Small business newsletter for April 2026

Save the date for Small Business Week 2026. It’s coming up from May 4-8. The week will feature dozens of workshops, trainings, and networking events for business owners. On Tuesday, May 5th, ShopDineSF will host a pop-up shop at City Hall focusing on encouraging more business-to-business sales. Stop by to find new, locally made products to buy for your store!

Summertime plans

Promote your business’s summer activities & services for kids & youth

The Office of Small Business is surveying small businesses for those who offer summer activities and services for youth and teens. For example: volunteer/internships for teens, drop-in activities for kids, or youth/teen cooking classes. If you don’t already offer summer youth/teen-friendly opportunities, but would like to, this could be a great trial run. The Office of Small Business will gather and share these opportunities through ShopDineSF to incorporate small businesses in summer planning. Complete the 2-minute survey.

Key updates

Lease available for Union Square West café operator

Proposals due April 30 at 3:00 PM

The SF Recreation and Parks Department seeks proposals to lease and operate the West Café in Union Square Park. The café includes about 900 sq. ft. of interior space plus 600 sq. ft. of outdoor seating areas and storage space in the garage. It includes use of an espresso machine, coffee grinder and Turbochef ovens. Lease for up to 9 years. Learn more about the lease opportunity and how to submit a proposal.

Commercial leases available through Mercy Housing

Mercy Housing has several vacant commercial spaces in SF and are looking for community-serving businesses. Locations include the Transbay, SOMA, and Visitation Valley neighborhoods. Email julia.katz@mercyhousing.org for more information.

California Roadmap for Small Manufacturers

This program from the NorCal Small Business Development Center offers no-fee expert advising and hands-on training to help manufacturers improve operations, strengthen financial systems, enhance quality and cybersecurity practices, and plan for long‑term growth. Eligible businesses can receive one‑on‑one support from industry experts and access specialized training designed to boost efficiency and competitiveness. Learn more and apply.

Bring Your Own Cup (BYOC) program

SF Environment has an interactive map of businesses that will accept clean, reusable cups from customers for their drinks. Be added to the map by completing this interest form. Learn more about the BYOC program.

Merchant visits

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.

Coming up

New grant program coming soon: Downtown Business Fund

The Downtown Business Fund is a new program led by the SF Downtown Development Corporation and supported by SF New Deal. The program supports businesses to sign long-term leases in the hospitality zone, as well as existing businesses investing in their spaces.

The program will award grants of up to $500,000 to cover operating and tenant improvement expenses and provide pathways for grantees to access discounted loan capital through partner banks, along with other assistance. Submit an interest form to get notified when the program opens.

SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit

May 6, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM at 49 S. Van Ness

Now in its 16th year, the SF Nightlife and Entertainment Summit is an opportunity to come together to address the current issues facing the industry and discuss ways the industry and the City can continue working together toward long-term recovery. Hosted by the San Francisco Entertainment Commission. Sign up for the Summit.

Simicon Taiwan Trade Mission

Apply for the California Pavilion by May 8, travel Aug 31-Sep 4

The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) is recruiting for a California pavilion for Semicon Taiwan. Semicon Taiwan is one of the largest international trade shows focused on the semiconductor industry in Asia. GO-Biz is planning to bring up to 8 CA businesses and 4-6 CA regional economic development organizations. Apply by clicking “STEP Event” and selecting 2026 Semicon Taiwan Trade Mission" from the list.

Start planning for Pokémon Go Fest

Aug 28-30 at Moscone & Chase Center

San Francisco expects about 50,000 fans at the Pokémon Go Fest this summer. Businesses can learn more about the event here. Ideas from last year’s Fest in New York City included themed food, drinks, specials, swag, bar crawls, and more.

Plan events and activities during FIFA World Cup

Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara will host several games, making it a great time for local business to leverage the event for locals and visitors alike.

Ideas for activations include:

• Wine Walk with wines from one of the competing countries
• World Cup passport or bingo card
• Buskers and street music
• World Cup drag show
• FIFA-themed menus and cocktails

Learn more about the permitting for special events.

Local schedule at Levi’s Stadium

• June 13 - Qatar v. Switzerland at 12:00 PM
• June 16 - Austria v. Jordan at 9:00 PM
• June 19 - TBD v. Paraguay at 9:00 PM
• June 22 - Jordan v. Algeria at 8:00 PM
• June 25 - Paraguay v. Australia at 7:00 PM
• July 1 - TBD at 5:00 PM

Learn business skills

April 9

Small business office hours with an advisor

Location: Virtual
Host: SF Public Library

Receive expert feedback on your business ideas during virtual group office hours with Small Business Development Center advisor Gwendolyn Wright, covering planning, market insights, permits, and funding strategies.

April 14

Mastering E-Commerce for Your Website

Location: Virtual
Host: SF Public Library

Build and grow your online store in this beginner-friendly workshop with Bryan Alexander, covering platforms, payments, analytics and strategies to turn visitors into loyal customers. In partnership with the SF LGBT Center.

April 18

Easy Product Photography for Creative Small Businesses

Location: Main Library, Steve Silver Music Room
Host: SF Public Library

Learn the fundamentals of product photography using a smartphone with photographer Lucas Saugen, including live demonstrations and hands-on demos with audience products.

April 29

Understanding Money Matters: 4 Steps to Financial Strength

Location: Main Library, Latinx Community Room
Host: SF Public Library

Learn key strategies for building wealth, overcoming financial challenges and protecting your legacy through a step-by-step framework and personal financial check-up. In partnership with the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce.

Heritage Happy Hour

Heritage Happy Hour at Cha Cha Cha

April 9, 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.

Cha Cha Cha is a Caribbean-inspired restaurant known for its delicious tapas, famous sangria, entertainment, and event hosting.

Green Business Expo at Yerba Buena Gardens

April 18, 12:00 – 3:00 PM

Join San Francisco Environment Department, in partnership with the Yerba

Buena Gardens Conservancy and Climatebase, for a day of sustainability, community,

and action at the official kickoff event for SF Climate Week. The Expo features sustainable products from certified San Francisco Green Businesses.