SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Joined by members of the Small Business Commission, Mayor Newsom today announced the opening of the Small Business Assistance Center. The center will be lead by Director Brajah Norris and dedicated to serving the needs of small businesses in San Francisco with fewer than 100 employees.
Because of the sometimes tedious steps needed to open or expand a business in San Francisco and the myriad of agencies that must often be contacted when locating here, the Small Business Assistance Center will serve as the City´s central point of information and assistance for all city-related small business needs.
"In recent months, the City has asked a lot of our local business community," said Mayor Newsom. "Make no mistake about it - as a former small business owner in San Francisco, I can assure you that the Small Business Assistance Center will prove to be a great asset to any up and coming business."
"With small business accounting for over 85% of all San Francisco businesses, the new Small Business Assistance Center is a welcomed resource that directly benefits our small business community," said Director Brajah Norris. "Customer service is a top priority of the Small Business Assistance Center, and we look forward to working with and assisting the
small business community."
Located on the first floor of City Hall in Room 110 of the Treasurer/Tax Collector´s Office, the center will be staffed by highly trained and dedicated case managers responsible for assessing business needs and providing targeted one-on-one assistance in the following 5 key areas:
Business Start-up/Expansion – case managers will assist businesses
in obtaining necessary licenses and registration, accessing financial
resources, and coordinating technical assistance and business advice.
Permit Assistance – case managers will assist businesses in
navigating the permitting process at DBI, Planning, DPH, etc., will
trouble-shoot permit related issues and help coordinate the permit
process among multiple agencies.
Procurement – case managers will help businesses become certified
to do business with the City of San Francisco and provide guidance on
how to bid on government contracts.
Compliance with Government Laws and Regulations – case managers
will provide accurate and detailed information regarding complying
with local, state and federal business laws, including the Minimum
Wage, Paid Sick Leave and Health Access Program ordinances.
Resource Referrals – case managers will connect businesses to City
services, merchant associations and trade organizations, as well as
nonprofit and private sector resources.
Services will be available by phone, walk-in, or by appointment. Spanish and Chinese language assistance will also be available. After hours appointments will be available by request. For additional information and assistance, the staff of the Small Business Assistance Center can be contacted directly at (415) 554-6134 or by calling 3-1-1.
The Opening of the Small Business Assistance Center also coincides with the kickoff of Small Business Week in San Francisco (May 12-17, 2008). Small Business Week is a week-long celebration of the contributions that local, small businesses make to the economy in San Francisco.
The Office of Small Business and the Small Business Assistance Center was established by passage of Proposition I on the November 2007 ballot.
Because of the sometimes tedious steps needed to open or expand a business in San Francisco and the myriad of agencies that must often be contacted when locating here, the Small Business Assistance Center will serve as the City´s central point of information and assistance for all city-related small business needs.
"In recent months, the City has asked a lot of our local business community," said Mayor Newsom. "Make no mistake about it - as a former small business owner in San Francisco, I can assure you that the Small Business Assistance Center will prove to be a great asset to any up and coming business."
"With small business accounting for over 85% of all San Francisco businesses, the new Small Business Assistance Center is a welcomed resource that directly benefits our small business community," said Director Brajah Norris. "Customer service is a top priority of the Small Business Assistance Center, and we look forward to working with and assisting the
small business community."
Located on the first floor of City Hall in Room 110 of the Treasurer/Tax Collector´s Office, the center will be staffed by highly trained and dedicated case managers responsible for assessing business needs and providing targeted one-on-one assistance in the following 5 key areas:
Business Start-up/Expansion – case managers will assist businesses
in obtaining necessary licenses and registration, accessing financial
resources, and coordinating technical assistance and business advice.
Permit Assistance – case managers will assist businesses in
navigating the permitting process at DBI, Planning, DPH, etc., will
trouble-shoot permit related issues and help coordinate the permit
process among multiple agencies.
Procurement – case managers will help businesses become certified
to do business with the City of San Francisco and provide guidance on
how to bid on government contracts.
Compliance with Government Laws and Regulations – case managers
will provide accurate and detailed information regarding complying
with local, state and federal business laws, including the Minimum
Wage, Paid Sick Leave and Health Access Program ordinances.
Resource Referrals – case managers will connect businesses to City
services, merchant associations and trade organizations, as well as
nonprofit and private sector resources.
Services will be available by phone, walk-in, or by appointment. Spanish and Chinese language assistance will also be available. After hours appointments will be available by request. For additional information and assistance, the staff of the Small Business Assistance Center can be contacted directly at (415) 554-6134 or by calling 3-1-1.
The Opening of the Small Business Assistance Center also coincides with the kickoff of Small Business Week in San Francisco (May 12-17, 2008). Small Business Week is a week-long celebration of the contributions that local, small businesses make to the economy in San Francisco.
The Office of Small Business and the Small Business Assistance Center was established by passage of Proposition I on the November 2007 ballot.
