SF Shines Equipment Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

If I apply for the SF Shines Equipment Grant and meet the eligibility requirments will I be funded automatically?

No. Funding is limited, and not all eligible applicants will receive an award. Applications are evaluated based on impact, urgency, and strategy. This is not first-come, first-served. The City has sole discretion in determining awardees.

I purchased equipment earlier this year. Would that be eligible?

No. This is a forward-looking program. Equipment purchased previously is not eligible. Do not purchase equipment until you are approved.

I got approved for the grant. Now what?

After approval, you must pay for the approved equipment first using your own funds. The City will reimburse you after you submit proof of purchase, including receipts, proof of payment, and photos.

I received SF Shines previously. Can I apply?

Awardees of the following programs are not eligible:

• SF Shines 2022
• SF Shines Design Referral & Construction
• SF Shines 2024
• Office of Small Business Storefront
• Geary Storefront
• Folsom Storefront
• SF Shines Interior 2025

Recipients of SF Shines Facade 2025 and Tenderloin Facade may still be eligible for the program.

What information will I need to provide in the application about my business?

• Business Account Number (BAN)
• Gross revenue from your most recent tax return
• Number of full-time and part-time employees

My business is on the second floor, but my entrance is street level. Could I be eligible?

No. Eligible businesses are ground-level street-facing storefronts that are open to the public. Storefronts located in the basement or anything above the ground level are not eligible.

If my application is approved and I buy the eligible items on time, will I receive the grant?

If your application is approved, the City will reserve your grant funds. As long as you purchase the approved equipment by May 8, 2026, and submit the required proof, you will receive your reimbursement.

Can I change the equipment I requested after I am accepted into the program?

Maybe. Only the equipment listed in your approved application is eligible for reimbursement. Changes must be requested in writing and approved before purchase.

What happens if I miss the deadline to purchase after approval?

Failure to meet program deadlines may result in your award being forfeited.

Equipment Eligibility

What is not eligible for funding?

Only interior equipment is eligible for funding. The following is not eligible:

• Construction materials to install equipment
• Labor for construction, repair, or installation
• Equipment not connected to business operations
• Bills or utilities related to equipment
• Security cameras
• Computers, laptops, tablets, televisions, etc.
• ADA-related expenses (Refer to our Accessible Barrier Removal Grant Program)
• Exterior equipment
• Furniture

Please note: Merchandise and other non-equipment-related purchases are not eligible.

In past SF Shines programs, design services, decorative items, and construction materials were eligible. Are they eligible for this program?

No. This program only funds equipment purchases that align with one of the following purposes: Start Up/Expansion, Remediation, or Compliance.

Can I apply for more than one track?

No. Each business may apply for only one category: Start Up/Expansion, Remediation, or Compliance.

Scoring

How will awardees be chosen?

This is not a first-come, first-served program. Applications will first be reviewed for eligibility. Their proposed purchases and open-ended responses will then be scored based on impact, urgency, and strategy. Please note: Compliance applications will be prioritized first, followed by remediation applications.

Will low-moderate income neighborhoods be prioritized?

Yes. Applicants from low-moderate income areas will account for 70% of awardees. The remaining 30% of awardees can be located citywide.

Proof & Payment

What proof do I need to submit to get paid?

Businesses must submit:

• Proof of payment in the form of a cashed check, bank statement, or credit card statement (NO cash payments are allowed)
• Receipts/paid invoices from the vendor

Additionally, after award payments are disbursed, businesses will be asked to complete a form to submit photos of the new equipment inside their storefront. Businesses that do not complete the survey will be out of compliance with our department. This may affect your eligibility for future funding opportunities within the Office of Economic and Workforce Development.

How will I receive my funds?

Funds will be sent by direct deposit after all required documents are approved.

How long does reimbursement take?

Payments are typically processed within a few weeks after all required documents are verified.

Miscellaneous

I received an NOV. How do I fix a code violation?

More information on NOVs is available here. If you have a question about your NOV, contact the inspector listed at the bottom of your notice.

Can I apply for compliance if I do not currently have an NOV?

No. You must have an open Notice of Violation to apply under the Compliance category.

For the remediation track, do I need to submit proof?

Yes. We will ask applicants to upload proof of the issue, such as a photo, video, or an invoice/estimate from a repair professional. The City reserves the right to request further proof of equipment issues and/or conduct a site visit to confirm.

I was approved, but I cannot pay for the equipment up front. What are my options?

We understand that fronting the cost can be challenging for small businesses. If you don’t currently have the funds available, you still may have options. Some businesses choose to work with a lender to secure short-term financing, such as a small business loan or a line of credit. The City offers information on lending and borrowing options here: Small Business Resources

Additional questions? Email sfshines@sfgov.org.