Small business newsletter for June 2026

Summer is here – if you are looking for activities for the kids and teens in your life, we have compiled small business offerings at sf.gov/shop-dine-youth. This month also features opportunities to contract with the Office of Small Business and a new guide for practical and simple accessibility improvements for small businesses.

Key updates

Fernay McPherson appointed to the Small Business Commission

Chef-Owner Fernay McPherson founded Minnie Bell's Soul Movement in 2010, serving authentic home-style Southern flavors. Fernay was born and raised in San Francisco's historic Fillmore district. She was appointed to the Small Business Commission by Mayor Daniel Lurie.

Contracting opportunities with the Office of Small Business and Office of Economic & Workforce Development

RFQ 100 proposals due: June 23
RFP 236 proposals due: June 15

There are two procurements currently open. For the Office of Small Business, this includes a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for licenses architects for storefront improvements, and a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Legacy Business Program plaque manufacturing. There are numerous other opportunities in both RFQ 100 and RFP 236.

City budget update

On June 1, Mayor Lurie released the proposed City budget for the upcoming two fiscal years. As part of the proposed budget, the Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD), which the Office of Small Business is a part of, will see a $10 million reduction.

The next step is for the Budget & Legislative Analyst’s Office to review the proposed budget, after which the Board of Supervisors Budget and Appropriations Committee will review, hold hearings, and take actions before forwarding the budget to the full Board of Supervisors. View the budget schedule

Health and Safety Toolkit for Nightlife Businesses

The SF Entertainment Commission developed a toolkit for nightlife business operators on rules and best practices to promote healthy and responsible entertainment and nightlife activity. This toolkit offers guidance and resources to help your business’s workers and patrons stay safe and healthy while your business is in operation. Get the guide

Serving customers with disabilities: A guide for small business owners

Creating an inclusive, disability‑friendly business doesn’t have to be expensive or overwhelming. In fact, 28% of Americans have some type of disability – being inclusive is good for business.

The Office of Small Business and the Office on Disability & Accessibility published a guide of practical, low or no cost actions for businesses to create a welcoming place for customers with disabilities.

Read the guide and download a print-friendly version.

Two updates on mobile options for SFMTA parking

1. You can now reserve a parking space at most city-owned garages up to six months in advance. This service is now available at the majority of the 22 SFMTA garages citywide.
2. There are two apps for paying at meter spaces throughout San Francisco— HotSpot and ParkMobile. These services let you pay for meters, receive reminders before your time expires, and extend your time remotely. These replace PayByPhone, which SFMTA is phasing out.

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

U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) small business competition

Apply by June 10

SBA is hosting a nationwide pitch competition that will bring together entrepreneurs from across the country who are building and scaling businesses within their communities. Selected businesses will be invited to participate in a live pitch competition in Washington, DC, which will culminate in a $1 million prize pool.

Learn more about the Patriot Pitch Competition.

Host interns at your business or organization

Deadline for businesses to participate: June 15
Internships start: June 22

The Mayor’s Youth Employment and Education Program provides meaningful work experience to local youth. They are seeking small businesses and organizations interested in hosting part-time interns. Interns are paid through the Japanese Community Youth Council.

Apply to be a worksite partner

Resilience Fund for restaurants and caterers

Apply by June 30

The California Restaurant Foundation offers an annual grant of up to $5,000 to independent restaurants and commercial caterers in select California counties, including San Francisco, to invest in kitchen equipment, technology upgrades, employee training, and unexpected hardships.

Learn more about apply to the Resilience Fund

Learn business skills

June 9 & 16

Plan. Launch. Grow. Business Advising

Format: Virtual or In person at Main Library
Host: SF Public Library

One-on-one business advising sessions covering planning, launching and growing a business. Sign up for a slot. June 9 with Luis Quiroz and June 16 with Gwendolyn Wright

June 21

Professional Headshot Services

Format: In person at Main Library, 4th Floor
Host: SF Public Library

Free professional headshots to help small business owners and job seekers build a polished, professional image.

June 23

Grow with Google: Make AI Work for You

Format: In person at City College, 808 Kearny
Host: Google

This is a free, hands-on AI training workshop for small business owners. A certified Grow with Google Coach will lead a 70-minute session covering practical AI tools, followed by Q&A.

June 30

Small Business Capital Access Forum

Format: In person at Main Library, Koret Auditorium
Host: Small Business Development Center & Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

A half-day forum designed to help small business owners better understand and navigate the funding landscape. This event brings together lenders, industry experts, and community partners to share insights on current financing trends and opportunities available to entrepreneurs.

Legacy Business Program events

June 4

Opening reception of "Rooted in San Francisco"

This is an exhibition at the Main Library’s 4th floor. It celebrates the resilience, creativity, and enduring cultural impact of San Francisco’s long-standing small businesses—those shaping our city’s neighborhoods and identity.

June 11

Heritage Happy Hour at Gregangelo Museum

Each 2nd Thursday of the month from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m SF Heritage hosts a happy hour at a registered Legacy Business in San Francisco, and this time we will be at The Gregangelo Museum. The Gregangelo Museum is an impassioned, multifaceted, immersive experience created by acclaimed artist Gregangelo Herrera.

Volunteer on One City Day

San Francisco is coming together for One City Day, a citywide day of service led by First Lady Becca Prowda and Mayor Daniel Lurie.

On Saturday, July 11, volunteers across all 11 districts will support neighborhoods through projects hosted by City Departments, nonprofits, and community partners.

Many merchant and neighborhood groups will be hosting projects focused on helping small businesses.

Sign up to volunteer