Small business newsletter for October 2026

Based on information from the National Weather Service, December through February are expected to be wetter than normal. A very strong El Niño is highly likely. Now is the time to prepare your business for heavy rain, flooding, strong winds, and potential power outages. Below are the first steps for what businesses can do ahead of a storm or coastal flood.

Winter weather

• Sign up for AlertSF: text your ZIP Code to 888-777 or go to AlertSF.org.
• Clear drains near your business. Remove leaves and debris from sidewalks and around drains before storms. Work from the sidewalk and never lift the grate. Report blockages below the grate to 311.
• Elevate fixtures or inventory kept at ground level, and secure items kept outdoors and in parklets from high winds.
• Get sandbags if your property is prone to flooding. Leading up to and during severe rainstorms, Public Works offers San Francisco businesses up to 10 free sandbags. Pickup hours are Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–2 p.m., at their operations yard’s Marin Street/Kansas Street gate. Bring proof of business address. More information at sfpublicworks.org/sandbags
• Prepare for potential power outages. Consider how to keep your Point-of-Sale operating without Wi-Fi, or whether to have a generator on hand. Plan for employees to work remotely or shift hours during severe storms so no one is traveling in dangerous conditions.

Learn more at SF.gov/business-weather-updates

Key updates

Office of Small Business Community Office Hours

October 8, 2026

9AM-12PM at Viva La Tarte, 4026 24th St.
1-4PM at Poesia Café, 4076 18th St.

Drop in to speak with a staff person about a question or challenge you may have , such as business registration, licenses, permitting, leasing, funding, and more. No appointment needed. See more office hour dates at sf.gov/osb-office-hours

Verizon resources for disaster resilience

Learn how to prepare your business to withstand potential disruptions and disasters. Register now to access their entire catalog of resources related to this topic, including building a continuity plan, and understanding the hazards to your business.

Access resources for disaster resilience

Federal Reserve small business credit survey

Survey closes November 13, 2026

The survey is a national sample of small businesses, or firms with fewer than 500 employees, aimed at providing insight into business’s financing needs and debt experiences. Your input will help inform the Fed, government agencies, and policymakers in improving access to capital and resources for small businesses. Take the survey.

New funding through the California Paid Family Leave Grant

California small businesses can apply for California Paid Family Leave (PFL) grants, with funding of up to $2,000 per employee. The grants help businesses offset costs associated with employees taking Paid Family Leave, including cross-training current staff and hiring and training new or temporary employees. Learn more about the grant and apply.

Coming up

Mega Job Fair

Sign up for businesses: October 9, 2026
Job fair: October 22, 2026

The Office of Economic & Workforce Development is hosting a citywide job fair is coming up, where hundreds of job seekers are in one room, in person. If you are hiring, you can sign up to table for free by emailing workforce.development@sfgov.org.

Get your business ready for the first-annual Disability Night Out

October 10, 2026

Disability Night Out is coming up, where individuals with disabilities and allies dine out to raise visibility. It's a great opportunity to sharpen your staff's customer service skills for welcoming in customers with disabilities! Read, download, or print a free guide with low- and no-cost ideas you can implement today to serve all kinds of customers. At SF.gov/business-access-guide.

Virtual legal clinic

October 29, 10:00AM-12:30PM

Legal Services for Entrepreneurs offers free legal clinics for small business owners in San Francisco to connect with skilled pro bono attorneys and receive free, tailored legal guidance on contracts, leases, employment matters, and other business law needs. Sign up for a time in advance.

Learn business skills

October 8

Small Business Office Hours with an Advisor

Host: SF Public Library
Location: Virtual

Get feedback on your business ideas and questions from a Small Business Development Center advisor. Learn about business planning, market research, permits, financing and more.

October 13

Trademark Basics for Entrepreneurs

Host: SF Public Library
Location: Virtual

Learn how trademarks can help protect your business name, logo and brand. In partnership with the SF LGBT Center.

October 14

La Cocina orientation

Host: La Cocina
Location: 101 Hyde St

Learn how La Cocina helps food entrepreneurs turn their ideas into successful businesses. This free workshop will introduce La Cocina’s program and cover the basics of starting a food business.

October 29

Stressless Taxes for Artists, Creatives and Freelancers

Host: SF Public Library
Location: Main Library, Steve Silver Music Center

Learn practical tax basics, including recordkeeping, business expenses and estimated taxes.