Small business newsletter for August 2025

As we begin the new fiscal year, our office is taking a moment to reflect on the efforts and initiatives in FY2024-25 to support San Francisco’s remarkable small business community. You can take a look at our Annual Report here. In FY2024-25, our team managed 7,496 cases, directly supporting small businesses with registration, general business counseling, permitting, and leasing services. Our work continues to grow year over year, in service of our mission to equitably support, preserve, and protect small businesses in San Francisco. Read the Annual Report.

Announcements

Reminder for restaurants, cafes and bars

New requirements enforceable from July 1, 2025

State law (SB 1524) now requires that menus “clearly and conspicuously” display any service charge, mandatory gratuity, or other mandatory fees or charges. Businesses are being sued for not complying. Be sure that charges on your menu are:

• in a larger type than the surrounding text,
• or in a contrasting type, font,
• or color to the surrounding text of the same size,
• or set off from the surrounding text of the same size by symbols or other marks in a manner that clearly calls attention to the language.

This requirement applies anywhere you post your menu, including on your website and social media. The same rules apply. Here is the full text of the bill as amended: SB 1524 Bill Text.

Participate in Taste Summer SF

Through August 31

Taste Summer SF, presented by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association (GGRA), is a campaign to encourage diners to dine at any 7 restaurants or farmers markets. Participants have the chance to win local staycation packages. Restaurants don’t need to sign up to participate. Learn more and share on your restaurant’s social media.

Download the Bay Area Public Screen Playbook for the Super Bowl and World Cup

San Francisco and the Bay Area are hosting two major sporting events in 2026, Super Bowl LX and the FIFA World Cup. The Bay Area Host Committee is offering a free Playbook — a practical resource to help local businesses and community organizers host fun and compliant watch parties. The playbook includes guidance on NFL/FIFA regulations, marketing tips, and practical ideas to help you host successful events. Download the Playbook.

Share your business in the Citywide Cultural Resources Survey

Have a favorite San Francisco business, place, or memory? This survey from the Planning Department aims to identify places and resources of cultural, historical, and architectural importance to San Francisco's diverse communities. Share your story.

Overview of the federal "No Tax on Tips" and "No Tax on $12,500 of Overtime Pay" over 40 hours

With the enactment of new federal law in July 2025, a new federal tax deduction for tips is available for tax years 2025 through 2028. There is also a new federal tax deduction for overtime pay over 40 hours per week.

Employers should not have to do anything. These deductions are for employees on their individual tax returns. Withholding taxes will still be required. Employees may want to update/change their withholding deduction info.

For any questions, we recommend consultation with a qualified professional for advice tailored to your specific situation.

Get help with hiring

Workforce Development's Employer Services team can help your business find skilled talent at no cost. They can support your business with job marketing, candidate pre-screening, and provide access to job fairs throughout the City.

Through the team’s Workforce Concierge services, your business can:

1. Elevate your customer experience with staff trained in the latest industry standards in a wide range of industries.
2. Access a pool of pre-screened candidates who are eager to contribute to your team.

Please email Lauran.Acevedo@sfgov.org with any questions or to schedule a call. Learn more about Employer Services.

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

Apply to vend at the next Excelsior Night Market

Monthly from July-December 2025

“From the E” is a new night market in the Excelsior neighborhood. There is no fee to participate and a tent will be provided. Businesses connected to the Excelsior and the surrounding area are encouraged to apply. Apply to vend.

Take a survey about City contracting

Survey closes on Aug 30, 2025

San Francisco’s Contract Monitoring Division is surveying small businesses to hear about the barriers you face when trying to get contracts and access procurement opportunities with the City. Take the survey.

Leases available in the East Cut

Applications due by Aug 11, 2025

Mercy Housing and Chinatown Community Development Center are accepting applications for five community-serving retail spaces, including one restaurant with a Type 1 hood, on the ground floor of new affordable housing buildings in the East Cut / Transbay neighborhood. More information is available here.

Leases available in Sunnydale

Two 375 sq ft community-serving retail spaces are newly available in Sunnydale for community-serving businesses. Mercy Housing will review applications on a rolling basis, information on spaces and the application process is available here.

Community Challenge Grant

Apply by Oct 9, 2025

Do you have an idea to beautify your block, energize a public space, or bring neighbors together? The City’s Community Challenge Grants (CCG) program offers up to $150,000 for community-led projects that enhance safety, belonging, and resilience in San Francisco neighborhoods.

Projects must take place in San Francisco and start after January 1, 2026. Eligible applicants include nonprofits or groups with a fiscal sponsor. Get more details and the schedule of free grant workshops.

Share your experiences in contracting with the City

Aug 2025

The City and County of San Francisco is hosting a virtual community engagement session to improve the City’s 14B: Local Business Enterprise program and encourage more small and local businesses to partner with the City in delivering goods and services. You’ll be asked about your experience doing business with City departments including barriers you may have faced. Learn more or e-mail SFContractingEquity@bbcresearch.com for more information.

Legacy Business Spotlight

Heritage Happy Hour at The Endup, 401 6th St
August 14, 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.

Known an San Francisco's most legendary after-hours nightclub and premier day-club, The Endup is a unique and fun locale.

Webinars & Events

Monthly

City Contracting Workshops

San Francisco’s Contract Monitoring Division (CMD) offers two monthly workshops to help small business learn now to get contracts with the City. 1st Wednesdays: How to certify your LBE Business. 2nd Wednesdays: Bidding on City contracts: the nuts & bolts of CMD process

Aug 5

Small Business Branding and Public Relations

Learn the four key components of branding to build trust, grow your network and boost demand. Presented by Warner Johnston of 5 Borough Communications. Offered by the SF Public Library in partnership with the SF LGBT Center.

Aug 6

Navigating Entities and Government Filings

In this in-person session, learn about business structures (LLC, S-Corp, etc.) and key filings required to legally start your business in the Bay Area. Offered by the SF Public Library in partnership with SCORE SF.

Aug 11

Steps to Create a Business Budget

Learn the essential steps to create a business budget that supports smarter financial planning and sustainable growth in this webinar. Presented by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

Aug 25

Cash Flow Management

As part of the “Money Smart for Small Business” series, The Managing Cash Flow module encourages the participants to focus on cash flow management as an essential competency of business ownership. Presented by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

Aug 27
Become a San Francisco Green Business

Join this in-person event to find out how to get certified as a San Francisco Green Business. Learn about rebates, marketing perks, and sustainability tools available to businesses and nonprofits. Offered by the SF Public Library in partnership with SF Environment.