Blog
Apr 13

New Opportunities for Small Businesses!

SF Shines Grant for Design Services

The City has opened a new grant to fund design services for small businesses. This grant will give you access to a licensed architect who can help you get permit drawings for improvements to storefronts and interior modifications.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, until funds are exhausted.

Click HERE to apply.

Business owners must:

  • Have a storefront

  • Have less than $2.5M in gross revenue in their most recent tax return

  • Have an owner from a low or extremely-low income household or be a non-profit

Timeline:

  • You will be notified 30 days after you submit your application of your award status

  • There will most likely be wait times before an architect can begin to work with your business

  • The City will communicate wait time estimates to you once you receive your award letter

JobsNow! Six Month Wage Subsidy for New Employees

The City of SF’s JobsNOW! Program provides a reimbursement for new employees equal to 100% of wages for the first three months and 50% of wages for the next three months.

You can use this program to hire new employees or rehire employees laid off due to COVID19. You can select your employee choice to participate in the program or interview candidates provided through JOBsNOW!

Wages must be at minimum wage up to a maximum of $30/hour.

Participating businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • Adhere and abide by the City/County, State and Federal labor ordinances and laws

  • Have an active and valid business registration

  • Agree to pay payroll taxes

  • Complete a Host Site visit

  • Meet insurance requirements

  • Commit to retain employees once the subsidy ends

Employees must meet the following criteria:

  • San Francisco Resident

  • Unemployed / Underemployed

  • Enrolled in a CCSF Human Services Agency program or

  • Meet Eligible Income Criteria

  • Hires are not related by blood or marriage

Learn more about this program here.

If you are interested in applying, contact Aisha Brown, Employment and Training Specialist III, at aisha.brown@sfgov.org, or at (415) 401-4954.