Small business newsletter for December 2025

The City is abuzz with holiday tree lightings and pop-up shops – find them on ShopDineSF. These are opportunities to shop from local makers and small businesses throughout San Francisco. Gift guides like this one from Sunnydale, or this round-up of independent bookstores offer more local shopping options.

Announcements

Register to use the sidewalk for your business

Register to use the sidewalk space in front of your storefront for customer seating or merchandise display. As part of recent permitting reform through the PermitSF initiative, no permit or fee is required, but you must register with the City. Sidewalks need to be accessible, and you can get a notice or fine if it isn’t. Learn the rules and register for free.

Recent regulation changes

Do you print paper receipts? Check that your business complies with Prop 65 warnings

Prop 65 requires businesses to warn customers of potential exposure to a variety of chemicals. Bisphenol S (BPS), which is commonly found in receipt paper, was recently added to the toxic chemicals list.

If your business prints paper receipts:

• Check with your receipt paper supplier to confirm if the product you use contains any Bisphenols. (Bisphenol-A (BPA) or bisphenol-S (BPS) are both on the Prop 65 chemical list)
• Post a 'clear and reasonable' warning to customers notifying them of potential chemical exposure (find Prop 65 Warning templates)
• Plan to change out your paper supply

If you do not provide adequate Prop 65 warnings to customers, you may be subject to legal action. Read more about Prop 65 and find sample warning notices.

Carryout bag requirements change on January 1, 2026. Businesses must stop using plastic bags and transition to recycled paper bags.

State law (SB 1053)  places new restrictions on the types of bags distributed at the point of sale by most grocery stores, retail stores with a pharmacy, convenience stores, food marts, and liquor stores.

• Beginning January 1, 2026, stores will only be allowed to distribute recycled carryout paper bags to customers for a minimum charge of ten cents ($0.10) per bag, including delivery bags.
• Bags used to contain unwrapped foods (produce or bulk food), dry cleaning bags, and pharmacy bags for prescription medications are exempt.

Learn more about new bag requirements.

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

Chinatown workshops to legalize existing awnings, signs, and security gates

The Department of Building Inspection, Planning Department, and Fire Department are hosting in-person workshops in Chinatown to help business and property owners legalize their existing awnings and security gates.

When: 10:30am – 12:00pm on December 9 and 16; January 13 and 20
Where: Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, 843 Stockton Street

If you need help taking the required photos of your existing awning, DBI staff can take them the day before each workshop and email them back in a format where you can add your measurements. Email dbi.communications@sfgov.org with your name, business name and address at least 48 hours before the next workshop.

Apply to be a vendor for the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA)

Deadline to apply: Dec 9, 2025

The LPGA is seeking local, diverse suppliers to provide goods and services for the 2026Fortinet Founders in Menlo Park, including credentials, florals, food and beverage, portable restrooms and more. Apply to be a vendor.

New Deadline for Small Employers: CalSavers Retirement Savings Program

Register for CalSavers by Dec 31*
*if you employ 1-4 people, without an existing retirement plan

California law requires all employers to either offer a qualified retirement plan (such as a 401(k)), or register for CalSavers, the state’s retirement savings program. If you are exempt, you must file an exemption online. Learn more and register for CalSavers.

The Super Bowl is coming to San Francisco

Game day: Feb 8, 2026

San Francisco is proud to celebrate Super Bowl LX and the 2026 Pro Bowl Games. Find official information about events, transportation impacts, public safety, and how the City is preparing for a safe, fun week.

Legacy Business Spotlight

Heritage Happy Hour at Gino & Carlo
Dec 11, 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.

Gino & Carlo has been the classic North Beach sports bar and lounge since 1942. The bar was voted “Best Giants Bar” by SF Weekly. Gino & Carlo is a place “where everybody knows your name,” and, if they don't already, they soon will.

RSVP

Webinars & Events

Dec 8 & 15

Profitability Boost Series: For Existing Storefronts and Restaurants

Join the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center for this in-person 2-week workshop series at the Excelsior Library. It is designed specifically for existing storefronts and restaurants looking to increase their profitability before the new year.

Dec 15

Practical AI for Small Businesses and Community Organizations

Discover how artificial intelligence can help small businesses and community organizations in San Francisco thrive. This workshop emphasizes practical tools, equity-driven approaches, and accessible applications for real-world impact. Hosted by the SF Public Library.

Jan 14

City Contracting 101

The City Administrator’s Office hosts an annual in-person workshop for businesses to ask questions and get guidance on Supplier onboarding, contracting, and compliance. This event is designed for SF small businesses who are ready to contract with the City.

Dec 9

City Hall Small Business Holiday Pop-up Shop

Take in the splendor of City Hall and support over 50 makers, artisans, and merchants as San Francisco celebrates the holiday season. Bring friends and find unique, quality, locally-made gifts for everyone.