Small business newsletter for June 2025

Between Juneteenth and Pride events, June is a busy month for San Francisco. Shop and dine from San Francisco’s small businesses while celebrating!

Announcements

Permitting reform updates

On May 20, 2025, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced the delivery of key pieces of his PermitSF Executive Directive. Small business owners can look forward to improvements such as:

• A legislative package featuring changes to reduce permit processing time, eliminate permits – such as for sidewalk tables and chairs, and remove barriers to routine building maintenance
• Transparent display of performance targets for to ensure greater predictability and accountability in permitting, especially for complex projects
• Expanded service hours at the Permit Center to better meet customer demand
• A reduction of up to 10 days off the building permit process for permits associated with new residential or commercial development by changing the processing of school impact fees
• Removal of the requirement for restaurant and bar owners to bring candles to the Permit Center to obtain a permit
• A single webpage for permitting information at sf.gov/Permitting—the first step to having one online hub for permit information and application submission
• Merged customer service inquiries for San Francisco Public Works, the Department of Building Inspection (DBI), Planning, and the Fire Department, ensuring all customer communications receive timely and consistent responses
• A Request for Information (RFI) launched by the Mayor’s Office of Innovation for technology to deliver a public-facing permit tracking tool that provides applicants with real-time visibility into permit status and a centralized, integrated permitting system to enable seamless collaboration across all departments
• Pilots for new solutions to enable dynamic centralized permit application intake online

Get help with hiring

Workforce Development's Employer Services team can help your business find skilled talent at no cost. They can support your business with job marketing, candidate pre-screening, and provide access to job fairs throughout the City.  

Through the team’s Workforce Concierge services, your business can: 

1. Elevate your customer experience with staff trained in the latest industry standards in a wide range of industries.  
2. Access a pool of pre-screened candidates who are eager to contribute to your team. 

Please email Lauran.Acevedo@sfgov.org with any questions or to schedule a call. Learn more about Employer Services.

Get back on track with San Francisco Business Taxes

If your business is operating in San Francisco but hasn’t registered or paid taxes, you may qualify for the Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program. The program offers a simple path to get your business into compliance while avoiding legal consequences. You may get a waiver of taxes, penalties, and interest for up to 6 years.

Apply anytime through December 31, 2027

Learn more about the Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program.

Corner Store Business Toolkit

This free digital toolkit offers 11 videos to help owners of corner stores improve their business, including sales and profitability. This toolkit is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Filipino, and Chinese. The toolkit was made by Equitable Growth Solutions with support from the Department of Public Health. Access to Corner Store Business Toolkit.

Commercial permitting services

The Office of Small Business and the team at the San Francisco Permit Center offer concierge permitting help to businesses. This means that you can get personalized and continuous help on your project at any stage. You’ll be paired with someone that you can contact when you have a question or unexpected challenge. This may include support with:

• Mapping out what types of permits you’ll need to open or expand your business
• Understanding local regulations 
• Resolving permitting challenges

Email businesspermithelp@sfgov.org to get connected with a Commercial Permit Specialist. Visit sf.gov/osb to find more resources from the Office of Small 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

Rate increases for the Health Care Accountability Ordinance

Effective July 1, 2025

The Health Care Accountability Ordinance (HCAO) applies to most City contractors and tenants. Starting in July, the HCAO Fee rate increases to $7.50 per hour, capped at $300.00 per work week. Learn more about the HCAO and download current posters to display.

Legacy Business Spotlight

Heritage Happy Hour at The Stud

Thursday, June 12th, 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.

The Stud is San Francisco’s oldest continuously operated LGBTQ+ bar and one of the world’s most famous drag bars. The Stud is the first collectively owned queer bar in the country and continues the tradition of hosting authentic queer performance art that has become an integral part of the bar’s history.

Webinars & Events

Wednesdays

Mentoring sessions with SCORE

SCORE mentors will be at the Main Library weekly, each Wednesday from 10am-2pm. Aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners can sign up for free 1:1 appointments.  

June 10

Social Media Content Creation

Join a 3-session, online series and learn how to plan, create, and post engaging content that connects with your audience and grows your business. Hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

June 13

Panel: Access to Capital

This in-person event is to connect small business owners with information about lending. Hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center and the Small Business Development Center.

June 24

AI Enterprise: in-person forum

Discover AI opportunities across vertical tech markets for corporate and tech professionals. Includes startup venture pitch for funding or customers. The event is produced by the San Francisco Small Business Development Center in partnership with Angel Launch.

June 25

Commercial Leasing & Mediation webinar

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.

June 26

Virtual Commercial Leasing Clinic

Join Legal Services for Entrepreneurs for a free virtual legal clinic and meet an attorney to help you. They are available to review your lease, understand the new statewide tenant protections, and answer questions about repairs, CAM fees, and negotiations. Apply to register.

Coming up

June 18 

I Love Tenderloin Week Small Business Marketplace

At the Fulton Street Steps of the Main Library, celebrate the creativity and resilience of Tenderloin entrepreneurs. The Small Business Marketplace features handcrafted goods, unique finds and delicious bites. Explore, connect and support local makers. Hosted by the SF Public Library.