Board of Supervisors allocates $500,000 for legacy business program support

The City of San Francisco has taken a significant step to support its legacy businesses by approving an additional $500,000 in funding from the Board of Supervisors. Of this amount, $400,000 is earmarked for qualifying small businesses, while the remaining $100,000 will fund a new hire aimed at expediting the review process for legacy business applications.

This funding boost is expected to provide much-needed support to existing qualifying businesses, enhancing their physical presence and operational capabilities. The Office of Small Business will be responsible for administering a new grant program for the $400,000, alongside ongoing promotional projects designed to elevate the visibility of legacy businesses. These projects include a digital marketing campaign in partnership with Design Media and the creation of bronze plaques through Priority Architectural Graphics.

However, the Office of Small Business will temporarily pause the review of new legacy business applications to manage the increased workload associated with the new grant distribution and the backlog of plaque requests. The hiring of the new staff member is anticipated by the end of 2021, which will help alleviate the backlog and allow for a more efficient review process moving forward.

As the city prepares for the influx of new applications once the review process resumes, the Office of Small Business is optimistic about receiving a higher volume of applications per batch. This initiative not only aims to support current legacy businesses but also to streamline the process for future applicants, ensuring the continued growth and sustainability of San Francisco's unique business landscape.