November is a month for giving thanks. Both the Thanksgiving holiday and Veteran’s Day are chances to acknowledge and patronize San Francisco’s small businesses. Veteran-owned businesses have long histories in the City, including at least three Legacy Businesses: Faxon Garage, Moshi Moshi, and California Choppers.
As we continue in a season of thanks and celebration, remember to shop and dine at San Francisco small businesses!
Announcements & Highlights
First Year Free Extended
The program that waives permit and building fees for new small businesses will now extend to June 30, 2023. Eligibility will also expand to include businesses that are not on the ground floor. The expansion also includes a broader definition of commercial businesses, and increases the gross receipts threshold for qualifying businesses to $5 million. Refunds will be available for qualifying businesses. More information will be available soon.
Read more about the program and BOS File 220970.
Applications accepted year-round for the Storefront Vandalism Relief Grant
This grant provides up to $2,000 in financial relief for the restoration of small businesses impacted by deliberate actions that result in destruction or damages of small business storefronts. Examples of damages include, but are not limited to broken windows, doors, locks, etched windows, and graffiti.
Shared Spaces deadline extended to January 15, 2023
Businesses now have until January 15, 2023 to submit an application to transition an existing Shared Space to a more permanent one. Submit your application as soon as possible to ensure permitting staff have time to provide strong customer service and support.
Not planning to keep your Shared Space? Your pandemic permit will remain valid through March 2023. Learn how to end your Shared Space.
Here are resources for businesses with Shared Spaces:
- An Application Worksheet can help businesses prepare their documents in advance of applying.
- Apply for the Shared Spaces Equity Grant, which funds Shared Spaces improvements to bring them into compliance with the program’s design guidelines
- Find out about future workshops and trainings offered by the Shared Spaces team.
- See a list of contractors, architects and designers who attended a Parklet Design Training.
General Shared Spaces Questions? Email: sharedspaces@sfgov.org
Footprint and Loading Zone Questions? Email: sharedspaces@sfmta.com
Spotlight: Get no-cost tools for hiring with Employer Services
The Office of Economic & Workforce Development’s Employer Services team is your workforce concierge and can assist your business with promoting jobs, finding local candidates, accessing hiring events, and introductions to workforce community partners.
Contact Employer Services at employer.services@sfgov.org and register your business on the City’s job matching resource tool, WorkforceLinkSF.org.
These services are available for bilingual and monolingual employers and employees.
Deadlines
Healthcare open enrollment is now through January 31, 2023
Covered California for Small Business (CCSB) helps you find health insurance for your employees that fits your budget and theirs. Federal tax credits to lower the cost of coverage are available to qualifying small businesses.
Accessible Business Program & Other Building Permits
Department of Building Inspection expects a rush of permit applications ahead of December 31, the final day before new building code regulations take effect on January 1.
This includes the December 31 deadline to apply for construction permits to comply with the Accessible Business Entrance program.
They strongly encourage submitting permit applications by December 15.
Webinars & Events
NOV 4
Preventive Business Law Office Hours
On the first Friday of each month, Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center hosts Coming up this week is an introduction to how the law effects new businesses.
NOV 4
California Rebuilding Fund and other loan options
Join Small Business Majority for to discuss loan options for small and micro business owners, including the California Rebuilding Fund, which closes on November 15.
STARTING NOV 7
4-Week Food Business Course
This course is hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center. It is for those looking to start a restaurant, cafe, catering company, bakery, food truck, or small-scale food product. It is also for those already underway, needing to refine their approach.
NOV 8
How to Start Your Business in San Francisco: Licensing & Permits
Learn to navigate business registration, business entities, and local licenses and permits. This is an online and in person event hosted by the San Francisco Small Business Development Center.
NOV 10
Creative Storytelling with Meta
Refine your business’s creative strategy, connect with local businesses, Meta employees, and subject matter experts. This is an all-day event at Meta’s headquarters in Menlo Park that will help participants use Reels, Stories, and Lives to improve your business’s social media presence to increase audience engagement, customer reach, and grow your business.
NOV 14
The Small Business Commission will meet to hear the following items:
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Legacy Business Registry Applications from Black and Blue Tattoo, Condor Club, New Lun Ting Café, and Royal Bakery
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Shared Spaces Program Update
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BOS File 220971 - Planning Code - Gates, Railings, and Grillwork Exceptions for Cannabis Retail Uses and Existing Non-Residential Uses
Read the full agenda and meeting details
NOV 15
How to Start Your Business in San Francisco: All Things Financial
Learn how to read financials and understand what it takes to fund and run your business including various City grants and loan opportunities. Hosted by the San Francisco Small Business Development Center.
NOV 17
Legal Clinic
Sign up for pro bono time with an attorney to discuss legal issues your business is facing. Hosted by Legal Services for Entrepreneurs.
DEC 6
Save the date: Small business pop-up shop at City Hall
Shop and support over 40 local makers, artisans, and merchants. Hosted by the Office of Small Business, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and the San Francisco Arts Commission.
Details coming soon to sf.gov/osb
Did you know?
A new, simpler application is now available for the Legacy Business Registry
Office of Small Business is seeking Legacy Business applications from longstanding businesses in Bayview, Excelsior, Inner and Outer Sunset, Portola, and Visitacion Valley. Businesses from these neighborhoods – currently underrepresented on the Legacy Business Registry – will be given review priority.
Legacy Business Registry recognizes businesses that are over 30 years old, which make up the fabric of San Francisco’s culture and uniqueness. There are currently around 300 businesses on the Registry, which you can browse at legacybusiness.org.
Being added to the Registry is an application process. The benefit to businesses of being added to the Registry includes recognition, marketing and business help, and grants.