NEWS
Small business newsletter for February 2025
Office of Small BusinessUpdates, trainings, announcements, and more, from the Office of Small Business
February features several big activities in San Francisco which will bring crowds to our streets and commercial corridors. The annual Lunar New Year parade is taking place the same weekend that the city hosts the NBA All-Star game at Chase Center arena. Black History Month continues throughout the month. Shop Dine SF features a sampling of the many Black-owned businesses to support.
Announcements
NBA All-Star Weekend
San Francisco is hosting the NBA All-Star Weekend, February 14-16, 2025! This major event will bring thousands of visitors to the city. Stay Informed:
- Text NBASF2025 to 888-777 to get AlertSF messages from the city
- Visit sf.gov/nba-all-star-2025 for road closures, public transit changes, and other impacts
Retail spaces available for rent in Sunnydale
Applications due March 17
Mercy Housing is seeking experienced small business owners to rent new retail spaces. Spaces include tenant improvement budgets for the build-out. Available units include five retail and one food hall stall. They are especially looking for barber, nail salon, ice cream, boba shop, fitness, health services, or a copy/print shop. Contact julia.katz@mercyhousing.org with questions. Learn more
New employee poster for paid parental leave
The San Francisco Office of Labor Standards Enforcement released an updated 2025 Paid Parental Leave Poster. This poster must be placed at each job site or workplace in a location where employees can read it easily as of January 1, 2025.
New Health Care Security Ordinance (HCSO) rates now in effect
Most San Francisco employers must spend a minimum amount on health care for employees who work 8 or more hours per week. Businesses with fewer than 20 employees are exempt. As of January 1, 2025, HCSO hourly expenditure rates went up. For employers with 20-99 employees the rate is now $2.56/hour. Find out more
Information about the California Commercial Tenant Protection Act
The Commercial Tenant Protection Act (SB 1103) is now law and provides protections to “Qualified Commercial Tenants” (or QCTs). QCTs are sole proprietorships, partnerships, and companies with five or fewer employees that lack access to capital, restaurants with fewer than 10 employees, and non-profits with fewer than 20 employees. A summary of the new rules include:
- Required advance notice for rent increase for month-to-month leases
- Automatic renewal of month-to-month leases unless there is certain advance, written notice
- Language translation requirements for leases that were negotiated in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, or Korean
- Requirements for when a landlord can collect building operating costs
If you have questions or concerns about your business lease, here are two organizations that can provide legal guidance:
Legal Services for Entrepreneurs
SF Bar Association – Lawyer Referral & Information Service
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
Future Entrepreneur Cohort Program
Starts on February 18
This 8-week training program is designed to empower people with disabilities with the desire and the tools to start a business. They welcome participants with all types of visible and non-visible disabilities. The program is spread over 8 weeks and held in person or remote at the pace of one hour per week. This is a program of the San Francisco Disability Business Alliance. Learn more
Business Tax Returns
Due by Feb 28, 2025
Certain businesses must file San Francisco Annual Business Tax Returns. Most businesses that had SF gross receipts of less than $2,250,000 are exempt and do not need to file. More information on who must file, and to file
SF Music Week
February 24 - March 2, 2025
Industry Summit: February 28
SF Music Week aims to fortify San Francisco's position as a vibrant music hub by:
- Showcasing the local music community and reinforcing San Francisco's reputation as a city that champions the arts.
- Convening artists, industry leaders, and innovators to collaboratively explore strategies for a more sustainable and vibrant music ecosystem.
- Connecting industry members with resources and opportunities to advance their careers.
The SF Music Week Industry Summit on Friday, February 28, is free to attend and will feature conversations with industry thought leaders. Learn more and register
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at Bissap Baobab
Thursday, February 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. Bissap Baobab is a unique establishment blending dining, culture, live music, and entertainment. They are known for French West African cuisine, artisan cocktails, vibrant Latin and Afrobeat events, and international performances.
Trainings & Events
Wednesdays
Small Business and Entrepreneur Mentoring with SCORE
SCORE’s mission is to foster vibrant small business communities through mentoring and education. SCORE mentors will be at the SF Main Library weekly, each Wednesday from 10am-2pm. Sign up for free 1:1 appointments.
Feb 6
Small Business Office Hours at the Excelsior Branch Library
Receive in-person business advising and information services from the SF Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the SF Public Library's Small Business Center. English, Spanish and Cantonese language capacity.
Feb 12
Identifying Target Audiences for your Business
Learn how to find and understand your business’s audience, plan successful media campaigns, and maintain a consistent brand voice across platforms. Hosted by the SF Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and the SF Public Library.
Feb 18
How to Create a WordPress Site for Your Business
Learn to create a website from the ground up, guided by an experienced WordPress expert. This beginner- friendly workshop is hosted by Bryan Alexander and offered by the SF LGBT Center in partnership with the SF Public Library.
Feb 19
Boost Your Sales & Grow Your Business
This is an interactive workshop designed to give business owners practical sales strategies to close more deals, increase revenue, and grow. It is offered online by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.
Mar 14
How to Do Business with the State of CA
Join an in-person event to get valuable information on how to get certified as a Small Business or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise in California and network with statewide government agencies. Hosted by Norcal Apex Accelorator.