Small business newsletter for August 2026

As we enter the new fiscal year, we are taking a moment to reflect on the considerable work of our team in supporting the hard work, dedication, and ingenuity of San Francisco’s entrepreneurs. Read the full annual report.

Key updates

Get updates on contract and grant opportunities from the Office of Economic & Workforce Development

Visit the Bid Opportunities section of OEWD’s website to get helpful tips on how to apply for city grants and contracts, along with a current list of open opportunities. Note: this doesn’t include direct-to-small business grants. Sign up to receive emails and announcements as soon as new bid and funding opportunities go live.

Inner Sunset Neighborhood Vibrancy Grant

SF New Deal launched the first Neighborhood Vibrancy Fund in the Inner Sunset. The program offers grant funding of $5,000–$20,000 for ground-floor, brick-and-mortar storefront businesses in the Inner Sunset through three tracks: Storefront Beautification, Technical Assistance, or Storefront Activation. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis with priority given to applications submitted by August 28, 2026.

Learn more and apply

Updates for Shared Spaces permit holders

San Francisco Public works recently updated the Shared Spaces permit rules to be more business-friendly. The updated Shared Spaces Design Guidelines are now available, and here's what's new:

• The 10-day public notification period is gone. Once your permit is approved, you can start building your parklet right away — no waiting period required.
• Public seating is no longer required for commercial parklets. You now have full flexibility to dedicate your parklet space to your customers, rather than setting aside seats for public use.
• Parklets must be open and operational during your permitted business hours. If your parklet permit is active, your space needs to be accessible and in use while you're open — so plan accordingly.

Email sharedspaces@sfgov.org with questions.

SF Entertainment Commission Survey

Deadline to respond: August 17

Do you run an entertainment/nightlife business or nonprofit in SF? Take the Entertainment Commission’s (EC) 10-minute survey. The goal of the survey is to understand the industry’s needs, challenges and opportunities, and identify ways the EC and the City can support the industry. All responses are anonymous.

Share your feedback on business accessibility

BeyondAccess Consulting, in partnership with the Pacific ADA Center, are researching how businesses approach accessibility and ADA compliance – and what help they need.

Fill out a short, anonymous survey

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 liquor license opportunities

This September, the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) will accept applications for:

• Hospitality Zone Liquor Licenses: nontransferable restaurant liquor licenses for the downtown hospitality zone of Union Square and Yerba Buena
• Neighborhood-Restricted (“Type 87”) Liquor Licenses: nontransferable restaurant liquor licenses available in Bayview, Excelsior, Portola, Ocean Avenue, and the Sunset

Some key information:

• The first step for any business interested in one of these licenses will be to file an application during the two-week priority application period in September.
• An applicant will need to submit a short application form and the full application fee ($19,840)
• A business owner doesn’t need to have a location secured to participate in the priority drawing but will need one if they are selected to complete the full liquor license application process.
• If there are more applications than licenses available, ABC will hold a random drawing to determine the order in which they will process applicants.
• If the business doesn’t get a liquor license, their application fee is refunded (minus a service charge and, potentially, money currently owed to a California taxing agency)

Learn more about these liquor licenses

Community Challenge Grants Program

Apply by October 20, 2026
Application workshops held throughout August & September

This grant and technical assistance program is for community-led, neighborhood beautification projects. Projects funded last year included the launch of a community garden, murals and public art, youth-led greening efforts, block parties and festivals, and neighborhood clean-ups.

Learn more about the Community Challenge Grants Program

Learn business skills

August 11

Hiring Employees: First Things First

Format: Webinar
Host: Small Business Development Center

In this workshop, instructor Nuria Guerra-Jimenez will help business owners comply with the law, learn about new labor laws, create good processes, and learn best practices for hiring employees.

August 18
Business Advising with Luis Quiroz

Format: Zoom or Main Public Library
Host: SF Public Library

Meet one-on-one with business advisor Luis Quiroz for free 30-minute consultations on social media marketing, branding and growing your business.

August 19

Your Storefront as an Experience

Format: In person at 220 Montgomery St.
Host: Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

​A networking session called “Designing Spaces That Turn Walk-Ins into Customers” brings together small business owners for connection and informal business insights over coffee and pastries.

August 20

Using AI in Marketing and Public Relations

Format: Webinar
Host: SF Public Library & the SF LGBT Center

Learn practical ways to use AI to strengthen your marketing, streamline content creation and support your public relations efforts. Presented in partnership with the SF LGBT Center.

Shop Dine SF

August 22

Haight-Ashbury Small Business Stroll

Join the San Francisco Public Library and Shop Dine SF for a guided walking tour celebrating Haight-Ashbury's vibrant small business community. Meet local business owners, discover neighborhood gems and connect with fellow small business supporters.

August 28-30

Pokémon World Championships

The Pokémon World Championships are coming to San Francisco, and the city is ready to welcome Trainers, players, and fans from around the world. Experience three unforgettable days of competition and celebration, then venture beyond the championship to discover San Francisco's vibrant neighborhoods.

If your business is planning an event or activity, email ShopDineSF@sfgov.org

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Through August 15

SF Tomato Month

A citywide summer dining challenge held by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. Dine at any 5 restaurants or farmers markets across San Francisco for a chance to win local staycation (hotel & restaurant gift certificate) packages. Submit your entries or share on Instagram with the hashtag #SFTomatoMonth to be entered into a special giveaway.