Office of Economic and Workforce Development Awards Over $3 Million to Help Small Businesses Open in Vacant Storefronts

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) and the Office of Small Business (OSB) announce that 39 small businesses have secured long-term leases in previously vacant storefronts through the Storefront Opportunity Grant (SOG) Program, receiving technical assistance and more than $3 million in grants to help open and grow their businesses.

The SOG program is part of a $6.3 million investment announced earlier this year that builds on the city’s broader strategy to support entrepreneurs, activate vacant storefronts, and strengthen neighborhoods. The grant helps entrepreneurs overcome the high upfront costs of opening a brick-and-mortar business with awards ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 that can be used for tenant improvements, equipment, inventory, and permits. Recipients receive substantial technical assistance from OSB to further set their businesses up with a strong foundation. OSB leasing specialists provide free lease review and guidance to support the long-term viability of businesses in their chosen locations, and permit specialists assist applicants through each step of the improvement and opening process. Free, personalized support from OSB is available to all new and existing businesses citywide.

"The true impact of this program goes beyond the grant itself," said Anne Taupier, OEWD Executive Director. “These 39 businesses have signed long-term leases and are making a lasting commitment to San Francisco's commercial corridors. In neighborhoods that have experienced higher vacancy rates and slower recovery, every new storefront helps restore foot traffic, build confidence, and create the conditions for other businesses to invest and grow."

"Small businesses are the heart of our neighborhoods, and we are helping dozens of new businesses secure long-term homes in previously vacant storefronts across the Excelsior, Tenderloin, Bayview, Fillmore, Mid-Market, Mission, Chinatown, and Downtown," said Mayor Daniel Lurie. "These are the businesses that give our neighborhoods life and give residents and visitors a reason to explore every corner of this city. And by continuing to focus on delivering safe and clean streets, we will keep setting the conditions for them to thrive."

Grant recipients represent a wide range of industries, including restaurants, cafés, retail shops, personal services, and entertainment venues. One recipient, Next Chapter Cocktails & Tapas Lounge in Downtown San Francisco, celebrated its grand opening yesterday with Mayor Lurie and District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey in attendance. Next Chapter is one of four new businesses opening in Yerba Buena this month with the support from OEWD and OSB.

Founded by San Francisco natives Jerremi and Camille Clark, Next Chapter, located at 142 Minna Street, is the culmination of more than two decades of experience in the city's hospitality and nightlife industry. The lounge combines handcrafted cocktails, Mediterranean- and Peruvian-inspired small plates, and live entertainment to create a vibrant gathering space for residents, workers, and visitors in the heart of downtown.

“Every new storefront opening in Downtown and SoMa is another sign that San Francisco’s recovery is gaining momentum,” said District 6 Supervisor Matt Dorsey. “Businesses like Next Chapter are bringing new energy to our neighborhoods and creating places where people want to gather. I’m grateful to OEWD and the Office of Small Business for helping entrepreneurs invest in our City.”

"This grant will help us continue investing in the guest experience as we prepare to open Next Chapter and establish ourselves in Downtown San Francisco,” said Camille Fisher-Clark, Co-Owner and Director of Events & Experiences at Next Chapter. “We are grateful for the support and partnership of the Yerba Buena community and look forward to creating a welcoming space that brings people together through hospitality, food, and culture.”

The SOG program supports neighborhood corridors where recovery disparities persist. Several grantees have already opened their doors — including Chicken Fried Palace, a Mission diner, Freshroll, a fast-casual Vietnamese restaurant in SoMa, and Steet Taco, Mexican street food in SoMA — and all 2026 recipients are expected to be open by 2027. Additional, exciting new businesses the public can look forward to include:

• Excelsior: City Made Quilts, Small Change Arcade and Mission: Comics & Art
• Tenderloin: Tender Noodle, Reggie & Maude’s, Ruru Kitchen and Tender Heart Thrift
• Bayview: District 10 Community Pharmacy, Phatwood Smokehouse Deli, Bayview Makers District Makeshop & Market, Moya, Third House, Properly Seasoned Kitchen, Bayview Oyster Bar, Chapter 3 and Bayside Cafe
• Fillmore: Zebki Shoe Repair and NCLF Commissary Kitchen
• Mid-Market: Soundcheck, Mi Cocina and Roar Shack Live!
• Mission: Downtime, Formr and Mission Lotería
• Chinatown: Fanoos Grills and Church California
• Downtown: Custom Fit, McMullen, SPRO, Compton’s Coffee House, Sur Cafe Mediterranean, Coffee Bar, Amidulce Mexican Bakery, Nori Mori and Hayati

See list for storefront locations.

“This is exactly what our city government should be doing: matching creative entrepreneurs and small businesses with capital to turn their dreams into reality. Each opening is a true milestone, and with 39 to celebrate, it's a significant day for San Francisco's small business ecosystem,” said District 3 Supervisor Danny Sauter.

“The Tenderloin and Fillmore have long been home to entrepreneurs, artists, and small business owners who make our neighborhoods unique. With new businesses like Tender Noodle, Reggie & Maude’s, Ruru Kitchen, Tender Heart Thrift, Zebki Shoe Repair, and the NCLF Commissary Kitchen opening their doors, we’re seeing real momentum take shape on our commercial corridors,” said District 5 Supervisor Bilal Mahmood. “These investments help turn vacant storefronts into neighborhood assets, support local jobs, and create welcoming spaces that bring people together.”

“This is a great example of how City government can help small businesses thrive. The costs associated with opening a small business in San Francisco are significant, and our city should be doing all it can to encourage and support small business owners who bring creativity and vibrancy to our communities. New small businesses also help to engage and activate our commercial corridors—discouraging crime and fostering community. We applaud the team at OEWD for their continued work in helping shape the future of San Francisco,” said Jennifer Ferrigno, Legislative Aide to District 9 Supervisor Jackie Fielder.

“Third Street has always been a corridor of resilience, culture, and opportunity, and we are excited to welcome these new businesses to the community,” said District 10 Supervisor Shamann Walton. “These investments are needed, and we embrace every opportunity for small businesses to thrive, create jobs, and grow our local economy. We are proud to partner with OEWD because we know that small businesses are the lifeblood of our neighborhoods and cities. Their success strengthens our commercial corridors, supports local families, and helps ensure a vibrant future for the Third Street corridor.”

“The Excelsior District is so excited to welcome three unique businesses through this program. I hope neighbors will be inspired to learn a new craft through sewing and quilting.  I’m thrilled that our youth and families will have two fun new spaces to hang out at the pinball arcade and comic bookstore,” said District 11 Supervisor Chyanne Chen.

Many of the selected businesses also received help navigating the process of opening their business from community partners such as real estate brokers Pablo Wong and Eddie Martinez, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Excelsior Action Group (EAG), CLECHA, the Yerba Buena Partnership, and the Tenderloin Community Benefit District (TLCBD). These organizations receive separate funding from OEWD to further bolster services available to businesses throughout San Francisco.

"Small businesses are the heart of San Francisco’s neighborhoods, and citywide technical assistance has allowed CLECHA to provide direct, practical, and culturally responsive support to entrepreneurs across the city,” said Alma Castellanos Chief Operating Officer, CLECHA. We have seen business owners gain confidence, complete critical registrations and permits, access resources, and make informed decisions that protect and strengthen their businesses. Programs like the City’s Storefront Opportunity Grant have also been a huge help, giving businesses meaningful support as they work to open, activate vacant storefronts, and bring more life back to our commercial corridors. This work matters because when small businesses are supported, entire corridors and communities benefit."

“Excelsior Action Group is excited to welcome Small Change Arcade, City Made Quilts, and Mission: Comics and Art to the corridor,” said Laura Padilla, Executive Director, Excelsior Action Group. “These locally rooted businesses will bring new energy, diverse offerings, and greater opportunities for residents, families, and visitors. We’re proud to support entrepreneurs who contribute to a vibrant commercial district and strengthen the long-term economic vitality of our community.”

“Our small businesses are a critical part of what makes Yerba Buena truly unique," said Scott Rowitz, Executive Director, Yerba Buena Partnership. “Locally-owned standouts, including Next Chapter, Street Taco, Bruno's Italian Taste, and Whole Cakes, all recipients of City grant funding —sit alongside premier arts institutions like SFMOMA, MoAD, and YBCA and the Moscone Convention Center, creating a neighborhood unlike anywhere else in San Francisco. Since January, 12 new street-level cafes, restaurants, and bars have opened here with City funding and partnership support, and with ongoing events and world-class attractions, more people than ever are discovering Yerba Buena and all of downtown in ways that make for a terrific day and nighttime experience.”

“The Storefront Opportunity Grant is already having a meaningful impact in the Tenderloin, helping support the opening of four new businesses in the neighborhood, including three along our commercial corridor on Larkin Street,” said Kate Robinson, Executive Director, TLCBD. “Filling vacant storefronts with small businesses brings new energy to our streets, encourages foot traffic, and strengthens a neighborhood deserving of continued investment and attention. We are grateful to OEWD for helping create more opportunity and momentum in the Tenderloin.”

“As we've watched the 3rd Street corridor continue to grow and evolve in recent years, we're excited to see EDoT's partnership with OEWD come full circle through the Storefront Opportunity Grant Program,” said Earl Shaddix, Executive Director, Economic Development on Third. “These investments are helping bring nine dynamic, community-serving businesses to Bayview storefronts, strengthening the corridor and creating more opportunities for residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs alike. Just as importantly, the program is helping fill critical service gaps in the neighborhood, including supporting the opening of a new pharmacy that residents have long needed.”

Two SOG recipients, Zebki Shoe Repair and Fanoos Grills also received support through the citywide SF Shines Equipment Grant, which helped new and existing businesses purchase equipment needed for expansion, remediation, and regulatory compliance, strengthening operations and supporting long-term success. OEWD awarded more than $1.7 million through the SF Shines Equipment Grant Program to 198 small businesses across San Francisco.

The impact of OSB and OEWD’s investments reflect in an average of 1,066 new monthly business registrations and lower rates of business closures. This fiscal year, OSB supported over 3,328 businesses through business counseling, including 322 businesses with leasing support, and 1,154 businesses with permitting. Business owners who want to stay up to date with free resources offered and upcoming grant programs can sign up for emails from the Office of Small Business.