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City & County of San Francisco
Office of Small Business Presents
SMALL BUSINESS BULLETIN
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O C T O B E R , 2 0 1 0
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Dear Mike,
Mayor Newsom recently announced new City incentives to keep people employed through a local Jobs Now! program. Find out how you can participate in the News & Announcements section. The Small Business Commission (SBC) would like to congratulate Lush Lounge as the September recipient of the Small Business Award.
Sincerely,
Office of Small Business Staff
  
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News & Announcements |
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• Mayor Newsom Announces New City Incentives to Keep People Employed Through Local Jobs Now! Program
The City’s proposed modified version of the Jobs NOW! program would provide private sector employers who qualify with a $2,500 wage subsidy for each new hire, with a goal of placing up to 1,740 Jobs NOW! workers who lose their jobs after September 30th with a new employer through at least the remainder of the current fiscal year (through June 30, 2011). Employers who have already received a subsidy through the Jobs NOW! program will only be eligible for a new subsidy if they retain their original hires. Interested employers should call 1-877-JOB1-NOW or 311 for more information.
• Mayor Newsom Vetoes Alcohol Recovery Fee
Due to the outpouring of opposition by the small business community, Mayor Newsom vetoed the proposed "Alcohol Recovery Fee," recently passed at the Board of Supervisors, which would have leveled a fee on all alcohol sold in San Francisco. The Mayor, along with Supervisors Chu, Dufty and Elsbernd, agreed with small businesses that this fee would have hurt the economy and cost jobs. The voices of dozens of small business owners made a difference by providing written testimony, testifying at meetings, and meeting in person with their Supervisors, articulating how this fee would have negatively impacted their business and the jobs they provide. The Small Business Commission recognizes all of the businesses that spoke out on this issue and helped prove that the small business community is a powerful voice at City Hall. Click here to view the SBC's formal response to this fee.
• Energy Watch Neighborhood Campaign - District 5
Be on the lookout! Representatives from SF Environment, in collaboration with PG&E, will be visiting the neighborhoods of Cole Valley, Divisadero Corridor, Haight/Ashbury, Lower Haight, Hayes Valley, Inner Sunset, Fillmore District, and Japantown to help businesses cut energy costs through the San Francisco Energy Watch Program. For more information about San Francisco Energy Watch, or to schedule an appointment for a free on-site assessment to identify energy savings, call the San Francisco Energy Watch hotline at 415.355.3717 or visit www.sfenergywatch.org.
• Promote Your Business this Holiday Season with "Shop SF - Get More"
We invite you to participate in the 3rd annual, “Shop SF – Get More” campaign. This is a city-wide promotion designed to encourage residents of San Francisco and the entire Bay Area to shop, dine, play and stay in San Francisco this winter. Participation is free and open to all businesses located in San Francisco. These offers, plus holiday events and hotel promotions will be widely promoted in a joint effort between the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Mayor’s Office of Economic & Workforce Development, the Office of Small Business, the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency, BART and others. Enter your offer today at www.onlyinsanfrancisco.com/shopsfregister. The earlier you register, the more promotion your offer will receive!
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SBAC Connection |
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• Update on Smoking Legislation
Effective now: The San Francisco Health Code mandates that smoking is only permitted at the curb or at least 15 feet away from exits, entrances, and operable windows. All businesses with exterior entrances are required to post a sign with this information. To request a sign, or for more information on sign requirements, please contact the Tobacco Free Project at 1-800-662-888. The Small Business Assistance Center also has signs available for pickup. Effective October 24, 2010, smoking will no longer be permitted in outdoor dining areas of restaurants. For more information on compliance related issues, contact the Department of Public Health's Environment Health Section at smoke_free.DPH@sfdph.org or 415-252-3903.
• Mega Construction/Mega Connection
This event will feature the project sponsors and ALL prime contractors of the 9 largest construction projects going on in San Francisco. The goal is to provide local, small and disadvantaged business an opportunity to participate in these mega construction projects. This event is sponsored by Supervisor Bevan Dufty and the Mayor's Office of Economic and Workforce Development. Projects include: Doyle Drive Replacement Project, SFPUC Capital Improvement Program, SFMTA - Central Subway, Treasure Island, TJPA - Transbay Transit Center, High Speed Rail, CPMC/St. Luke’s Hospital Projects, San Francisco General Hospital, and Hunters Point Shipyard. Date: 10/27/10, Time: 5-7:30PM, Location: SF Design Center, 101 Henry Adams St, San Francisco, CA 94103, Contact: Lynn Van Winkle, Pendergast Consulting Group, 415-806-6005 direct, www.pendergastconsultinggroup.com. Check www.sfgov.org/osb after 10/9/10 for a complete list of participants.
• IRS Small Business Health Care Tax Credit for Small Employers
Millions of small employers received postcards from the IRS beginning in April that alerted them to the new Small Business Health Care Tax Credit and encouraged them to check their eligibility. Even if you didn't receive a postcard, your business still may be eligible. Click here for details on the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
• "How to Start a Business in San Francisco" Booklet Now Available
The Small Business Assistance Center has recently updated its "How to Start a Business in San Francisco" booklet. Hardcopies are available at the SBAC, at City Hall, Room 110, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, 94102. An electronic version is available by clicking here. Chinese and Spanish versions will be available soon.
• Important Notice About New SBAC Office Hours
The Small Business Assistance Center (SBAC) provides one-on-one counseling by appointment or walk-in from Monday - Thursday, 8AM - 5PM. Beginning Friday, September 10, 2010, and every Friday thereafter, the SBAC will provide counseling by appointment only.
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Small Business Commission Corner |
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• Next Small Business Commission Meeting (10/4, Room 408)
Due to the Columbus Day holiday, the Small Business Commission will be meeting on Monday, October 4th in Room 408, at 5:30PM. The SBC will resume our normal schedule, meeting on the second Monday of each month in Room 400, at our November meeting. The agenda will be available on the Commission website at www.sfgov.org/sbc. Please note that this meeting will not be televised.
• Recommend a City Employee Who Demonstrates Commitment to the Success of Small Businesses
The Small Business Commission established a recognition program for City employees who demonstrate commitment to the success of small businesses. The Commission is accepting nominations by members of the business community on an on-going basis. The SBC's Outreach Committee will review nominations and select an awardee to be recognized at our monthly Commission meetings. Visit the Commission website for the program criteria and to submit nominations.
• Small Business Commission Recognizes Lush Lounge as the September Recipient of the Small Business Award
The SBC is proud to acknowledge the contributions that Lush Lounge has made to the vitality of San Francisco. The Lush Lounge has been a strong contributor to the revitalization of the Lower Polk Street neighborhood and has become an integral part of the neighborhood character. They are an example of how a nightlife destination can bring a positive presence to a business corridor by actively participating in safety programs to keep the neighborhood safe. The Commission also recognizes Steve Black, the proprietor of Lush Lounge, for instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in his employees and managers, several having gone on to own a share in this lounge or other businesses that Mr. Black has started. The SBC is honored to recognize Lush Lounge for their over 10 years of service to San Francisco.
*Please contact Chris Schulman, Small Business Commission Secretary by email at chris.schulman@sfgov.org, or by phone at 415.554.6408 with questions, comments, or feedback regarding legislations and how they affect your small business.
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Upcoming Events |
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• MON. 10/4 - Small Business Commission Meeting (10/4, Room 408)
5:30 PM, City Hall, Room 408: Meeting Agenda Please note that this meeting will not be televised.
• TUE. 10/5 - LGBT Business Plan Loan Factory Workshop Series - FREE
This workshop series will help you get a loan for your small business. The program is free, but space is limited! 5-week series begins on Tuesday, Oct 5th, 2010 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. (Mornings). RSVP to Traceyw@sfcenter.org or 415-865-5611.
• THU. 10/14 - San Francisco Council of District Merchants Associations Annual Awards Dinner
SFCDMA Annual Awards Dinner, Thursday October 14th, 2010, Patio Espanol Restaurant: 2850 Alemany Boulevard, San Francisco, CA 94112 www.patioespanol.com Individual tickets are $95. Guest speaker: Police Chief George Gascon.
• TUE. 10/19 - Commuter Benefits Workshop for Business Owners - FREE
Come join us on Tuesday, October 19th from 11:30am-1:30pm at the beautiful Ferry Building for our free Commuter Benefits Workshop. With a view of the San Francisco Bay as your backdrop, enjoy a complimentary lunch and receive all the tools necessary to start offering Commuter Benefits, a pre-tax transit benefit allowing employees to save money on their transit costs. Space is limited! Register today!
• WED. 10/20, 11/17 - FREE Legal Office Hours: 20-Minute Sessions with a Lawyer
WHERE: West Bay Conference Center 1290 Fillmore Street at Eddy. Presented by: Leslie Keil and Scott Smith. Through "Legal Office Hours," clients can make an appointment with Urban Solutions for a 20-minute session with a lawyer from Hanson Bridgett. The lawyers will be available to discuss your business transactions, common legal terms used in the business world, and the impact of your business decisions on your legal rights and obligations. CALL (415) 553-4433 ext 114 or email info@urbansolutionssf.org with questions or to reserve a spot. Attorneys will not be able to address threatened or pending litigation.
• THU. 10/21 - FREE Basic Sales and Use Tax Workshop in Chinese (SF) & Spanish (Oakland)
This workshop will assist you in either preparing your sales and use tax information in order to file electronically (eFile) with the Board, or file a paper return. Participants are encouraged to bring in their questions and documentation pertaining to the upcoming return period. For more information or to RSVP please contact the corresponding telephone number or visit our website at www.boe.ca.gov.
• SAT. 10/23 - Biz Tech Day San Francisco
BizTechDay is a conference where inspiring entrepreneurs share impactful business ideas and technology strategies. It is where you will meet someone who will change your business. Click here for more information and to purchase tickets.
• WED. 10/27 - Mega Construction/Mega Connection
Time: 5-7:30PM, Location: SF Design Center, 101 Henry Adams St, San Francisco, CA 94103, Contact: Lynn Van Winkle, Pendergast Consulting Group, 415-806-6005 direct, www.pendergastconsultinggroup.com Click here for more information.
• TUE. 11/2 - How to Start Your Own Business (English with Chinese Translation)
Presented By: CNSC & SEACC, Time : 5:30pm to 7:00pm, Location: Chinese Newcomers Service Center, 777 Stockton Street, Suite 108, San Francisco, CA 94108, Guest Speaker:
Victor Hsi, translation & light refreshments provided, pre-registration and initial assessments are necessary. For more information, please contact Ms. Yan at CNSC 415-421-2111 ext 692
• SAT. 11/6 - 2nd Annual Access to Capital Business Expo
8am - 2:30pm, Hyatt Regency, Five Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, CA 94111. Click here for details and to register.
- Discuss your financing needs in a one-on-one consultation with a loan officer
- Obtain information from business resource providers & lenders
- Attend workshops conducted by panels of experts
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RFPs & Contracting Opportunities |
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• NEW! Parklets RFP (Due 10/18/10, 5PM)
Click here for details.
• NEW! Rec & Park: Pushcart Concessions in SF Parks RFP (Accepting proposals on a rolling basis)
Click here for details.
• NEW! SFO: Mobile Catering Truck Request for Bid (Due 11/17/10, 10:00AM)
Click here for details.
• NEW! Mega Construction/Mega Connection:
Click here for details.
• Learn How To Do Business with the City of SF! Free Weekly Workshops Presented by the SF Human Rights Commission
The workshops are FREE and held EACH WEDNESDAY of the month at 1485 Bayshore Blvd, San Francisco, CA 94124. Reservations are not required, but highly recommended. Click here for details.
• Doyle Drive Reconstruction Project - Small Business Opportunities
Visit http://www.presidioparkway.org/contractors/small_business_opportunities.aspx
• City and County of San Francisco Contracting Opportunities
Visit www.sfgov.org/oca and click on Bids and Contracts Database and Required Vendor Forms.
• City and County of San Francisco Surety Bond & Finance Program
For more information, contact: Nancy Owens, Merriwether & Williams Insurance Services, 417 Montgomery Street, Suite 200, San Francisco, CA 94104. Phone: 415 986-3999 www.imwis.com
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Resources & Workshops |
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Remember to Shop Local in San Francisco!
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Contact Us:
Small Business Assistance Center
City Hall, Room 110
1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102
Monday through Friday, 8AM to 5PM.
Phone: 415-554-6134
Website: http://www.sfgov.org/sbac
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