San Francisco Expands Funding for Small Businesses that Boost Downtown Revitalization, Fill Vacant Storefronts, and Support Entrepreneurs Ready to Grow Downtown

San Francisco — Today, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), in partnership with Main Street Launch, announce the expansion of the Downtown SF Vibrancy Loan Fund, a key initiative to assist small businesses with filling vacant storefronts in downtown. By offering low-interest loans and grants to support ground-floor businesses, the program is strengthening downtown’s foundation for growth—activating storefronts, creating jobs, and giving San Franciscans and visitors more reasons to enjoy the heart of the City. For every eligible loan of up to $100,000 the city will now increase the match grant amount from $25,000 to $50,000. Now, a business can access up to $150,000 in capital to open in Downtown. Together, these resources lower barriers for small business owners and help transform vacant spaces downtown into thriving destinations. 

The expansion of the Downtown SF Vibrancy Loan program comes as Yuja Kitchen (396 Harrison Street), which received support from the program, celebrates its grand opening at 11am on Tuesday, October 28. Yuja Kitchen will bring fresh energy and delicious Asian-inspired flavors to San Francisco’s downtown East Cut neighborhood. Yuja is the second business this month and one of 10 business to open downtown benefiting from this program. Among them are Schlok’s Bagels, Bella Café, Chalo’s, and ProPrint SF— local favorites that have used the program to expand their footprint and bring new energy to downtown’s growing mix of small businesses. 

“Small businesses are key to San Francisco’s recovery, and programs like the Downtown SF Vibrancy Loan Fund are helping them bring new life and energy to our city’s core,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “Every new storefront represents a business owner taking a chance on San Francisco — creating jobs, activating our streets, and showing confidence in the future of downtown.” 

The Downtown SF Vibrancy Loan Fund builds on a suite of initiatives driving San Francisco’s downtown revival and making it easier for small businesses to open and thrive. From Vacant to Vibrant, which has turned more than 20 empty spaces into active storefronts, to PermitSF, which is streamlining approvals, and grant programs like SF Shines and the Storefront Opportunity Grant, the City is helping businesses create bright, welcoming spaces. Mayor Lurie’s Hospitality Task Force is also strengthening safety and confidence downtown, drawing businesses, shoppers, and visitors back to the heart of the city. 

“Starting a small business is challenging in general, and pulling it off in San Francisco is no exception,” said Jackie Shao, owner of Yuja. “It takes an incredible amount of drive, persistence, and belief in the vision of creating something that can positively contribute to and engage the community. With the help of the Downtown Vibrancy loan and grant program, I was able to take a leap of faith in creating a space that I hope will be enjoyed by the many people who in some ways are also looking for the same thing - a thriving San Francisco.” 

The loan component, administered by Main Street Launch, offers 4% interest rate loans with amounts ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for buildout, equipment, and other startup expenses. Main Street Launch worked with three commercial banks to fundraise additional capital for this loan, highlighting the partnership between public and private sectors.  

“Seeing small businesses open as a result of these programs is incredibly rewarding and shows the tangible impact of investing directly in our local economy,” said Anne Taupier, Executive Director of OEWD. “OEWD prioritizes meeting entrepreneurs where they are by showing up with resources, guidance, and partnership to help them succeed. Every new storefront becomes part of the synergy that’s revitalizing downtown—increasing foot traffic, supporting other small businesses, and energizing our commercial corridors.” 

“With the support and partnership of the City of San Francisco OEWD and three private bank funders, the Downtown SF Loan Fund is fueling the revitalization of the Downtown corridor by increasing the availability of low cost, long-term, flexible capital to small businesses,” said Rohan Kalbag, Chief Executive Officer of Main Street Launch. “This exciting expansion of the grant portion of the program will support more businesses and greater quality job creation. The additional grant capital will give new businesses some flexibility as they open their doors to serve the community." 

“The Downtown Vibrancy Loan Fund was pivotal in helping us feel confident to expand Schlock's downtown,” said Zack Schwab, owner of Schlock’s Bagel & Lox. “The funding allowed us to pay for signage to help activate our space, and the additional funding that was just announced will be a welcome boost to our marketing efforts to continue to engage the downtown community. We are extremely grateful for all the work OEWD and the Mayor's office are doing to help small businesses succeed downtown, and we're really appreciative of all the support we've received so far from customers. We believe in downtown and we believe in San Francisco. Shop small, shop local!” 

"As a small business owner, that is here daily at this new location across from the Moscone Center, sometimes it feels like a lot to handle,” said Jing Jiang owner of ProPrint SF LLC. “With each day that passes, I'm more confident in our decision to expand to a new location in Downtown. The grant and loan are helping us a lot. Not only were we able to purchase new equipment to expand our offerings but the extra capital helps me think more strategically about how we can grow our business, as well as make additional hires that I otherwise wouldn't be able to make.” 

Businesses interested in applying for the fund or learning more about eligibility can visit or contact OEWD directly for additional details. Find a grant for your small business | SF.gov

About Main Street Launch
Main Street Launch is a non-profit, community development financial institution providing capital and technical assistance to small businesses across California. Working with the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), Main Street Launch provides capital to businesses through the San Francisco Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and other lending programs. In the last 5 years, they have funded over 350 San Francisco companies, and those businesses have created and sustained more than 1,500 jobs in the city.