City Launches Inaugural Free SF Small Business Summit to Support Neighborhood Vitality and Accelerate City’s Comeback

The San Francisco Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) will host its first-ever SF Small Business Summit—a free, one-day event on Friday, May 29 at 49 South Van Ness that brings together small businesses, merchant associations, community organizations, and leaders from across San Francisco to share resources and support the growth of neighborhood commercial corridors.

The SF Small Business Summit is part of Mayor Daniel Lurie’s broader efforts to strengthen the small business sector, support economic recovery, and invest in neighborhood vitality. In his first year in office, the Mayor extended the First Year Free Program; established five new entertainment zones; expanded the Vacant to Vibrant program; and supported new businesses in the Tenderloin. Earlier this year, OEWD announced $6.3 million in new grants to support small businesses. Last fall, OEWD and Main Street Launch expanded the Downtown SF Vibrancy Loan Fund, which offers low-interest loans and grants to businesses moving downtown. The Mayor’s signature reform initiative, PermitSF, continues full steam ahead with the passage of 19 ordinances, including common-sense reforms that allow businesses to place sidewalk café tables and paint their own names on storefronts, and the unveiling of the new PermitSF portal. These initiatives complement ongoing programs provided by OEWD and the Office of Small Business such as pro-bono business counseling, including permitting and leasing support to help owners start or expand a business.

“San Francisco’s small businesses are the backbone of our neighborhoods and are helping drive our comeback,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “With this Small Business Summit, our administration is showing our small business owners that we are here to listen and to partner with them. We are creating the conditions for success across our city by cutting red tape, activating commercial corridors, and investing in our local economy so small businesses can thrive.”

“Our neighborhood corridors thrive when our small business ecosystem has the support needed to succeed,” said Anne Taupier, Director of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development. “As more entrepreneurs choose to open, expand, and invest in San Francisco, there’s a growing need to bring people together to share ideas, access resources, and create new opportunities. The SF Small Business Summit is about getting business owners, community partners, and City resources in the same room to strengthen the local businesses that make San Francisco special. We are looking forward to seeing everyone in attendance.”

The summit will feature keynote conversations, breakout sessions, networking opportunities, and direct access to City business support resources. Topics will include marketing and customer attraction, capacity building, permitting support, and strategies to help businesses start, stay, grow, and thrive in San Francisco.

“Small businesses are such a huge part of what makes San Francisco feel special, and events like the SF Small Business Summit give owners a chance to connect, learn from each other, and build stronger communities together,” said Lauren Crabbe, summit keynote speaker and owner and founder of Andytown Coffee Roasters. “Starting a small business is scary and running one is incredibly hard, so having spaces focused on collaboration and skill-building is super valuable. We’re excited to be part of an event that supports and celebrates local businesses. Stronger small businesses make a stronger San Francisco.”

“Running a small business can sometimes feel isolating. The summit helps remind business owners that there is an entire ecosystem of support, partnership, and shared experience across San Francisco,” said Cynthia Huie, summit panelist and the President of the Small Business Commission, owner of On Waverly in Chinatown, founder of Seedstore in the Inner Richmond, and former president of the Clement Street Merchants Association.

The summit will also include guided tours of the San Francisco Permit Center, opportunities to connect with business-serving organizations and technical assistance providers, and a networking happy hour following the event. Attendance is free and it is encouraged to register in advance. Language interpretation, including ASL, will be available upon request.

Register for the SF Small Business Summit here.

SF Small Business Summit

49 S Van Ness Ave San Francisco, CA

Friday, May 29 | 9 AM - 5 PM

No-Host Happy Hour

Buzzworks | 365 11th Street

5 PM – 7 PM

About OEWD

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development strives to create a thriving and resilient economy where barriers to economic and workforce opportunities are removed, and prosperity is shared equitably by all.