NEWS
Small business newsletter for May 2025
Office of Small BusinessUpdates, trainings, announcements, and more, from the Office of Small Business
This Monday marks the start of the 21st annual San Francisco Small Business Week! The week is produced by the SF Chamber of Commerce, the Office of Small Business, and a committee of local leaders. We will start of this month’s newsletter with event highlights for small business owners to network, learn, and share their craft.
Small Business Week Highlights
Connect with fellow small business owners
May 5
Opening Ceremony
Join fellow entrepreneurs, community leaders, and small business advocates as the Chamber of Commerce launches a week dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our city's economy.
May 6
Coffee & Connections
Join The Alliance for Community Development for a morning of community building! This networking event is for local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community partners to meet and mingle with each other.
May 8
4th Annual Legacy Business Mixer
A friendly annual celebration of San Francisco’s over 400 registered Legacy Businesses. It’s also a place for Legacy Business owners to meet, socialize, and network. The event will spotlight host Legacy Business Izzy's Steaks and Chops in their newly renovated space.
Shop & Dine
May 6
Small Business Pop-up Shop at City Hall
Take in the splendor of City Hall while shopping for your friends, family and yourself! The annual Small Business Week City Hall pop-up shop is a great place to find a gift for Mother's Day, the graduate, a special gift, or a tasty treat. Featuring goods from over 45 local makers!
May 7
Small Business Fest
SF New Deal and Wells Fargo invite you to celebrate the unique small businesses that are the heartbeat of San Francisco. The special market will feature unique food and retail offerings, music by local DJs, special guest speakers, and delightful giveaways.
May 7
Chow Fun
Take your tastebuds on a culinary journey around the world by exploring local participating restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars in the Excelsior and outer Mission neighborhoods. CHOW FUN is an Asian dine-around that celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Learn and grow your business
May 6
Behind the Byline: The State of Small Business in San Francisco
Join business journalists for a discussion on SF’s small business scene, moderated by Owen Thomas (Business Times). Panelists from Mission Local, the Chronicle, the Examiner and the Standard will offer insights on the challenges and trends shaping local entrepreneurship. Hosted by the SF Public Library.
May 6
New Roots, New Routes
This event brings together community leaders, business owners, and student entrepreneurs to explore new pathways and opportunities in family business. Hosted by the USF Gellert Family Business Resource Center.
May 7
Opening Up Shop at SFO: Demystifying the Process and Pathway to Small Business Success
In this workshop, subject matter experts will discuss key topics such as accessing financing and technical assistance, doing business at SFO, and navigating opportunities for small businesses.
May 7
Accessing Capital for Your Business
This event will explain different types of capital—loans, investments, and grants—and discuss different funding sources, like banks and special organizations called Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). Hosted by a group of financial institutions.
May 8
Breaking Barriers: Accessibility as a Growth Strategy for Small Businesses
The panel will focus on how small businesses can benefit from accessibility best practices across their operations, expand their customer base, increase revenues and enhance brand loyalty. Hosted by the SF Disability Business Alliance.
May 8
Know your policy, know your costs: Decoding Insurance
Navigating business insurance can be overwhelming, but understanding your policy and costs is essential for protecting your business. Learn how to evaluate your current coverage, avoid common pitfalls, and make informed decisions to safeguard your business.
May 8
Scaling for Success: How to Take Your Small Business to the Next Level
This event is designed to help San Francisco’s small and medium-sized business owners grow—from launch to mid-size and even enterprise-level. Hosted by Comcast Business, the San Francisco Business Times, and the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce.
May 9
Starting a Business in San Francisco
Learn how the San Francisco Office of Small Business helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners grow and thrive. Presented by Martha Yanez, Business Case Manager at the Office of Small Business. Hosted by the SF Public Library.
See the full line-up of Small Business Week events hosted by the SF Public Library.
There are many other events taking place during Small Business Week – find them all!
Announcements
Get permit fees waived for new awnings during the month of May
Businesses installing a new awning or replacing an existing awning can get permit fees waived when they apply in during May. This is an annual program. For permitting help contact the Office of Small Business at businesspermithelp@sfgov.org or 415-554-6134. Learn more
Note: If your business needs to legalize an existing, unpermitted awning, you’ll use the Awning Amnesty Program.
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:
- Elevate your customer experience with staff trained in the latest industry standards in a wide range of industries.
- 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
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 about commercial leasing and mediation with the Office of Small Business
Watch a recording of a recent webinar hosted by the SF Bar Association, the Office of Small Business, and the Office of Economic & Workforce Development. Sign up for the next webinar on May 20.
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
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
File your business property statement
File by May 7. 2025
Business personal property is taxable property used in connection to a business and includes apartments, short-term rentals and vessels. Learn more and file online
SF Minimum Wage increases to $19.18
July 1, 2025
The San Francisco Minimum Wage will increase to $19.18 per hour from the current rate of $18.67 per hour. This increase is based on the Bay Area CPI, and reflects an increase of 2.732%. Learn more about the Minimum Wage Ordinance.
Webinars & Events
May 13
Small Business Procurement Summit
Join the SF Small Business Development Center and others for a regional procurement event designed to help businesses unlock new opportunities in government and public sector contacting.
May 20
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.
May 20
Business tax webinar
This webinar is hosted by the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector (TTX), to provide information about Proposition M, which introduced meaningful changes aimed to support small businesses. They will break down key changes and their impact.