Small business newsletter for July 2026

This is a busy week in San Francisco, with World Cup games and conferences like the National Association of the Deaf – ending with fireworks from the Golden Gate Bridge to celebrate Independence Day. July is also a month where new rules and regulations go into effect.

Key updates

Prepare for business impacts for Independence Day

This year's Fourth of July fireworks display will differ from previous years, with fireworks launch sites near both the Golden Gate Bridge and Pier 39. As a result, people may choose to view the fireworks from a wider range of waterfront locations, including Marina Green, Crissy Field, Fisherman's Wharf, and Pier 39.

If your business is near the area, here are tips for how to prepare.

• Build in extra time.
  • Traffic congestion may make driving and finding parking harder.
  • Let your employees know to build in extra time and consider taking public transit to get to work.
  • The Golden Gate Bridge will be closed to all traffic from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. Caltrans will be closing US-101 in both directions starting at 8 p.m
• Plan your routine deliveries for Friday.
  • Deliveries are still allowed on Saturday. This includes services like DoorDash. Road closures will allow local access. See what roads are impacted.
• Help keep the sidewalk safe and clear.
  • If you place tables & chairs or merchandise on the sidewalk, keep at least 6 feet clear so that pedestrians can safely pass by.
• Contact the City.
  • For small business logistical questions ahead of the event, you can email the Office of Small Business at sfosb@sfgov.org
  • On Saturday, July 4th, report non-emergency concerns to 311.

For the latest event information, public safety guidance, and transportation updates, visit sf.gov/july4 and sfmta.com/july4.

Lease opportunities with Mercy Housing

Mercy Housing is looking for local small businesses and nonprofits to rent ground floor spaces for below-market rate rent in the following locations:

• Transbay, 272 Folsom Street: spaces ranging from 619-1,400 SqFt
• SOMA, 600 7th Street: 416 and 1,137 SqFt
• Visitation Valley, 1549 Sunnydale Avenue: Two spaces at 375 SqFt each
• Civic Center/Hayes Valley, 20 Franklin Street: 1,733 and 1,742 SqFt or combined 3,475 SqFt. Nonprofit organization(s) prioritized.

Please e-mail Julia at Julia.Katz@mercyhousing.org with your name, business name, business type, and space needs to learn more.

New corner store business toolkit

This free digital toolkit offers 17 videos and practical business management guidance—available in multiple languages. It’s designed especially for owners of corner stores and bodegas.

Access the toolkit

New business rules starting July 1, 2026

San Francisco minimum wage increases

San Francisco's minimum wage increased to $19.61 per hour on July 1, 2026. Read more about the minimum wage and download the required poster to put up at each workplace.

Health Care Accountability Ordinance (HCAO) fee rate increases

Effective July 1, 2026, the HCAO fee rate, which applies to most City contractors and tenants (including the Port and Airport), will increase to $8.00 per hour with a weekly maximum cap of $320. Get more information about the HCAO, and sign up for a webinar on July 8.

New food label rules: AB 660

This new law requires that food labels include the date by which a product should normally be used to ensure consumer quality. Effective July 1, 2026, food manufacturers, processors and retailers must include uniform terms on foods that require date labels. “Sell by labels” are not acceptable. Accepted terms include: “best if used by” and “use by.”

Read the legislation to learn more.

New rules for food allergen disclosures: SB 68

Effective July 1, 2026, restaurant chains with 20 or more locations nationwide must disclose 9 of the most common food allergens on menus. Read more about the new rule.

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

Promote your Pokeman events with ShopDineSF

The Pokeman World Championship is coming to San Francisco in August 2026. ShopDineSF is compiling events, specials, and other activations. Submit your business’s Pokeman-themed activities. Email your business name, location, activity details, and link to more information to ShopDineSF@sfgov.org.

Learn business skills

Starting July 6

Money Smart for Small Business

July 9

Immigration resources for Bay Area small business owners and workers

Format: Webinar
Host: Small Business Majority and Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area

This session will cover key legal rights related to immigration enforcement and highlight a collection of Bay Area resources and new grants to help your business. Attendees will have access to LCCRSF attorney for up to one hour, including a live Q&A to address specific questions.

July 14

Plan. Launch. Grow.

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

Entrepreneurs can book a free one-on-one, 30-minute advising session with business consultant Gwendolyn Wright. Advising is available for entrepreneurs at any stage of business and can cover topics such as business planning, financial projections, and access to capital. Registration required.

Legacy in Lights: The Art, History and Culture of San Francisco's Neon

July 16

Join the SF Public Library for an illustrated talk exploring San Francisco's iconic neon signs and the stories behind them - Legacy in Lights: The Art, History and Culture of San Francisco’s Neon.. This program complements our exhibition, Rooted in San Francisco: 10 Years of the Legacy Business Program, and highlights the role historic signage plays in preserving neighborhood identity and celebrating Legacy Businesses. Rooted in San Francisco is on view through August 21in the Art, Music & Recreation Center Exhibit Space - 4th Fl, Main Library.