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Alliance for Community Development

The Alliance hosts a variety of convenings ranging from social gatherings to business development support workshops and webinars to community ask and give forums. Our events are often in partnership with other organizations so that we can uplift the collaborative work that makes the Bay Area Business Ecosystem the community that it is.

Email: info@alliancecd.org

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The SBDC provides free virtual and in-person trainings and workshops designed for business development on a variety of key topics.

Monthly Events Calendar:

Contact: (415) 937-7232

Website:

San Francisco Business Portal

Provides assistance in legal services, bookkeeping, and accounting and insurance

Website:

Children鈥檚 Council San Francisco

Provides technical assistance in English, Spanish and Chinese for providers during or after getting their license. Provides resources to better run your business and serve the community.

Website:

Japantown Task Force

The task force aims to preserve and develop Japantown, strengthen ethnic diversity, and create an atmosphere of safety, beauty, vitality, and prosperity. JTF provides technical assistance on commercial leases, loan packaging, marketing, and assists merchants in accessing resources.

Contact: (415) 346 - 1239

Email: info@japantowntaskforce.org

Website:

Alliance for Community Development

Bay Area Entrepreneurship Alliance Entrepreneur toolbox:

Benefits of joining BAE include:

• Access to a Sample Entrepreneur Roadmap which helps entrepreneurs navigate their process. If you sign up for a free navigation session, after the session you will receive a personalized roadmap of resources
• Partake in Quarterly Member meetings where once a quarter, members share best practices, develop partnerships, find mentors, and engage in speed networking
• Gain access to a Resource Database with 350+ resources here in the Bay Area ecosystem. Resources are categorized in several tabs, either by business stage the resource serves or by type of resource
• Through the VALUES system, learn transparent and accessible ways to serve the community, vet resources, and identify how to strengthen your program. The VALUES Wheel illustrates six VALUES as a cohesive set of core beliefs. Use the Outcomes Matrix to better understand each of our co-created VALUES.

Small Business Development Center

Support provided for a start-up company. Learn about common challenges you may face and how to overcome them, how to plan and carry out your business, financing, and accounting, legal and HR, operations, marketing, and more. Have access to a variety of resources ranging from checklists for starting a business, news and media resources, import/ export help, financing resources, and many more.

Startup Introduction Website:

Useful Links and Tools (Resources):

San Francisco Office of Small Business: Small Business Assistance Center

The Office of Small Business, Small Business Assistance Center is the city's central point for information and assistance for small businesses and entrepreneurs located in San Francisco. We provide one-to-one case management assistance including information on required licenses and permits, technical assistance, financing options, and other business resources to help businesses start, grow, and thrive.

Primary Contact: (martha.yanez@sfgov.org) || Located in San Francisco City Hall, Room 140

Contact: (415) 554-6134

Email: SFOSB@SFGOV.ORG

Small Business Administration: Small Business Planner

An interactive guide with all the steps that are necessary for starting, planning, launching, managing, and growing a business.

Website:

GreatNonprofits

A Non- profit in the bay area that aims to provide a community for other non-profits and provide publicity. Offers a free and easy-to-use platform to share and collect reviews and stories about the community you serve鈥攕o donors and volunteers know about you and your good work! Serves non-profits nationwide.

Website:

Office of Economic Workforce Development (OEWD):

San Francisco鈥檚 Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative

Deploys financial assistance, professional services, assessment tools, and other resources to help stabilize nonprofits and overcome barriers to growth. The initiative builds on the impact of previous City-funded programs, such as the Nonprofit Space Capital Fund and the Nonprofit Displacement Mitigation Program, as well as past efforts of private foundations and nonprofits. As part of the Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative, OEWD works with the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development, the San Francisco Arts Commission, and Community Vision to administer programs that support organizations seeking long-term leases and permanently affordable space.

These programs have three components:

1. ACQUISITION- Approximately $2 million is awarded annually to help nonprofits acquire permanent space and to incentivize philanthropic investment in space stabilization. Eligible nonprofits may apply for the lesser of $1 million or 25% of project costs to support the acquisition.
2. RENEWAL, RELOCATION, AND EXPANSION- Approximately $500,000 in financial assistance is awarded annually to address urgent needs by providing grants to overcome barriers to lease renewal, relocation, and expansion. Organizations with leases for 3-4 years may apply for grants up to $50,000 for professional services (architectural, engineering, legal); rent stipend; moving expenses; or furnishings, fixtures, and equipment. Organizations with leases of 5 years or longer may apply for grants up to $75,000 for the expenses listed above as well as tenant improvements.
3. REAL ESTATE READINESS- Individual organizations facing displacement or barriers to growth may be eligible to apply for professional services through the Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative. Assistance offered in the program includes financial planning, space planning, identifying/evaluating potential sites, negotiating leases or purchase agreements, developing construction budgets and project timelines, and analyzing potential funding sources. visit communityvisionca.org/sfsustainability for program details, deadlines, and eligibility guidelines, and to register for information sessions. Technical assistance applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Please subscribe to the e-newsletter using the link above to receive notification of future Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative opportunities.

Website:

Office of Economic Workforce Development (OEWD):

The Citywide Nonprofit Monitoring and Capacity Building Program

This program consolidates fiscal and compliance monitoring. It is designed to decrease the administrative burden and eliminate duplication of effort for both nonprofit contractors and City departments. The Program has established a Corrective Action Policy, which may be implemented when nonprofits do not meet the fiscal and compliance standards required by the City.

The program also provides training and technical assistance to both nonprofits and City departments to build the capacity of the nonprofit network as a whole. The Program coordinates training for nonprofits and City staff and individualized coaching for nonprofits. These activities support City staff in their monitoring roles and nonprofits to create and maintain strong financial management practices. Services are targeted to nonprofits in contract with the City and the City staff that conduct contract management and monitoring activities with nonprofits.

Website:

Office of Economic Workforce Development (OEWD):

San Francisco Non-Profit Impact Accelerator

As part of the Nonprofit Sustainability Initiative, OEWD worked with partner agencies and La Piana Consulting to launch the Nonprofit Impact Accelerator. The Nonprofit Impact Accelerator was created for nonprofits who seek to increase effectiveness or improve their financial health through partnership. For many nonprofits, the path to long-term stability and greater impact has included strategic restructurings such as co-location, administrative service partnerships, and joint programming. Organizations of all sizes can use the partnership to respond to change but need dedicated resources to successfully explore and evaluate opportunities.

Website:听

Office of Economic Workforce Development (OEWD):

Direct Assistance to Non-Profits

The Office of Economic and Workforce Development provides access to an array of resources, tailored to the needs of each organization, as well as training and education referrals suited to the needs of nonprofits providing arts access, legal aid, human services, workforce development, and other customized resources. Direct Assistance is accessed by over 100 nonprofits per year since 2018.

Mayor London Breed New First Year Free Program for Small Businesses

The program will waive first-year permit fees for small businesses and support the City鈥檚 economic recovery. The Citywide pilot program will waive first-year permits, initial licenses, and initial business registration fees for new small businesses. To qualify for First Year Free, a business must open a new ground floor commercial location between November 1, 2021, and October 31, 2022. Only small businesses with less than $2 million in San Francisco gross receipts are eligible, and the program is not applicable to formula retail locations.

Who to Contact / Where to Go:

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Permits:

In-Person Services

The San Francisco Permit Center at 49 South Van Ness is open during the following hours:

• 7:30 a.m. 鈥� 4:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday
• 9:00 a.m. 鈥� 4:00 p.m. Wednesday

Contact: (628) 652-4900

Email: permitcenter@sfgov.org

The following Over-the-Counter (OTC) services will be available during Permit Center hours:

• OTC without Plans
• OTC with Plans 鈥� same-day sign-up or appointment required
• OTC Plan Review
• Trades Permits (plumbing, roofing, etc.)
• SF Public Works Permits 鈥� Street Space & Sidewalk Repair
• SF Planning Consultations 鈥� Including Design Review
• Commercial projects (Commercial tenant improvement projects, Office or other B occupancy remodels, Power door operators, Permits to comply with the Accessible Business Entrance program)

Website:

Central Permit Bureau (CPB)

CPB accepts and issues construction, electrical, plumbing, and street space permits for public and private buildings within the City and County of San Francisco. Assesses and collects fees for all structures, building enlargements, and changes of use.

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Contact: (628) 652-3240

Fax: (628) 652-3249

Website:

Initial Permit Review (IPR)

IPR provides proactive, professional, and consistent customer service in reviewing building permit applications and plans prior to review by plan review disciplines.

Email: dbi.iprrequest@sfgov.org

Website:

Permit Processing Center (PPC)

The primary functions of PPC are to ensure the movement of building permit applications between the different stations and bureaus of DBI prior to being routed to CPB for issuance. This team handles cancellation notices and revisions given by the Planning Department, including permit applications filed for appeals with the Board of Appeals.

Hours: Monday - Friday 7:30am - 4:30pm

Contact: (628) 652-3600

Fax: (628) 652-3609

Email: dbi.ppcrequest@sfgov.org

Website:

Technical Services Division (DBI)

General questions and assistance with the San Francisco Building Code.

Hours; Mon, Tues, Thur, Fri: 7:30 am to 11:30 pm; Weds 9:00 am to 11:30 pm

Contact: (415) 558-6205

Fax: (415) 558-6401

Email: techq@sfgov.org

Websites

Common Types of Licenses / Permits

• Alcoholic Beverages: Necessary if you manufacture, wholesale, import, or sell alcoholic beverages at a retail location.
• Building: A building permit may be needed from the city or county building and planning department if there is any construction or renovations to a facility. Only licensed contractors and property owners (Owner/Builder) may be issued building permits.

OTC commercial permits:

1. Commercial tenant improvement projects
2. Office or other B occupancy remodels
3. Power door operators
4. Permits to comply with the Accessible Business Entrance program

All commercial building projects require architectural plans. Hire a designer or architect.

Create your building project plans. Bring 2 sets of plans when you submit your building permit application.

All other commercial projects must be reviewed in-house.

Fill out multiple forms including this building permit form:

• Seller鈥檚 Permit: You must obtain a seller鈥檚 permit if you:

1. Are engaged in business in California, and
2. Intend to sell or lease tangible personal property that would ordinarily be subject to sales tax if sold at retail.

The requirement to obtain a seller鈥檚 permit applies to:

1. Corporations
2. Individuals
3. Limited Liability Companies (LLCs)
4. Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs)
5. Limited Partnerships (LPs)
6. Partnerships
7. Married Co-ownerships
8. Registered Domestic Partnerships
9. Organizations

Both wholesalers and retailers must apply for a permit. If you do not hold a seller鈥檚 permit and will make sales during temporary periods, such as Christmas tree sales and rummage sales, you must apply for a temporary seller鈥檚 permit. Such permits are normally issued to selling operations lasting no longer than 30 days at one location. For additional information or registering for a permit, license, or account visit website atand select Permit and Licenses, or you may contact Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (CRS:711), Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Pacific time), except state holidays.

• Resale Certificate: Purchasers who are engaged in the business of selling tangible personal property may issue resale certificates when purchasing items they will sell in the regular course of their business operations. When a seller accepts a valid resale certificate in good faith and in a timely manner, the seller does not owe tax on that sale. CDTFA-230, General Resale Certificate, can be issued by purchasers when purchasing goods they will resell in the regular course of their business operations.

Generally, resale certificates are used:

• When purchasing finished items for resale.
• When buying materials that will become a physical part of an item that will be held for resale.
• When purchasing items solely for demonstration or display while holding them for sale in the regular course of business operations.

Purchasers should not use a resale certificate when buying a product they will:

• Use rather than sell
• Use in their business before they sell it
• Use for a personal purpose
• Hold as an investment for appreciation in value and for sale in the future

For more information you may contact Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (CRS:711)

• Cannabis Tax Permit:

Distributors and microbusinesses licensed to act as a distributor, of cannabis and cannabis products must obtain a cannabis tax permit and seller鈥檚 permit.

If you own a business in California that sells cannabis and/or cannabis products, you must register with the CDTFA for a seller's permit and regularly file sales and use tax returns. In addition to a seller's permit, if you are a distributor, or microbusiness licensed to act as a distributor, of cannabis and/or cannabis products, you must register with the CDTFA for a cannabis tax permit and regularly file cannabis tax returns.

For registration or information, please contact our Customer Service Center at: 1-800-400-7115 (CRS:711)

• Cigarette and Tobacco Products:

If you sell cigarettes and tobacco products at retail, you must have a California Cigarette and Tobacco Products Retailer's License before purchasing or selling cigarettes or tobacco products. *You must obtain this license in addition to your seller's permit.

(Manufacturers, importers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers) These entities are required to obtain and maintain a license in order to sell cigarettes or tobacco products in California. Distributors, wholesalers, and retailers must obtain a separate license for each location where they will sell cigarettes or tobacco products. These entities may purchase/sell cigarettes and tobacco products only from/to other licensed entities along the supply chain.

Tobacco products distributors are also required to hold a license under the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Tax Law for tax reporting and remitting purposes. In addition, cigarette and tobacco products wholesalers are required to hold a license under the Cigarette and Tobacco Products Tax Law for information reporting purposes.

Depending on your business operations, you may be required to obtain more than just a California cigarette and tobacco products license.

Visit the CalGold website at for help with permit and licensing requirements by local authorities as well as other state or federal authorities.

For registration or more information regarding exceptions, definitions etc., please contact our Customer Service Center at 1-800-400-7115 (CRS:711)

*License Periods:

1. Retailers: A retailer's license is valid for a 12-month period. A retailer that adds an additional retail location will renew the retailer's license for that retail location based on a 12-month period beginning in the month that the retailer's license for the first retail location was obtained.
2. Wholesalers and Distributors: A wholesaler or distributor's license is valid for one calendar year (January through December).

• Emergency Permits: Examples of emergency projects include damage to a building from a fire or flooding, compromised gas lines or sewers, foundation or structural issues, or other serious issues affecting the habitability of a building. If the permit you鈥檙e filing is in response to an emergency event at your property, please contact dbi.emergencyresponse@sfgov.org for assistance.
• Occupational Licenses: A variety of occupations in the state are regulated and need to be registered before offering certain services. A few common professions that require licensing in California include; auto repair shops, cosmetologists, pest control, and many more.

More information regarding specific licenses:

For additional assistance, call the Consumer Information Center Contact: (800) 952-5210 || Hearing-impaired persons: 711, or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY)

California Relay Service Contact: 1-800-735-2922 (Voice)

• Transportation: The Department of Transportation has the discretionary authority to issue special permits for the movement of vehicles/loads exceeding statutory limitations on the size, weight, and loading of vehicles. Requests for such special permits require the completion of an application for a Transportation Permit.

For more info on different Transportation permits, visit the California Transportation operations Website:

• Sign Permit: The Planning Department regulates the types and sizes of signage in San Francisco.

To obtain permits to install or erect signs, the applicant shall complete Form 4/7, including the total job cost, and submit two sets of plans (minimum size 11鈥漻17鈥�). All plans shall be signed by the person preparing the plans. Form 4/7 shall be used for all signs including but not limited to signs attached to structures, monument signs, and post-mounted signs, except where noted elsewhere in this information sheet.

The plans shall indicate the aggregate signage area and shall include a plot plan, proposed front and side building elevations on scaled drawings, the exact location of the sign(s) horizontally and vertically on the building and on the lot unless painted or other non-structural sign. Sidewalk width and sign construction shall be shown as required. As per San Francisco Building Code Section 11B-202.4 exception 6, there is no requirement for a path of travel upgrades or DA checklist associated with the addition or replacement of signs.

Illumination details for signs, marquees, etc., and structural details shall also be shown including the method of attachment and the construction of the sign. Provide height of sign above ground and the projection in feet from the building.

Website:

Planning Department Contact: (415) 558-6377 or at the website

• Street Space Permit: A street space permit grants permission to temporarily occupy a portion of a public roadway or sidewalk for building construction and other construction-related work. Material and equipment may not occupy more than 1/3 of the roadway width and not more than 1/2 of the sidewalk width unless an additional street space permit is granted per Article 15, Section 724 Public Works Code. The street space permit fee calculator may be used to estimate the permit fee for your project.

A street space permit is required for any occupancy within the public right of way for construction and other purposes. Examples include:

1. New construction or major renovation of existing structures

2. Minor building repair including roofing, scaffolding, landscaping, etc. where the public street or sidewalk is occupied

3. Reserving parking in the street for use related improvements to the fronting private property

4. Placement of contractor offices, portable toilets, and/or equipment, debris boxes in the public right of way

Application: https://bsm.sfdpw.org/streetspacerequest/NewRequest.aspx

Website:

Contact: (628) 271-2000

Additional Resources

For more information and specifics on permits and licenses:

• CalGold 鈥� Provides information about other federal, state, or local government permits that may be required for your business. Website:

• Small Business Permit Assistance - Some businesses are eligible for a 30-day review for business permits under Proposition H. Prop H created this streamlined review and approval process for small business permits. Email: CPC.SmallBiz@sfgov.org || Website:

• San Francisco Business Portal || Permit Locator: Find and submit permits, licenses, and forms that apply to your business by trying the search field or drilling down by type. Website:

San Francisco Office of Small Business:

Small Business Assistance Center

• Labor requirements: Learn about regulations that help protect workers and about workers鈥� benefits. For more information:
• First Source Hiring Program: The First Source Hiring Program requires that developers, contractors, and employers utilize good faith efforts toward employing economically disadvantaged San Franciscan residents for entry-level positions on applicable projects. The Program provides a ready supply of qualified workers to employers with hiring needs, and it gives economically disadvantaged individuals the first opportunity to apply for entry-level jobs in San Francisco. Entry-level positions are defined as those requiring less than two years of training or specific preparation and shall include temporary and permanent jobs.
• Participate in the First Source Hiring Program if your business meets any one of the following three criteria:

1. Awarded a City of SF contract that's over $50,000
2. Lease space of any size from the City of San Francisco
3. Lease space of any size in any building that is over 25,000 square feet

• Email: business.services@sfgov.org
• Contact: martha.yanez@sfgov.org
• Website:

PRC

• PRC鈥檚 Workforce Development provides individualized employment services and a variety of vocational and skills-based training to low-income, health-challenged, and disabled adults who want to pursue their vocational interests, dignified work, expanding economic stability, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Contact: (415) 777 - 0333
• Website:

JobsNOW!

• Aims to provide support to businesses through the recruitment of new employees and reimbursement of wages for employees hired through JobsNOW!, meaning they鈥檒l pay for employees鈥� full salaries at no cost to you for the first three months. Over the second three months, a partial wage reimbursement will be provided. This flexible program allows for the hiring of new staff or rehiring of staff. In addition, access to a pre-screened pool of job applicants and advertising support for job openings will be provided.
• Website:

AlphaGraphics

Marketing and Printing Company

Business printing services offered:

• Printing of flyers, banners, posters, etc.,
• Manuals, Catalogs, folders of any type
• Signs can come in different types of materials (acrylic, aluminum, etc.) made for different types of surfaces (window, door, etc.)

Marketing services offered:

• Support in establishing brand or identity
• Graphic design
• Customer retention and reactivation
• Presence on social media and other media types

Contact: (415) 781-4910

Website:

San Francisco Media Group

Video production services and support to the production community, broadcasters, public relations, and corporate communication.

Services offered:

• Live stream production
• Film testimonial, corporate, advertising videos
• Graphics and post-production
• And more!

Contact: (415) 434-1027

E-mail: info@sfmediagroup.net

Website:

Essential 3 Consulting

Marketing consulting firm here to help You Build Valuable, Reliable Relationships with the Right Customers for Your Business.

Contact: (415) 579-2775

Website:

Small Business Exchange

SBE offers an effective, low-cost, customized marketing campaign service that gives small businesses an opportunity to effectively present themselves to a targeted market.

Reach your market through SBE鈥檚 4-step process:

1. Deliver your message through email, fax, or mail to a targeted market
2. Print and electronic advertising
3. Telephone follow-up
4. Reports

Customization Options:

• Message/Design Layout
• Press Releases
• Site Linking
• Website Hosting
• Web Banners
• Phone Apps

Contact: 415-778-6250听 触触听 Toll Free: 800-800-8534

Email: sbe@sbeinc.com

Website:

Gumas

A full-service branding, advertising, and interactive agency that offers research, strategy development, award-winning creative design, web development, digital media (including search, social media, and everything in between).

Contact: (415) 621-7575

Website:

Mackenzie Communications

A marketing communications firm. Provides strategic communications, media relations, branding design, and more provided.

Contact: (415) 403 - 0800

Email:听 蝉补谤补丑蔼尘补肠办别苍锄颈别蝉蹿.肠辞尘听

Website:

MEDA

Digital Opportunity Center

MEDA鈥檚 Digital Opportunity Center is a San Francisco CERTIPORT Microsoft Office Specialist Testing Center, offering Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2010 Specialist Exams. We have an open computer lab on Monday through Friday from 1 pm to 5 pm. People can also learn about low-cost internet and computer options.

Email: tech@medasf.org

Website:

Chamber Ambassadors Club

• No one makes more connections than Chamber Ambassadors! Ambassadors are member volunteers who help educate and engage new and prospective members, while actively extending their own business contacts and the visibility of their company.
• Only Chamber Members can join the Ambassadors Club.
• Contact: Michelle Londono, michelle@proactiveway.com

Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

• Organizes a variety of events for networking and learning opportunities. Coordinates with other organizations to partake in or promote events.
• Contact: info@rencenter.org || (415) 541-8580
• Website:

PCV: Small Business Support Circle

• Pacific Community Ventures is bringing together a rapidly growing coalition of companies and organizations invested in the success and resilience of small businesses across the United States. Members of the PCV Small Business Support Circle are helping to get millions of dollars of free advice into the hands of job-creating small business owners by leveraging and scaling PCV鈥檚 unique BusinessAdvising.org platform to provide small businesses the support they need to survive and thrive, pivot, and reopen safely.
• Contact: (415) 442-4300
• Website: