Last week’s election was important on several levels, and especially for business owners in San Francisco. San Francisco voters are on track to approve Proposition M, which will:
- Increase the Small Business Exemption to businesses making $5 million or less in annual gross receipts (currently at $2 million)
- Estimated 88% of all restaurants will be exempt
- Estimated 50% of retailers who currently pay Gross Receipts Taxes will be exempt
- Eliminate $10 million in license fees annually, waiving 49 license fees. Now that Prop M passed, these will now proceed legislatively.
- Instate progressive tax rates in all categories
- Simplifying San Francisco’s business tax structure will make it easier for businesses to navigate
- Spreading the tax burden more evenly across industries will ensure financial stability for critical city services
Announcements
Vacant to Vibrant expands to Union Square
Applications for the Vacant to Vibrant program, with funding from the Office of Economic & Workforce Development, are now open on a rolling basis. The program welcomes applications from small businesses, artists, entrepreneurs, and cultural organizations to propose creative pop-up ideas. Selected pop-ups will receive:
- Free, temporary space (3 months with potential to extend) in downtown San Francisco
- Grant Funding up to $10,000 to cover related expenses, permit fees covered and insurance as needed
- Access to technical assistance to support the success of your activation focusing on marketing consultation, financial literacy, and resource navigation.
Update to the Vandalism Relief Grant: Businesses can receive the grant up to three times in one calendar year
Vandalism Relief Grants provide up to $2,000 in reimbursement for small businesses impacted by destruction or damages to their storefronts.
Businesses can now receive this grant up three times per calendar year, for separate incidents, and applications for relief may include past incidents as long as they occurred in the 2024 calendar year.
PG&E Simplified Savings Program for small business
The Simplified Savings Program supports PG&E’s small business customers with information and activities that may provide immediate savings on their energy bill if the business is located within a Disadvantaged Community.
Learn more and enroll your business
Join the San Francisco Green Business program to get paid back for climate-friendly purchases
Run by SF Environment, rebates and prebates up to $1,000 are available for green purchases or upgrades for businesses that complete the recognition process.
Learn more about becoming a Green Business
Office of Small Business in the Community
Let us know if you would like the Office of Small Business to visit your corridor and share resources for small businesses. Please send requests to: sfosb@sfgov.org.
Upcoming
Plan for entertainment during holiday events
Thinking of adding entertainment for the holidays? Submit your permit application to the Entertainment Commission by December 9
One-time event permits are available for indoor and outdoor events. Businesses with existing Place of Entertainment or Limited Live Performance permits can also apply to extend yours of indoor entertainment for special events.
One Time Indoor Event permit
One Time Outdoor Event permit
Contact entertainment.commission@sfgov.org or call 628-652-6030 with questions.
Market operator needed for the Alemany Farmers’ Market
Deadline to apply for the RFP: December 20, 2024
The Real Estate Division of the City Administrator’s Office is seeking proposals from nonprofit organizations to operate the entirety of the Alemany Farmers’ Market.
Apply for business training for entrepreneurs aged 50+
The next session begins on January 27, 2025
This is a free, 10-week program designed to guide aspiring older adult entrepreneurs through the step-by-step process of bringing their business ideas to life. This program is conducted by SF Tech Council and Blissen.
Reminder: New federal reporting for most companies
Existing businesses have until Jan 1, 2025
Most companies (such as LLCs, partnerships, and corporations) must now file “Beneficial Ownership Information” with the federal government. Sole proprietors and non-profits are among the business types that may be exempt and don’t have to file. Learn more and then file online. Questions can be submitted here.
The SF Small Business Development Center (SBDC) has advisors available who can help you file.
Sign up for the 2025 NBA All-Star Rewards Program
The NBA All-Star game is coming to San Francisco, and the NBA is partnering with local businesses. Fans who visit a participating business and open the Rewards Program within the NBA Events App will be shown a Digital Scratch Card that will allow fans to win various NBA prizes and/or a specific offer relating to your business.
All interested businesses can sign up for the NBA Rewards program by filling out this form.
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at Butter Bar
Nov 14, 5:00 – 7:00 PM
Heritage Happy Hours offers a casual “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. Butter Bar is a cozy theme bar that's a home for the San Francisco's nightlife community.
Webinars & Events
NOV 14
Small Business Office Hours with an Advisor
Get feedback on your small business ideas from a business advisor. Hosted by the SF Public Library with the SF Small Business Development Center. This is a monthly event.
NOV 19 & 26
Government Contracting Certifications
Join the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center during office hours on Nov. 19 and Nov. 26 to get your questions answered about government contracting certifications. The Nov. 26 session will focus specifically on women-owned business certifications.
NOV 26
Small Business Branding and Public Relations Overview
A strong brand is key to professional success in the digital era. Discover four branding strategies to convey authenticity, build trust, expand your network, and drive demand. Presented by the SF Public Library with the SF LGBT Center.
Shop Dine SF
A campaign to support businesses in San Francisco. Visit shops, eat at restaurants, and get services and experiences from the small businesses that make San Francisco special.
Visit sf.gov/shopdineSF or follow the campaign on social media to find events and initiatives across San Francisco! Share events supporting businesses and commercial corridors by emailing shopdinesf@sfgov.org.