The Office of Small Business hosts and co-sponsors events and activities every year to promote and retain small businesses in San Francisco. Here are a few of our annual programs.
Small Business Week 2012 Successfully Salutes the Heroes of Our Economy
San Francisco’s 8th Annual Small Business Week was once again the largest of such celebrations throughout the country, and the largest in its 8-year history! More than 4,000 small business owners participated in a wide range of networking and educational events throughout the City during the week of May 14-20. Since 99% of all businesses in San Francisco are small businesses and new startups, the week-long celebration was a way to give back to the small business community that is such a vital part of our economy.
San Francisco Small Business Week 2012 began at the “Flavors of San Francisco” gala with over 1,700 small business owners and community leaders in attendance. Local restaurants and various food and drink vendors provided attendees with delicious bites and samples. City, State and Federal government agencies, along with local nonprofits and neighborhood organizations that assist small businesses were all present to provide small business resources. Attendees walked away with a taste of the "Flavors of San Francisco" and new business contacts to help them succeed.
Mayor Edwin Lee and other small business leaders recognized several small businesses for their innovation and contributions to San Francisco at a special awards ceremony and reception at Recology. Mayor Lee selected Sunset Shapers as this year's recipient of the Small Business Week Award and presented them with a certificate at the ceremony. Urban Bazaar, a client of the Office of Small Business, was chosen by the San Francisco Economic Development Alliance as the recipient of the Micro Enterprise Award. Wells Fargo provided grants to several businesses in San Francisco for the "Small Business Neighborhood Renovation Project" and selected G&K Grocery from Visitacion Valley as the best renovated small business of San Francisco. Congratulations to all of this year's honorees!
Later in the week, over 1,900 small business owners and entrepreneurs participated in the Small Business Conference, a full day of 50 free workshops and seminars designed specifically for their needs. Attendees learned how to start a mobile food business, tap into tourism, do business with China, build a successful brand, finance their business, etc. The Conference also provided an expo filled with small business resources.
Small Business Week 2012 concluded with the MEGA Make Contact LGBT Mixer and the San Francisco Economic Development Alliance (SFEDA) Small Business Week Mixer. These fun and festive networking events were a great way for small business owners to connect.
If you were unable to join us this year, please click here to sign up for information about next year's festivities and other important small business news and announcements.
As we look forward to the 2013 Small Business Week, the Office of Small Business would like to remind everyone to continue to support our local small businesses throughout the year!
Small Businesses Honored by Mayor and Board of Supervisors During 2012 Small Business Week
The Office of Small Business, as part of Small Business Week, celebrated the 3rd annual San Francisco Small Business Week Honoree Ceremony during a recent Board of Supervisors meeting. This year’s thirteen honorees, chosen by Mayor Ed Lee and each member of the Board of Supervisors, represent a diverse cross-section of the City and truly embody the theme of Small Business Week, “Saluting the Heroes of our Economy.”
- Businesses recognized included:
- Sunset Shapers- Mayor Edwin M. Lee
- Taishan Cafe- Supervisor Eric Mar
- Marina Times- Supervisor Mark Farrell
- Swan Oyster Depot- Supervisor David Chiu
- Polly Ann Ice Cream- Supervisor Carmen Chu
- The Booksmith- Supervisor Christina Olague
- Shoe Biz- Supervisor Christina Olague
- Turtle Tower Restaurant- Supervisor Jane Kim
- Round Table Pizza (Portola)- Supervisor Sean Elsbernd
- Canyon Market- Supervisor Scott Wiener
- El Rio- Supervisor David Campos
- Christopher’s Books- Supervisor Malia Cohen
- Henry's Hunan Restaurant- Supervisor John Avalos
Click here for photos of this year's honorees.
Small Business Assistance Center, City Hall, Room 110, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-554-6134 Office Hours: M-F 8 AM - 5 PM
