San Francisco Sun

San Francisco, CA – Mayor London N. Breed has announced the completion of the City’s first round of small business relief grants distributed to merchants affected by the SFMTA L Taraval Improvement Project. In February 2024, Mayor Breed, with support from Supervisors Joel Engardio and Myrna Melgar, allocated $1 million to the Office of Economic & Workforce Development (OEWD) for a small business grant program aimed at those impacted by the project.

The initial distribution provided 150 small businesses with up to $5,000 each to help mitigate construction impacts from Segment B of the L Taraval improvement project, which extended along Taraval Street from Sunset Blvd through the intersection of 15th Ave.

"The L Taraval Project is critical to maintain our City's public transportation infrastructure and improve safety and access to a vital neighborhood," said Mayor London Breed. "We also understand that impacts caused by construction were challenging for our local merchants. Our small businesses are the backbone of San Francisco, and we will continue to support this community with every resource we have available to us. I want to thank the community and residents along Taraval, in and around the construction areas, for their patience and commitment to the Sunset neighborhood throughout the duration of this needed improvement project that will ultimately enhance the neighborhood with more accessible transit options."

"I believe Taraval and the Sunset is poised for a renaissance. But first we need to take care of the businesses who suffered through the worst of this once-in-a-century infrastructure replacement project," said Supervisor Joel Engardio, who represents the Sunset district. "While the construction was necessary, small businesses need protection because they are essential to our local economy. That’s why I support creating a dedicated relief fund for future infrastructure projects that can offer small businesses a lifeline to get them through disruptions we know will happen."

"Our westside neighborhoods and their small businesses are quintessential San Francisco charm, but investing in our City's essential infrastructure shouldn't come at the expense of these small businesses,” said Supervisor Myrna Melgar. “This new funding ensures that we can keep trains moving, roads paved, and shops full of happy customers. As our City continues to grow and evolve, I am committed to mitigating any impacts and investing in our westside neighborhoods."

“Earlier this year, I had the pleasure to meet with Mayor Breed to advocate for resources supporting merchants along Taraval,” said Ed Siu, President of Chinatown Merchants United Association of San Francisco – Sunset Branch. “I want to thank the Mayor for her leadership and responsiveness in making sure that grant funding was distributed equitably among merchants.”

“These grants by Mayor Breed have been helpful to our merchants,” said Albert Chow, President of People of Parkside. “I am especially excited about the future for Taraval and the Sunset District. With all events we are hosting, people will have a great time exploring what Taraval Street and Sunset have to offer!”

“I want to thank Mayor Breed for her leadership in making these relief grants a reality,” said Lokwan Lei, Owner of Smile House Cafe. “Operating my restaurant on Taraval Street since before construction began has been challenging; this relief grant will help cover some operating costs as construction wraps up.”

The L-Taraval Improvement Project commenced in 2019 and is scheduled for completion on time and on budget in late September 2024. OEWD will continue providing assistance through support services and retail campaigns such as Shop Dine SF Taraval and Take Time For Taraval.

Other events curated in partnership with Taraval merchants later this year include Movies at McCoppin during Fridays in October and holiday events alongside three scheduled night markets celebrating culinary art, cultural heritage, and community resilience.

In partnership with Self Help for the Elderly, OEWD is launching Craving Sunset across all commercial corridors like Noriega Street, Vicente Street, Irving Street besides Taraval Street aiming increased exposure during highly anticipated Sunset Night Markets on August 30th and September 27th.

Mayor Breed has spearheaded significant changes facilitating easier operation openings within San Francisco including Prop H passage (2020), Small Business Recovery Act (2021), First Year Free program extension till June 30th 2025 waiving initial permit/license/business registration fees benefiting approximately over 7k+ entities saving $3m+, establishment New Permit Center consolidating various permitting agencies under one roof ensuring efficient applicant service alongside recent legislative amendments reducing architectural drawing submission requirements easing transition between business types saving average $10k/avoiding months-long procedural delays further simplifying overall permitting process enabling thriving local commerce ecosystem.

“The Office Economic Workforce Development stands ready helping businesses thrive” says Sarah Dennis Phillips Executive Director Office Economic Workforce Development adding continuous identification/implementation supportive measures/process improvements/code changes welcoming opening/running ventures seamlessly across city domains respectively financial aid opportunities via OEWD/Office Small Business accessible detailed portal links specified accordingly additional online channels provisioned ensuring maximum outreach effectively aiding aspiring entrepreneurs collectively towards realizing ambitions fostering vibrant economic landscape holistically.”