filling out the form at SFReuse.org or call 415-355-3700.
City response to increase in complaints against awnings
Over the last several months, many small business owners have been subject to enforcement related to their awnings allegedly being out of compliance with certain codes. Mayor Breed and President Peskin are working on legislation to create an amnesty program for existing awning owners who are out of compliance. The goal of the program will be to create a path people can follow to come into compliance before any enforcement action is taken, except in the case where there are urgent life safety issues.
In the meantime, the Department of Building Inspection (DBI) is deprioritizing enforcement against complaints of awnings being out of compliance, except in the case of urgent life safety issues requiring immediate action. DBI will also delay compliance on enforcement for 180 days for any issues of notices of violation, except for in the case of urgent life safety issues.
Join a workshop about storefront awnings on Monday, March 6 to learn about the permitting process and ask questions. The event will be in English and Chinese.
Deadlines
Hiring fair for small businesses
Sign up by Mar 12, 2023
The Office of Economic and Workforce Development is hosting its 2nd annual Hospitality & Small Business Job Fair. It will be on Apr 12 from 10:00 AM to 1:00PM at the Ferry Building. This event will be an opportunity for small business employers to connect with diverse local talent looking to begin or build their careers in San Francisco.
More ways to get help recruiting employees
Promote your job openings to local candidates through job matching tool WorkforceLinkSF, from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. WorkforceLinkSF is a free resource for sourcing local talent. It just takes a few minutes to register and post your positions.
For any questions, please email lauran.acevedo@sfgov.org and derek.remski@sfgov.org.
COVID-era commercial eviction protections
Complete repayments by Mar 30, 2023
Businesses with 10-24 full time equivalent (FTE) employees have until March 30, 2023 to complete repaying missed rent that was owed during San Francisco’s commercial eviction moratorium period between March 18, 2020 to September 30, 2021.
Get more information on whether the commercial eviction moratorium applies to you and find available resources.
Increase to the San Francisco minimum wage
Effective July 1, 2023
On July 1, 2023, the San Francisco minimum wage will increase to $18.07. For more information please see the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement.
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at Uptown Bar
Mar 9, 5:00-7:00 PM at 200 Capp St.
Heritage Happy Hour is a convivial “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. We get together on the Second Thursday of each month at a registered Legacy Business bar in San Francisco.
The Uptown is a classic bartender-owned dive bar in the Mission!
Webinars & Events
MAR 9
How to do Business with the Government
An in-person session at the San Francisco Permit Center to help businesses determine if selling to the government is right for them. Learn the basics of how to get started with marketing, finding bid opportunities, and government contracting.
MAR 13
Understanding Food Cost
This webinar is for new or existing business owners to understand food cost and pricing. Topics to be discussed include: understanding profit and loss statements, industry benchmarks for food cost, calculating plate costs, and pricing for profitability. Hosted by the Restaurant Program of the SF Small Business Development Center.
MAR 14
Introduction to Accounting and Bookkeeping
Whether or not you have an accountant to do your taxes, you will still need to be on top of your cash in and cash out of your business. Get to know important accounting and bookkeeping basics for your business. Hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and followed by two webinars about how to use Quickbooks.
MAR 14
Ecommerce webinar
This is a workshop for business owners who are ready to sell products online, or want to know more before you place your first bulk order. This is an intro to creating an eCommerce website, including how to design it to make it more appealing to the user/customer. It will compare 3 options – Shopify, Woocommerce (for WordPress), and Wix. Hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.
MAR 15
Hiring Employees: First Things First
In this workshop, instructors will help business owners comply with the law, learn about new labor laws, create good processes, and learn best practices for hiring employees. Hosted by the SF Small Business Development Center.
MAR 15
Becoming an Intentional Success
A Women’s History Month panel hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. Connect with successful Bay Area female entrepreneurs and learn about their path to success. Leave empowered to realize your dreams.
MAR 28
Buy or Sell Your Business
This webinar is hosted by the SF Small Business Development Center. It is for people looking to sell their business in the next 2 to 3 years as well as those interested in purchasing a business in lieu of starting one or as a means to enter new markets, add new products, and drive profits through added revenue.
Did you know?
Small Business Week
Save the dates: May 8-12, 2023
The annual Small Business Week, presented by the SF Chamber of Commerce, is an opportunity to celebrate our small business community and help them thrive! Stay tuned for a full calendar of events to shop, connect, network, and learn.