Early fall is often a busy time in San Francisco and this year is no exception. There is a historic number of City-sponsored events Downtown in September, such as free concerts and block parties. Downtown will also host the Dreamforce conference. Hardly Strictly Bluegrass will be back in Golden Gate Park for the 24th year, and Fleet Week roars into the city in October. Beginning September 15th, Latino Heritage Month kicks off a series of events celebrating San Francisco’s vibrant Latino community. These events – and many more – are vital for attracting customers to small businesses.
Announcements
Learn about proposed business tax reform measure and potential benefit to small businesses
Following recommendations from the City’s Business Tax Reform Project, there is a measure going before voters in November that would change the business tax structure. The final recommendations include:
Increasing the Small Business Exemption to $5 million
Estimated 88% of all restaurants will be exempt
Estimated 50% of retailers who currently pay Gross Receipts Taxes will be exempt
Revenue model assumes elimination of $10 million in license fees, to be adopted legislatively and triggered upon passage of the measure
Progressive tax rates in all categories
In excess of 90% of restaurants will see a reduction in taxes
Read the Digest by the Ballot Simplification Committee
Two leases available for small businesses at SFO
The Airport Commission released a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for two International Terminal Food & Beverage Leases, both for small businesses. The deadline to apply is September 18, 2024.
E-bike program for local restaurants and small businesses
Businesses that make deliveries may be eligible for a free e-bike through SF Environment’s expanded e-bike delivery pilot. Eligible partners include restaurants and other small businesses in San Francisco that either have their own delivery staff or have connections to delivery workers. In exchange for the e-bikes and related accessories, businesses would agree to help collect data on the efficacy of e-bikes for deliveries.
Interested businesses should reserve a time to meet with the project team or reach out to Edgar Arellano-Meli directly at earellanomeli@gridalternatives.org.
IRS moves forward with Employee Retention Credit claims
The Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) is a refundable payroll tax credit offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that provides up to $26,000 per employee to employers who retained staff during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. They paused accepting or processing applications last year because of rampant fraud. Starting in August 2024, they are re-starting the program.
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
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.
Credit Card Settlement Claim Deadline Extended
New deadline: Feb, 2025
The settlement is a result of a lawsuit over MasterCard/Visa credit card processing fees. If your business accepted MC/Visa between 2004-2019, you may be eligible to claim your share of the over $5 billion.
If you received a Claim Form in the mail and want to file a claim online, you can submit on the website using the "Submit Claim" button. If you did not receive a claim form, you can also start the claim on the site by providing your business's Taxpayer Identification Number.
For more information, you can reach out to 1-800-625-6440 or visit the settlement website at settlement website
Join the Shop Dine: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass small business campaign
Sign up by Friday, September 13
Hardly Strictly Blue Grass will be back at Golden Gate Park from October 4-6th. This year Shop Dine SF is partnering with the event organizers to encourage guests to shop in nearby small business corridors.
Fill out this form if you own a storefront small business on Irving St between19th and 25th aves, Judah St between Ocean Ave and Sunset Blvd, or Balboa St between 29th and 34th aves.
Publicize your business during 2024 San Francisco Fleet Week
Submit information by September 20
From October 6-13, 2024, San Francisco will host the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Army and Coast Guard personnel, as well as visitors from all over the country. San Francisco Fleet Week is inviting you to post your business information and special offers on the Fleet Week Liberty Guide, located on the San Francisco Fleet Week Mobile App.
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at Elixer Bar
Sep 12, 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. Elixer Bar is the second oldest continually operating saloon location in San Francisco, making it one of the most historic bars in the country.
Webinars & Events
SEP 10 - NOV 14
Business planning intensive
Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is accepting applications for their upcoming 10-week business planning training. The series is online, with sessions from 5:30-8pm to learn how to launch a business idea and create a Business Plan.
SEP 12
Virtual Office Hours for entrepreneurs
Get feedback on your small business ideas from a business advisor. Learn to structure an initial business idea and start market research. Hosted by the SF Public Library and SF Small Business Development Center.
SEP 18
Navigating Access to Capital
This is an online panel hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to learn how small businesses and startups can successfully navigate access to capital. Guests include Main Street Launch, Working Solutions, TMC Community Capital, and Feed The Hunger.
SEP 23
Small Business Commission Meeting
The agenda includes voting on Legacy Business Registry applications from the following businesses: Da Flora, Russian Hill Dog Grooming, Fabrix, New India Bazar, Sabella and La Torre, Ten-Ichi Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar, Treasure Island Museum, and Savoy Tivoli.
SEP 25
In-person business resource workshop
At 2pm Hong Kong Bakery at 4711 Mission St will host the Small Business Development Center to share the latest grant and business resources. The event is for businesses in the Excelsior and citywide and will be in both English and Chinese.
OCT 2
How to become a certified Local Business Enterprise (LBE)
San Francisco’s Contract Monitoring Division hosts a webinar on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 10am. The webinar covers how to become certified with the Local Business Enterprise (LBE) Program, which helps small businesses compete for City contracts.
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.