NEWS

Small business newsletter for November 2025

Updates, trainings, announcements, and more, from the Office of Small Business

November 5, 2025

This month, we are featuring several new and expanded financing programs for businesses. We also have a section on resources for greening your business. These not only reduce your business’s footprint – they can also save you money.

Announcements

Resources for immigrant-owned businesses or employees

San Franciscans can continue to access City-funded services regardless of immigration status. The City will not ask about or deny access to City-funded services based on immigration status.

Visit the SF Office of Civic Engagement and Immigrant Affairs website for: 

How to access legal and community support  
Resources for those needing emergency legal assistance

SF Thrives Grant

Submit an eligibility form by Fri, Nov 14

The program from the Office of Economic & Workforce Development offers up to $10,000 in reimbursements for operating costs to help strengthen small businesses in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods experiencing a slower post-pandemic rebound. Businesses must have been located there since before December 30, 2020.

Eligible neighborhoods are:

*Each neighborhood has its own link

Expanded Downtown Vibrancy Loan Fund

The Office of Economic & Workforce Development and Main Street Launch have expanded the loan program for businesses filling vacant storefronts downtown. The program offers low interest loans of up to $100,000. The loan is matched by a grant of $50,000 (this is up from the previous grant amount of $25,000). Learn more about the Downtown Vibrancy Loan Fund.

Learn about Prop 65 and if it impacts your business

The Golden Gate Restaurant Association recently shared information about California Prop 65, also known as the Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986. It requires restaurants to warn patrons about the potential dangers of exposure to listed chemicals.

The Prop 65 toxic chemical list was updated recently to include Bisphenol S (“BPS”). These are chemicals commonly found in thermal paper.

Anyone using this type of receipt paper should verify that the paper they are using is BPS-free, and/or post appropriate Proposition-65 warnings at their businesses until such time as they have changed out their paper supply.

Many foods and non-alcoholic beverages contain chemicals included in Prop 65. All restaurants should post a Prop 65 notice to ensure compliance. That warning must be “clear and reasonable” as defined in Prop 65.

Read the details on Prop 65 required postings.

Paid Internship program (PIP) with Golden Gate Regional Center

The PIP is a program paid for by the CA Department of Developmental Services (DDS) to increase employment for people with an intellectual or developmental disability. Interns’ wages are paid by the program – not the business. Interns can be hired for up to 20 hours per week, while they learn job skills and improve their resume. Contact Julian McCarthy (Employment Specialist) for more information: jmccarthy@ggrc.org

Take a small business survey from the Federal Reserve

This 10-12 minute survey is about small business credit. The survey is a national sample of small businesses, or firms with fewer than 500 employees, aimed at providing insight into businesses’ financing, debt needs, and experiences. Your input will help inform the Fed, government agencies, and policymakers. Responses are anonymous. Take the survey.

Resources for greening your business

Get certified as a San Francisco Green Business

Recognizing businesses that meet high environmental standards, helping them reduce their ecological footprint while gaining community and economic benefits. SF Environment provides rebates and prebates up to $1,000 for Green Businesses.

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.

Dishwasher grant

Up to $2,500 to help businesses cover the cost for dishwashers, installation, and supplies. Priority given to businesses that don't have a dishwasher and serve customers on reusable foodware.

Water conservation programs from SFPUC

SFPUC water customers can sign up for free automated leaks alerts. They also offer free indoor and outdoor water use assessments. They help find leaks and water-saving opportunities to reduce water usage and lower your bill.

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

Verizon’s Digital Ready small business grant

Apply by Dec 10, 2025

Register and complete resources to access a $10,000 grant application. To compliment the free resources on Digital Ready, Verizon is awarding 50 small businesses with $10,000 grants. Learn more about apply.

The Super Bowl is coming to San Francisco

Game day: Feb 8, 2026

San Francisco is proud to celebrate Super Bowl LX and the 2026 Pro Bowl Games. Find official information about events, transportation impacts, public safety, and how the City is preparing for a safe, fun week.

Concession leases available at SFO

Info session: Nov 26, 2025

SFO launched a solicitation for concession leases in Terminal 3. The Airport will be hosting an Informational Conference on Wed, Dec 3, 2025. Sign up for the Informational Conference by Nov 26, 2025. Proposal will be due by Apr 15, 2025. Learn more about the opportunity at SFO.

New Deadline for Small Employers: CalSavers Retirement Savings Program

*if you employ 1-4 people, without an existing retirement plan

California law requires all employers to either offer a qualified retirement plan (such as a 401(k)), or register for CalSavers, the state’s retirement savings program. Learn more and register for CalSavers.

Legacy Business Spotlight

Heritage Happy Hour at Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar

Nov 13, 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.

Pier 23 Cafe Restaurant & Bar is famous for their expansive waterfront patio and beloved for their fresh local seafood, strong cocktails, and live music.

Webinars & Events

Nov 4

Partner agencies

Office of Economic and Workforce Development