SF Launches $6.3 Million in New Small Business Grants to Fill Vacant Storefronts

"The Storefront Opportunity Grant provides $50,000–$100,000 to a wide range of small businesses, including retail and personal services, food and cafe concepts, full-service restaurants and bars, and essential neighborhood amenities, like pharmacies, full-service grocery stores, and small business incubator kitchens."

"Eligible existing businesses must be in operation for three or more years with a lease in the Tenderloin, Excelsior, or Visitacion Valley that was signed beginning October 1, 2025 or later. For new businesses, no lease is required, and eligible neighborhoods include Bayview, Chinatown, Downtown, Western Addition/Fillmore, Mid-Market, the Mission, and along the Port."

"The SF Shines Equipment Grant provides up to $10,000 for equipment purchases that are essential to operations. Eligibility is offered to businesses that need support at various stages, including the growth, maintenance, and compliance phases."

San Francisco's Office of Economic and Workforce Development launched $6.3 million in funding through two grant programs to address vacant storefronts in underserved neighborhoods. The Storefront Opportunity Grant provides $50,000-$100,000 to retail, food service, restaurants, bars, and essential amenities like pharmacies and grocery stores. New businesses can apply without existing leases in neighborhoods including Bayview, Chinatown, Downtown, and the Mission. Existing businesses must operate for three or more years with leases signed after October 1, 2025 in Tenderloin, Excelsior, or Visitacion Valley. The SF Shines Equipment Grant offers up to $10,000 for essential operational equipment to businesses in growth, maintenance, and compliance phases. Key application deadlines are May 29 and March 6.

Read at sfist.com