Small business newsletter for March 2026

This month’s newsletter features improvements to special event permitting, key regulatory updates, and several programs offering financial and technical support for small businesses. Explore the highlights below to see what may benefit your business or corridor.

Key updates

Now live! Improved permitting process for events on City streets

Starting in February, San Francisco has a new, digital permitting system, PermitSF. For many special events, you can expect several improvements and changes. These changes are intended to help applicants track permits from multiple departments in one place and understand City requirements earlier in the process.

Start at SF.gov/EventPermits. This new hub puts all event instructions, process, rules, and fees in one place.

Then, fill out a digital pre-application form at PermitSF. The form captures key event details, like location, date(s), and activities. Staff will review your form and you’ll get a personalized checklist of the permits you’ll need, and the order in which to apply for them.

Carryout bag requirements – CORRECTION – Existing bag requirements are still in place

In the January newsletter, we included information about a state law (SB 1053) regarding the kinds of bags businesses can give customers. SB 1053 is applicable to grocery and liquor stores, stores with a pharmacy, and convenience stores.

San Francisco has different rules for bags. Businesses in San Francisco will continue to follow the same local rules, which include:

• Charging at least 25 cents per checkout bag
• Using one of the following:
  • Certified compostable plastic bags
  • Paper bags labeled with 40% post consumer recycled content
  • Reusable bags
    • No conventional, single use conventional plastic bags
    • Must have handles
    • Must be designed and manufactured for multiple re-use and meet certain requirements.
• Using pre-checkout bags that are recyclable or compostable. There is no charge required for pre-checkout bags.

Low-interest federal disaster loans for businesses impacted by Dec 31, 2025 - Jan 5, 2026 weather

San Francisco County is included in a federal disaster declaration from the storms and tidal flooding that took place in some areas at the beginning of the year. If your business was impacted, you can apply for a loan. Deadline for physical damage is Apr 6, 2026, and for economic losses is Nov 3, 2026. Learn more about the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program.

Refrigerator replacement program for small businesses

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.

Free energy assessments from BayREN Business

Free energy assessments and energy efficiency rebates for businesses in historically underserved areas. Eligible upgrades include lighting, refrigeration, heating water heating, and more. Get a free energy assessment.

Recap of the Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD) Budget Townhall

Last month, OEWD hosted townhalls about the department’s upcoming budget. The Office of Small Business is a division of OEWD. Watch the video and check back for a summary of feedback and survey results soon.

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

SF Shines for equipment

Apply by March 6, 2026 at 5:00 PM

The SF Shines Equipment Grant supports commercially zoned storefronts anywhere in the City with up to $10,000 in funding for equipment purchases. The goal is to support long-term success and help the City's commercial corridors thrive.

Eligible equipment must support your business operations and align with one of the following purposes:

• Start Up / Scale Up / Expand – To increase capacity, add new services, improve efficiency, or support growth
• Remediation – To replace broken equipment that is limiting your ability to operate
• Compliance – To resolve an open Notice of Violation (NOV) related to equipment in the interior of your storefront

Read the equipment grant details before applying.

File your Business Personal Property Statement

Due April 1, 2026

Each year, certain businesses need to file for taxable Business Personal Property. This generally includes items that are used in connection with a trade or business, like:

• Machinery
• Furniture
• Equipment
• Fixtures
• Tenant improvements

Learn more and file.

Storefront Opportunity Grant

Apply by May 29

This program provides a grant between $50,000 - $100,000 to eligible businesses to help offset the cost of their first year of operations. Interested business owners will need to apply with an executed lease.

Interested business owners will need to apply with a newly signed executed lease. Learn more and apply.

If you'd like help finding a location and securing a lease, contact sfosb@sfgov.org.

Request for Proposals for workforce development service providers

Apply by Mar 25, 2026

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) has issued Request for Proposals 235 for services across multiple distinct program areas within OEWD’s Workforce Development Division. Learn more and apply.

Learn business skills

March 10

How to create a WordPress site for your business

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

Learn how to build and launch a professional WordPress website that reflects your brand and supports your business goals.

March 24

2025 Annual SF employer reporting

Format: Webinar
Host: Office of Labor Standards Enforcement

Employers covered by the SF Health Care Security Ordinance and/or the Fair Chance Ordinance must submit annual reporting by May 1. Learn about the process and how to submit.

March 25

A practical guide to taxes for artists, creatives, and freelancers

Format: Webinar
Host: SF Public Library & California Lawyers for the Arts

Understand key tax responsibilities, deductions, and best practices designed specifically for independent creatives.

April 2

Creating zero waste events

Format: Webinar
Host: San Francisco Environment and Recology

A workshop for SF event producers on zero waste requirements, including Recology services, alternative foodware options, and more.

Heritage Happy Hour

Heritage Happy Hour at Sai's Vietnamese Restaurant & Bar

March 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.

At Sai’s Vietnamese Restaurant and Bar in Jackson Square, you’ll find authentic cuisine, including noodle soups, vermicelli bowls, grilled dishes, curries, rice plates, wok-stir fried dishes, clay pots, banh mi sandwiches, and different vegetarian and vegan options.

Dogpatch Small Business Stroll

March 14, 2026

Join a guided neighborhood walk spotlighting six locally owned businesses and stay for a prize drawing featuring items from participating shops. Hosted by SF Public Library in partnership with Shop Dine SF.

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.