NEWS
Small business newsletter for May 2026
Office of Small BusinessUpdates, trainings, announcements, and more, from the Office of Small Business
May is Small Business Month! It begins with San Francisco Small Business Week, which starts on Monday, May 4th. Put on each year by the SF Chamber of Commerce, this year features dozens of events for business owners to learn and hone their skills, connect with fellow entrepreneurs, and celebrate. At the end of the month, the Office of Economic & Workforce Development is holding a free, day-long Small Business Summit.
Small Business Week event highlights
From the Office of Small Business
May 5
Location: Hybrid, virtual and at Main Library
In this dynamic presentation, small business owners will learn simple, practical, and affordable strategies for welcoming customers with a wide range of disabilities. It will feature a panel of people with disabilities, who will share their real‑world experiences that show how small changes can drive where they choose to shop and dine. Co-hosted by the Office on Disability & Accessibility and the SF Public Library.
May 5
City Hall Pop-up Shop: Local Makers, Sourced
Location: City Hall
Take in the splendor of City Hall and shop from makers, artisans, and merchants. Bring friends and find unique, quality, locally-made gifts for moms, graduates, or any occasion. It is co-hosted by SFMade, a non-profit organization that serves as a steward for urban manufacturing.
May 6
Location: Virtual
Learn the key steps, strategies, and terms involved in negotiating a commercial lease. This workshop will help you understand your rights, identify potential pitfalls, and confidently secure a lease that supports your business goals. Co-hosted by the SF Public Library, with Commercial Leasing Specialists Iris Lee and Divine Katoure.
May 7
5th Annual Legacy Business Mixer
Location: Fior d’Italia
The Legacy Business Mixer is a friendly annual celebration of San Francisco’s over 500 registered Legacy Businesses. It’s also a place for all small business owners to meet, socialize, and network. The event will spotlight host Legacy Business Fior d'Italia, serving Northern Italian cuisine since 1886. They will be providing appetizers, courtesy of the Legacy Business Program.
May 8
Starting a Business in San Francisco
Location: Main Library
Learn how the San Francisco Office of Small Business helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners grow and thrive. Presented by Martha Yanez, Small Business Services Manager at the Office of Small Business. In partnership with SF Public Library.
Find more Small Business Week events presented by the SF Library.
From the Small Business Development Center
May 6
Exit, Succession Planning, and Employee Ownership Options
Location: 455 Market St.
In this panel discussion, this event will cover key considerations for small business owners looking to navigate the succession planning process with confidence.
May 7
Introduction to Accounting and Bookkeeping for Businesses
Location: Main Library
Learn the fundamentals of business setup, financial recordkeeping and cost management. Participants will learn how to track income and expenses, create financial statements and understand key accounting principles.
See all Small Business Week events
Updates & opportunities
Grant deadlines coming up
Vandalism Relief Grant
Applications close on May 29 at 5:00 PM. Submissions will not be accepted after this date. This program is expected to reopen in the City’s next fiscal year, with additional details to be announced.
Storefront Opportunity Grant
Interested business owners must apply with a newly signed, executed lease on or before Friday, May 29th, 2026 at 5:00PM.
Updates from the Small Business Commission
In April, the Small Business Commission welcomed a new Commissioner, Robyn Sue Fisher, founder of Smitten Ice Cream. We’re grateful to two recent Commissioners for their service, Lawanda Dickerson and Rachel Herbert. Learn more about the Small Business Commission.
Legacy Business for sale: Pacific Café
Pacific Café at 7000 Geary Blvd. is a 52-year-old establishment with owners who are retiring. After much discussion and reflection, the current owners have decided that it is time to retire. They plan to retire by the end of the summer and have put the restaurant up for sale for $195,000. Learn more about the business and call 415-387-7091 for questions.
Contracting with SFMTA
SFMTA encourages all local businesses to take advantage of contracting and vending opportunities with the agencies by getting or renewing your Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification. Recent changes to the DBE program mean that even previously certified businesses should request a re-evaluation to ensure continued eligibility. Get started on DBE certification.
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
Workshop for the Fillmore Community Action Plan
May 19, 2026 from 5:30-8:00 PM
Join the Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs, Office of Supervisor Mahmood, city departments, and community leaders for a workshop to get the public’s feedback on economic and workforce development for the Fillmore / Western Addition. Learn more about this and other upcoming workshops.
One City Day
Submit projects by May 15, 2026
One City Day: July 11, 2026
One City Day is a citywide day of service led by Mayor Daniel Lurie and First Lady Becca Prowda. Interested in hosting a project of your own? Projects — such as gathering your neighbors to pick up trash in your neighborhood, sprucing up the space in front of your business/organization or supporting your neighbors or community members — can take many forms. Submit your project details here.
Want to join as a volunteer or host a volunteer group? Sign up here.
Learn business skills
May 4
Fueling Manufacturing Growth
Host: CA Manufactures & Technology Association and Small Business Administration (SBA)
Location: Virtual
Join a webinar to learn about the SBA’s programs to lower cost and scale production. This event is designed for manufacturers with capital needs and/or expansion plans.
May 5-6
National Small Business Week
Host: Small Business Administration
Location: Virtual
This year’s event is open to established and aspiring business owners and will include educational presentations by industry experts, exhibit booths, free business resources, and business advice from America's SBDCs.
May 12
Build a Strong Business Model
Host: SF Public Library
Location: Virtual
Learn how to design a clear, sustainable business model that supports long-term success. This training is to learn the Business Model Canvas, which is a practical visual framework that helps entrepreneurs think through their business.
May 13
Plan. Launch. Grow. Business Advising with Gwendolyn Wright
Host: SF Public Library
Location: Main Library
Meet one-on-one with a business advisor to get personalized guidance on planning, launching, or growing your business. 30-minute sessions available. Sign up starting May 1st.
May 18-June 29
Beauty & Barber Boss
Host: Norcal Small Business Development Center
Location: Virtual
This is a training series for business education, resources, and personalized support to help you start, improve, and grow your cosmetology-related business.
May 29
SF Small Business Summit
Host: Office of Economic & Workforce Development
Location: San Francisco Permit Center
Join small businesses, merchant associations, community partners, and City leaders for a one‑day summit on the strategies, tools, and resources for supporting local businesses and strong neighborhood corridors.
Shop Dine SF
Summer activities for kids & teens
Discover the local businesses offering classes, camps, and drop-in activities for kids and teens across San Francisco. From hands-on art and creative workshops to sports, language learning, and youth development programs, explore opportunities that keep young people engaged throughout the summer and year-round.