NEWS
Small business newsletter for July 2025
Updates, trainings, announcements, and more, from the Office of Small Business
July is Disability Pride Month, and we are available to help you explore ways to improve the accessibility of your business. Sometimes small changes can make a big impact, making your business more welcoming to more customers.
Announcements
Cafe space for lease in Union Square
Site visits on July 8th and 16th
Proposals due by July 31, 2025
The San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department seeks proposals to lease a café and storage spaces in Union Square. The location has 1,000 sq. ft. of interior space plus outdoor seating areas and storage space below ground in the parking garage. Get more information.
East Cut retail spaces available for lease
Applications due August 11, 2025
Mercy Housing and Chinatown Community Development Center have launched an application for five community-serving retail spaces. One of them is a restaurant space with a Type 1 hood. The spaces are on the ground floor of new affordable housing buildings in the East Cut / Transbay neighborhood. Learn more about the spaces and how to apply.
An Office of Small Business leasing advisor can help you through the process of finding and negotiating a lease. Schedule a call or in-person meeting with Iris or Divine.
Become a Posting Vendor with FilmSF
Posting Vendors are small businesses that support film productions on their local parking needs. Once Film SF approves parking requests, productions hire from a list of approved Posting Vendors to print their signs, put them up, and take them down.
Email film@sfgov.org to tell them you’re interested.
Corner Store Business Toolkit
This free digital toolkit offers 11 videos to help owners of corner stores improve their business, including sales and profitability. This toolkit is available in English, Arabic, Chinese, Spanish, Filipino, and Chinese. The toolkit was made by Equitable Growth Solutions with support from the Department of Public Health. Access to Corner Store Business Toolkit.
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:
- Elevate your customer experience with staff trained in the latest industry standards in a wide range of industries.
- 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.
Rate increases for the Health Care Accountability Ordinance
Increases were effective from July 1, 2025
The Health Care Accountability Ordinance (HCAO) applies to most City contractors and tenants. Starting in July, the HCAO Fee rate increases to $7.50 per hour, capped at $300.00 per work week. Learn more about the HCAO and download current posters to display.
Reminder for food businesses
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. Here is the full text of the bill as amended: SB 1524 Bill Text
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
Refrigerator replacement program for small businesses
Opening for San Francisco businesses in 2025
The BayREN Refrigerant Replacement (BRRR) Program helps Bay Area food and floral businesses reduce greenhouse gas emissions by swapping out harmful refrigerants for more environmentally-friendly alternatives. Additionally, the program installs energy efficient equipment that will help lower utility bills. All this at little to no-cost to the participating businesses. Learn more about the program and submit an interest form.
Learn about the Cal Completes Tax Credit
Apply between July 21 and August 11, 2025
Attend a webinar to learn more on July 23 or 31
Cal Completes is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate, stay, and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for the credit. Learn more about the tax credit program.
Get back on track with San Francisco Business Taxes
If your business is operating in San Francisco but hasn’t registered or paid taxes, you may qualify for the Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program. The program offers a simple path to get your business into compliance while avoiding legal consequences. You may get a waiver of taxes, penalties, and interest for up to 6 years.
Apply anytime through December 31, 2027
Learn more about the Voluntary Disclosure and Compliance Program.
Legacy Business Spotlight
Heritage Happy Hour at California Wine Merchant
Thu, July 10, 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.
California Wine Merchant is a wine store, wine bar, and wine club located in the Marina since 1974. The majority of their wines come from various California regions, with some from Oregon and Washington, as well as a well curated selection of imports.
Webinars & Events
Weekly
Mentoring sessions with SCORE
SCORE mentors will be at the Main Library weekly, each Wednesday from 10am-2pm. Aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners can sign up for free 1:1 appointments.
July 9
Ask an ADA Professional: Accessible Temporary Events
Join a virtual Q&A with ADA professionals about how to ensure your event is accessible to people with disabilities. Learn about restrooms, seating, and ask your questions. Hosted with the Pacific ADA Center.
July 10
Small Business Office Hours with an Advisor
Get one-on-one feedback on your small business ideas from a seasoned business advisor. Offered by the SF Public Library in partnership with the SF Small Business Development Center (SBDC).
July 15
Type 87 Liquor License informational webinar
Join the SF Small Business Development Center to learn about the Type 87 neighborhood-restricted restaurant liquor license. New Type 87 licenses will be available in the fall for the Excelsior and Bayview Districts.
July 15
Think Strategically: Business Strategy Basics
Learn core and creative strategies that successful entrepreneurs use to stay competitive. Presented by the SF Public Library in partnership with Small Business Services at the SF LGBT Center.
July 31
Why online presence is important
In this webinar, learn how to strengthen your business’s visibility, credibility, and engagement online. Topics include managing online reviews, using local listings, and website basics. Hosted by the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.
Coming up: First-ever night market in the Excelsior
Friday, July 11 from 5:00-10:00 PM at the Norton Street parking lot
From the E is a night of food, fun, and community vibes. Explore the diverse offerings from local vendors and connect with your neighbors in a fun family-friendly environment.
Shop Dine SF is a campaign to support businesses in San Francisco. Visit shops, eat at restaurants, and get services and experiences from the small businesses that make San Francisco special.
Visit sf.gov/shopdineSF or follow the campaign on social media to find events and initiatives across San Francisco! Share events supporting businesses and commercial corridors by emailing shopdinesf@sfgov.org.