San Francisco is hosting two major celebrations this month – Juneteenth and Pride. While you’re out celebrating at parades and events, be sure to support the neighborhood businesses!
Announcements & Highlights
Learn about SB478: New state law about pricing transparency
The California Attorney General's office released FAQs to help businesses comply with SB478, which takes effect July 1, 2024. According to the FAQs, businesses must advertise or list a price for a good or service that includes all required fees or charges other than government-imposed taxes or fees, or reasonable shipping costs. The new state law does not restrict a business in the amounts being charged for goods or services, but requires the listed or advertised prices to incorporate fees and charges. Gratuity payments that are not voluntary must be included in the list price.
E-Bikes for SF restaurants and small businesses for deliveries
Businesses and organizations that make deliveries may be eligible to participate in an expansion of San Francisco Environment Department’s e-bike delivery pilot program that took place last year. 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, businesses would agree to help collect data on the efficacy of e-bikes for deliveries through surveys, information interviews, and point of sale reports.
Interested businesses can email Edgar Arellano-Meli at earellanomeli@gridalternatives.org.
Retail spaces available in Sunnydale
Mercy Housing is seeking experienced small business owners to rent affordable new retail spaces available in early 2025. There are six spaces from 375-625 square feet, one cafe, and two restaurants. There is an info-session on June 7 from 12:00-1:00 PM.
Interested businesses can email Julia Katz at julia.katz@mercyhousing.org
Kickstart your business at 50+
This 10-week online program is open to SF residents who are over 50 years of age. It provides step-by-step information for getting a business idea launched. The next session starts on August 19, 2024. Offered by Blissen.
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
June 24
Small Business Commission meeting
The agenda includes voting on Legacy Business Registry applications from Bob’s Donuts and Pastries, Joanne’s Beauty Boutique, MPA Design, Roberts Corned Meats, and the Verdi Club. The Commission will also review the following legislative proposals:
- Notice of Supermarket Closure (BOS File 240333)
- Existing Awning Amnesty Program (BOS File 240474)
- Entertainment Zones (BOS File 240475)
- Repealing Deemed Approved Off-Street Alcohol Use Nuisance Ordinance (BOS File 240412)
- Polk Street Neighborhood Commercial District (BOS File 240411)
- Tenderloin Retail Hours Restriction Pilot Program (BOS File 240407)
- Exempting Legacy Business Assistance Program from City Grant Requirements (BOS File 240470)
SF minimum wage increase
July 1, 2024
On July 1, the minimum wage in San Francisco will increase to $18.67. Read more and download the new employer posters.
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: August 30, 2024
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
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at El Rio
June 13, 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.
El Rio was established in 1978 as a Brazilian leather gay bar and a place of inclusivity where the community could gather, socialize, plan events, and unite. Today, El Rio has become a vital gather space for many individuals and groups in the neighborhood and throughout the city.
Webinars & Events
June 5
SF LGBT Center's Resources for Entrepreneurs
Learn how the SF LGBT Center assists LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs in with one-on-one business consulting and coaching, business workshops, a new entrepreneur training program, and referrals.
June 11
Business Plans That Work
This webinar will provide a detailed format for writing Business Plans. Led by Steve Roth and hosted by the Norcal Small Business Development Center. It will feature a panel of experts to answer questions.
June 13
Small Business Office Hours with an Advisor
Get feedback on your small business ideas from a business advisor. A partnership with the San Francisco Public Library and the SF Small Business Development Center.
June 14
Choosing a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business
This workshop will assist small employers understand the types of retirement plans available, the tax benefits and consequences of each, and the federal laws governing these types of plans. Presented by the U.S. Department of Labor.
June 18
Doing Business at SFO
Join SFO for a comprehensive workshop designed to prepare businesses to submit proposals in response to RFPs from the airport. One workshop is about concession leases, another about design and construction projects.
June 18
Small Business Financing: What Are My Options?
This is a loan readiness workshop series geared toward SF businesses. It will include financing options and information about how to prepare an application. Hosted by Main Street Launch, Pacific Community Ventures, Mission Economic Development Agency, and more.
Coming up
Juneteenth
In 1865, enslaved African Americans were emancipated in the United States. “1865 ‘til Infinity” is a campaign dedicated to San Francisco’s annual celebration of Juneteenth.
Events are happening throughout June and are a great way to support and celebrate Black-owned businesses and communities in San Francisco.
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.
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