San Francisco Sun

The Legacy Business Program, an initiative under the San Francisco Office of Small Business, continues to expand its efforts in supporting and promoting small businesses. This pioneering program, established in 2015, has added 416 businesses to its registry.

Recent additions to the Legacy Business Registry include Bissap Baobab, Bob’s Donuts and Pastries, Christopher’s Books, El Faro Restaurant, The Fly Trap, Gallery 444, Java Beach Café, Joanne's Beauty Boutique, Lien Ying Tai Chi Chuan Academy, MPA Design, The Ramp Restaurant, Roberts Corned Meats, Rocco’s Cafe, and The Verdi Club.

Several notable developments have been highlighted in the press:

- A bakery in San Francisco's Japantown celebrates its 50th anniversary. "A Japanese-American bakery in San Francisco and its famous coffee crunch cake turn 50 years old this year." (CBS News Bay Area)

- Anchor Brewing has been sold to Chobani yogurt king. "After its abrupt closure last July shocked city beer fanatics—and led to a run on the dwindling supply of the brewery’s products—the historic San Francisco Anchor Brewing finally has a new buyer and a real chance at revival." (The San Francisco Standard)

- Little Original Joe's has opened a new location in San Francisco. "San Francisco's famed Original Joe's is expanding its culinary footprint once again with the grand opening of Little Original Joe’s in the Marina District." (Hoodline)

The Legacy Business Passport campaign began on May 1 and will run through December 20. Residents and visitors are encouraged to collect stamps from nearly 80 participating Legacy Businesses for a chance to win prizes. Booklets are available for free.

Heritage Happy Hours continue on the second Thursday of each month from 5-7 pm at various registered Legacy Business bars. Upcoming events include gatherings at Elixir on September 12 and The Blue Light on October 10.

The Office of Small Business offers leasing assistance for small businesses seeking locations or needing help with existing leases. For more information or assistance:

Email: sfosb@sfgov.org

Call: 628-652-4949

Schedule an appointment: https://sf.gov/commercialspaces

Businesses must file “Beneficial Ownership Information” with the federal government by January 1, 2025. Sole proprietors and non-profits may be exempt. The SF Small Business Development Center offers advisory services for filing assistance.

The Office of Economic & Workforce Development provides hiring services through their Employer Services team. These services support bilingual and monolingual employers and employees.

In legal services:

- AIDS Legal Referral Panel supports people living with HIV/AIDS.

- La Raza Centro Legal provides legal representation to low-income immigrant families.

- Legal Assistance to the Elderly ensures seniors and adults with disabilities can exercise their legal rights.