NEWS
Small business newsletter for April 2025
Office of Small BusinessUpdates, trainings, announcements, and more, from the Office of Small Business
In February, Mayor Lurie launched a permitting reform process, with a focus on the experience for small business owners and those trying to create more housing in the city. Director of the Office of Small Business, Katy Tang, has been working alongside Rich Hillis (Planning Department Director), Patrick O’Riordan (Department of Building Inspection Director), and Rebecca Villereal-Mayer (Permit Center Director) as part of the PermitSF leadership team to reform San Francisco’s permitting process to make it customer-centric, fast, predictable, transparent, and unified. The input of small businesses is essential. Share your permit experience at sf.gov/PermitSurvey. Learn more about the initiative at sf.gov/PermitSF.
Announcements
Submit an interest form for the SF Shines Facade Improvement program
This new program from the Office of Economic and Workforce Development provides financial assistance to small businesses that want to enhance the exterior appearance of their storefronts. This initiative aims to help local businesses that will increase the vibrancy of the neighborhood. The program will fund up to $20,000 for comprehensive exterior improvements that will transform the storefront.
Please read a detailed description of the program before submitting an interest form. Attend an informational webinar on April 14 or May 2. Webinars are in multiple languages.
Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) program ended on April 7, 2025
Property owners no longer need to file or update ABE paperwork with the Department of Building Inspection. However, business and properties are still required to comply with state and federal disability access requirements. The Office of Small Business continues to be available to support businesses in understanding requirements, along with the resources and funding available to help improve accessibility. Learn more about accessibility compliance.
Learn more about upcoming business tax changes
Approved by voters on November 4, 2024, Proposition M reshapes the city’s business tax system and introduces meaningful changes aimed at supporting small businesses. These changes include: raising the small business exemption to $5 million, and starting in 2026, eliminating over $10 million in certain permit, license and other fees.
Visit sftreasurer.org/PropM to explore the timeline and learn more about the upcoming changes.
Take the annual Entertainment & Nightlight Business Survey
Respond by May 5, 2025
The goal of the survey is to understand the industry’s needs, challenges and opportunities, and identify ways San Francisco can support the industry. Responses are anonymous. Fill out the survey
Reminder to employers of 50+ full-time employees: Enroll in the Bay Area Commuter Benefits program
Employers with 50 or more full-time employees in the Bay Area must register with the Bay Area Commuter Benefits Program. Employers can choose from five commuter benefit options: pre-tax transit benefits, employer-provided subsidy for transit or vanpooling, employer-provided transit (such as shuttles), telework one or more days a week, or a custom plan. Enroll or learn more.
Federal filing requirement is removed: Beneficial Ownership Information
US companies and individuals no longer need to report Business Ownership Information (BOI) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN).
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
Planning Commission Hearings on Housing Element Rezoning and Small Business Support
April 10 & 17, 2025
The San Francisco Planning Commission will host informational hearings in April on Expanding Housing Choice, a proposal to add more housing on commercial and transit streets in San Francisco’s western and northern neighborhoods. Staff will discuss how the proposed changes to zoning rules could affect local businesses and explore policy and program ideas to help businesses adapt and thrive.
April 10: See the updated Draft Zoning Map & other zoning updates.
April 17: Discuss how the rezoning may affect small businesses, and potential ideas to support the business community as we add new housing.
Small business owners, community members, and stakeholders are invited to attend and participate.
Visit the Planning Commission Calendar for details.
Attend the 2025 Green Business Expo
April 19, 2025, 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Celebrate San Francisco Green Businesses at the Yerba Buena 2025 Earth Day Festival. Hosted by San Francisco Environment Department, in partnership with the Yerba Buena Gardens Conservancy. The event will feature sustainable products and services from certified Green Businesses, live music, food from local vendors, and more. Learn more at sfgreenbusiness.org
Annual SF Employer Reporting
Due May 2, 2025
Employers covered by the San Francisco Health Care Security Ordinance and/or the Fair Chance Ordinance must submit the 2024 Employer Annual Reporting Form by midnight on May 2, 2025 or may be subject to penalties of $500 per quarter. Learn more
SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit
May 12, 2025
Now in its 15th year, the Summit is an opportunity to come together to address the current issues facing the industry and discuss ways the industry and the City can continue working together toward long-term recovery. RSVP here.
Coming up! Small Business Week
May 5-9, 2025
Join fellow entrepreneurs, community leaders, and small business advocates during a week dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our city's economy. SF Small Business Week is led by the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce. See the line-up of events
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at Peña Pachamama
April 10, 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.
Peña Pachamama is a magical restaurant celebrating world music in the heart of North Beach. They serve plant-based food like Bolivian tapas, samplers, and substantial dinner entrees. They showcase performances by artists from all over the world.
Webinars & Events
April 10
Small Business Office Hours with an Advisor
Get feedback on your small business ideas from a business advisor. Hosted by the SF Public Library in partnership with the SF Small Business Development Center.
April 16
SFO Resource Fair
This event is designed to connect both job seekers with Airport employers and provide businesses with access to information and opportunities. Hosted by SFO and the San Mateo County Economic Development Association.
April 16 & 23
Building a successful home-based business
This 2-session program is designed for home-based business owners 1 to 3 years in business, who want to optimize their operations, marketing, and sales strategies for long-term growth without needing a physical storefront. Hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.
April 22 & 29
Care & Grow: Scaling your childcare business
This two-part training series is for childcare business owners, wellness coaches, doulas, and senior care businesses, to learn how to scale their operations. Hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.
April 23
City Contracting 101
During this event, small businesses will learn the steps to become eligible for contracting work with the City, the types of goods and services that the City procures, and compliance requirements. The workshop will also feature hands-on technical assistance.
April 24
Commercial Leasing & Mediation
Join the Bar Association of SF’s Conflict Intervention Service and the Office of Small Business to discuss commercial leasing and dispute resolution. This is an online workshop hosted by the SF Office of Economic and Workforce Development.
April 30
Marketing boot camp
This training is designed to equip small retail and storefront business owners, at least 3 years in business, with effective strategies to boost sales and enhance brand awareness. Hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.
April 30
Carnaval SF Small Business Mixer
Join a mixer and resource fair hosted by Carnaval and CIBC. It is designed to connect local businesses with resources, strategies, and each other.
Coming up! Valencia Night Market
Thu, May 8, 5:00-10:00PM
Valencia LIVE! Is a new free, all-ages monthly neighborhood celebration spotlighting local businesses, live music, and art.
Shop Dine SF is 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.