San Francisco Sun

Today, Mayor London N. Breed announced the recipients of the SF Shines Storefront Improvement Program grants for this year. Administered by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD), over 50 small businesses will receive more than $350,000 to enhance their storefronts and purchase equipment. The program is set to accept new applications in January 2025.

SF Shines offers up to $10,000 to small businesses for physical improvements aimed at reducing crime vulnerability, attracting foot traffic, ensuring compliance with city requirements, and stimulating economic growth across San Francisco neighborhoods. Since its inception in 2022, it has awarded over $3.7 million to around 960 businesses.

"San Francisco’s small businesses are at the center of what drives our economy and what makes our City so special," said Mayor London Breed. "SF Shines has awarded nearly $4 million in grants for hundreds of small businesses, but this is just one of many resources available for our small business community."

The program has been a crucial resource for various small businesses to expand offerings and improve operations. Mayor Breed allocated $5.9 million in the city's budget to support SF Shines and assist over 300 small businesses this fiscal year.

“SF Shines supports economic growth by supporting existing businesses in San Francisco’s neighborhoods,” stated Sarah Dennis Philips, Director of OEWD.

Isai Cuevas, owner of Donaji in the Mission District, expressed gratitude: “SF shines has come through for us when our business was needing it the most.” Onur Ozkaynak from Cha Cha Cha and Oz Pizza echoed similar sentiments about receiving grant support.

Michelle Hernandez from Le Dix-Sept Pâtisserie highlighted the importance of such grants amid challenges like inflation. David Huang from Hong Kong Bakery plans to use his grant for a new commercial freezer.

To date, Mayor Breed's administration has directed over $115 million into local small business investments through various initiatives beyond SF Shines.

In November, several additional initiatives were announced:

- Expansion of Vacant to Vibrant Pop-Ups: A two-year expansion supported by a $3 million investment.

- New Downtown SF Vibrancy Loan Fund: Provides loans up to $100,000 with an interest rate of 4%.

- New Open Downtown Grant: Offers up to $25,000 for businesses moving downtown.

- Expansion of Vandalism and Fire Relief: Includes funds for unexpected expenses due to vandalism or fire damage.

Katy Tang from the Office of Small Business emphasized their readiness to support entrepreneurs with case managers and advisors.

The OEWD will open another round of applications for SF Shines in January 2025. For more information on city grant programs or updates, visit sf.gov/SmallBusinessGrants.

Other measures include tax reforms approved by voters under Proposition M and fee reductions like waiving first-year fees under the First Year Free program since 2021.

Efforts have also been made toward cutting red tape with legislative changes easing restrictions on business operations and simplifying permitting processes initiated by Mayor Breed since 2020.