Resources for Merchants
Resources to help your small business thrive
San Francisco Small Business Development Center https://www.sfsbdc.org/index_san_francisco
The San Francisco Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is a results oriented program that provides expert no-cost advising and workshops in English, Spanish, Mandarin and Cantonese, to guide small businesses to success.
Small Business Loan Programs http://investsf.org/loans/
The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) and their community partners offer technical assistance and loan products funded by various sources such as community lending circles, crowd sourcing, and community lenders to meet the needs of entrepreneurs at different stages of their growth. Loans are up to $250,000 offering flexible rates and terms to help entrepreneurs start, stabilize, and grow.
Job Squad http://investsf.org/jobs-squad/
The Jobs Squad helps small businesses save money, navigate City processes, access vital programs, and stay informed of issues that may affect them. This team of City staff conducts door-to-door outreach to small businesses around the City to connect them with help and information.
Small Business Assistance Center https://sfosb.org/small-business-assistance-center
The Small Business Assistance Center provides one-to-one case management assistance including information on required license and permits, technical assistance, financing options, and other business resources to help businesses start, grow, and thrive. SBAC provides multi-lingual client services by phone, email, appointment, and on a drop-in basis.
SF Business Portal https://businessportal.sfgov.org/
The San Francisco Business Portal offers online resources, and one-on-one assistance for starting, running, and growing a business in San Francisco.
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Certified Access Specialist (CASp) Small Business Assessment Program https://oewd.org/americans-disabilities-act-ada-certified-access-specialist-casp-small-business-assessment-program
The program educates small businesses Citywide about ADA compliance and provides eligible businesses in Invest in Neighborhood corridors with an ADA assessment report and plan for compliance with ADA law, and provides access to new grant funding and loan programs. The program is free of cost for those meeting the eligibility criteria. To be eligible, businesses must be located within the City of San Francisco and should not have an active lawsuit.