Small business newsletter for February 2026

This month’s newsletter features several important updates and opportunities for small businesses. Beginning in 2026, business registration renewal will be due on the last day of February. Plus, the Office of Economic & Workforce Development is rolling out new grant programs. Check back often at SF.gov/SmallBusinessGrants.

Key updates

IMPORTANT: New deadline for all San Francisco businesses

As a result of the passage of Proposition M, which voters approved in November 2024, business registration renewal will be due on the last day of February and will be part of one unified Annual Business Registration and Tax Form. Renew and file.

New fee waivers

Businesses with $5M or less in SF gross receipts are generally exempt from taxes—previously $2.25M. Also, many license fees are waived annually starting March 2026. Learn more about the fee waivers.

Storefront Opportunity Grant

Applications are accepted until Friday, February 13th at 5:00PM

The Office of Economic & Workforce Development recently launched the Storefront Opportunity Grant program, which offers comprehensive broker services, lease review services, and a $50,000 - $100,000 grant to eligible businesses in the Excelsior, Tenderloin, and Visitacion Valley that fill a vacant storefront within specific boundaries. The goal of the program is to activate vacant storefronts with sustainable businesses within these commercial corridors.

Read the program details carefully before applying.

Vend with Downtown First Thursdays

Downtown First Thursdays is looking for retail and food vendors showcasing the best of San Francisco and the Bay Area to join its market through December 2026. Find guidelines, deadlines, and application instructions.

Tips for Super Bowl screenings and events

The NFL encourages small screenings of the big game at bars and restaurants, but has strict rules. Follow them to avoid potential legal action.

Do: 

• Use general phrases in your marketing, like "Big Game" or "Football Championship"
• Post social media promotions with generic content such as #theBigGame or #TeamSpirit
• Obtain an eligible commercial TV package to show the game

Don’t:

• Use trademarked phrases like "Super Bowl," "NFL," "60" or "LX" in conjunction with host city name
• Post social media promotions with trademarked materials such as the NFL logo or #SuperBowl 
• Use personal streaming services to show the game

Find more information, including transit and roadway impacts

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.     

Coming up

Virtual budget townhall for the Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD)

Feb 11, 5:30-7:30 PM

The Office of Small Business is a division of OEWD. Share your ideas to help OEWD realize equitable outcomes the department wants to see in the communities and industries it serves. The meeting will include information about the City’s annual budget process and break-out sessions for participants to offer ideas and perspectives. Sign up for the budget townhall.

Improving special events permitting

Starting on Feb 13

Through PermitSF, applicants will soon be able to manage their special events permits through a new digital portal. They will fill out a single intake form, communicate with staff and check the status of each permit they need – all from one place. Learn more about PermitSF.

Opportunity for mobile and drive-thru vehicle washers

Upcoming in February

Later this month, the City and County of San Francisco will put out a bid opportunity for vehicle washing. This will be a multi-year contract opportunity to provide wash services for the City’s vehicles and equipment, both at vendors' drive-through facilities and through mobile washing at City work sites in San Francisco and San Mateo.  When released, the bid opportunity will be under Event ID SFGOV-0000011089 on the City's procurement page, SF City Partner, where vendors can find bid documents, scope of work, and details of the pre-bid Q&A meeting.

Grants for young Black entrepreneurs

Apply by June 19, 2026

The Good Tidings Foundation offers the GT Ventures grant program, which seeks to provide confidence and opportunity to young, talented black youth who are looking to start a non-profit or business. For ages 7-24. Learn more about GT Ventures

Legacy Business Spotlight

Heritage Happy Hour at Sabella and La Torre (2809 Taylor St)

February 12, 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. Sabella and La Torre is one of the original restaurants at Fisherman’s Wharf still thriving today.

Learn business skills

Feb 10
Designing a Business Website 101

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

Learn the essentials of creating and maintaining a business website—from choosing a domain and organizing content to layout, branding and strategy.

Feb 12
Labor laws for City Suppliers

Host: Office of Labor Standards Enforcement
Format: In-person at the War Memorial & Performing Arts Center

This full-day event is designed for businesses that are City Suppliers, HR professionals, contract managers, and compliance teams who work with City contracts. 

Feb 19

Understanding the Changes Coming to your Electric Bill

Host: CleanPowerSF

Format: Webinar

CleanPowerSF plans to lower rates by 25% for customers in March. Learn more about this rate change and additional changes coming to your electricity bill.

Feb 19
Art & the Business of Tattooing

Host: SF Public Library
Format: In-person at the Main Library

Local tattoo artists Mynt Ortega, Wesley Haack, and Faride Bustamante share their creative process, how they got started, and what it takes to run a tattoo business.

Feb 24
Pop-up Ready: Table and Booth Display for Creative Small Businesses

Host: SF Public Library
Format: Hybrid in-person at the Main Library & Zoom

Learn how to design a pop-up table that attracts customers and boosts sales, with practical booth display tips from Maison Chanamon founder Chanamon Ratanalert. 

Feb 25
Food permits for special events

Host: Office of Small Business & the Department of Public Health
Format: Webinar

For event producers and food vendors who pop up at special events. Learn about the Temporary Food Facility (TFF) permit that is required for the sales of ALL food types.