Small Business Resources
For the most up-to-date information, visit the following websites and sign up for the email newsletters:
Need assistance?
Contact Valerie Luu, the PNA Corridor Manager, if you need assistance with any of the following resources.
Email: valerie@portolasf.org
Call/text: (415) 506-7608
Loans & Grants
SF Shines Reimbursement Grant
$10,000, applications accepted as long as funds are available
Grant funds storefront improvement construction projects such as minor tenant improvements, awnings and equipment.
Pilot Graffiti Abatement Program
Free graffiti removal services from professional SF Public Works crews or City contractors through November 30, 2024.
Storefront Vandalism Relief Grant
$2,000, applications accepted as long as funds are available
The City is offering up to $2,000 for businesses that experienced vandalism of their storefronts. Incidents must have occurred on or after July 1, 2020.
Office of Small Business $10K ADA Grant
The $10,000 grant can be used to reimburse the merchant or pay for accessible furniture, fixtures or equipment or a CASp inspection.
Working Solutions: Small Business Revolving Loan Fund
Portola businesses located in District 10 (San Bruno Ave from Bacon St to Mansell St) are qualified for the Small Business Revolving Loan Fund from Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.
Apply Here: https://www.workingsolutions.org/loan-program
City Programs
Awning Amnesty program
The City’s new program to:
obtain an awning permit for an existing awning that was installed without a licensed contractor or awning installer
or get a notice of violation dismissed for an unpermitted awning
Office of Economic & Workforce Development COVID-19 Resources https://oewd.org/covid-19-external-resources
Shared Spaces program: A permit to use the sidewalk, parking lane or private lots for business operations, like seating, dining, or retail pickup. General liability insurance required.
JobsNow Program for Employers
The San Francisco Human Service Agency JobsNOW program can help employers find employees and reimburse their wages. Apply by calling their hotline at (877) 562- 1669 or email HSA.JobsNOW@sfgov.org.
Legal Services
Legal Services for Entrepreneurs (LSE): The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area (LCCRSF) offers free attorneys and legal services for business owners. Find the application in English and Spanish.
Federal Services
IRS Employee Retention Credits: The Employee Retention Credit is a fully refundable tax credit for employers equal to 50 percent of qualified wages (including allocable qualified health plan expenses) that Eligible Employers pay their employees. It applies to qualified wages paid after March 12, 2020, and before January 1, 2021. Maximum credit is $5,000 per employee. PPP loan recipients are not eligible for this tax credit.