Join Our Email List Email:

IN THE NEWS

SAN FRANCISCO SMALL BUSINESS LOAN FUND UPDATE
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – In response to the ongoing credit crisis, Mayor Gavin Newsom announced that TMC Development Working Solutions (Working Solutions) has been selected to work with the City and County of San Francisco to administer the city's new Small Business Revolving Loan Fund (RLF).  RLF microloans will be available starting April 15!

The RLF will provide microloans of up to $50,000 to small businesses operating in San Francisco that create and retain jobs for low-to-moderate income San Francisco residents.  RLF microloan interest rates will range from 4% to 6% with a loan term not to exceed 5 years.  A total of $800,000 in Federal funds will be given to Working Solutions to administer the program over the next two years, with the possibility of additional Federal funds being added.  In addition, Working Solutions plans to leverage the city's funds with up to $1 million in private capital.

For more information, contact a Working Solutions representative at 415-655-5472 or visit the Working Solutions website http://www.tmcworkingsolutions.org/.  Working Solutions plans to offer Chinese and Spanish language capacity.

Health Care Security Ordinance Compliance Deadline

The Annual Reporting Form (ARF) for 2008 has been mailed to all registered businesses that may be covered by the HCSO.  Only covered employers are required to return the ARF; self-employed individuals, independent contractors, and employers with 19 or fewer employees total (including any employees located outside of SF) are not covered by the HCSO and should NOT return the ARF.  (If your business is not covered by the HCSO, be sure to answer questions B & C on your annual Business Registration Renewal to avoid receiving the mailing again next year.)  If you have not received your ARF, you can also download it from the Office of Labor Standards Enforcement's (OLSE) website as a fillable PDF.  NOTE: Only ONE form needs to be returned.  If you print the form from the website, do not return the form that is mailed to you. 

· Filing is due April 30, 2009. 

· For questions about the HCSO and the ARF, call the OLSE at 554-7892.

Form I-9 Update

Effective April 3, 2009, businesses will be required to use an updated version of Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification. The new form reflects changes to the list of documents acceptable for Form I-9.  For more information, go to www.uscis.gov/  . 

Sales and Use Tax Increase FAQ's by .boe.ca.gov:

Valencia Street Vacancies Grow

As reported by Mission Local, there are a variety of reasons for the vacant storefronts along Valencia Street.  Read more here:  http://missionlocal.org/2009/03/many-stories-lie-behind-valencias-vacancies/.

SAVE THE DATES

Planning Commission Workshop Regarding the Eastern Neighborhoods Plan

April 14^th, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Women's Building in the Audre Lorde room
3543 18th Street between Valencia and Guerrero Streets

This important meeting will regard the building heights along Mission Street.  There is a proposal to increase the current height limits from 55-65 ft. to 85 ft. 

ANTI-GRAFFITI SUPER HUDDLE, April 23, 2:45-6:00 p.m., Hilton, Financial District

At the Huddle, you will receive information about the City's campaign to defeat graffiti vandalism and learn how to get involved.  The event will feature guest speakers, neighborhood resource tables, and a social hour where you will meet others who share your concerns and who want to take action.  The City has adopted a zero tolerance policy toward graffiti, and agencies like DPW, MUNI, Recreation and Parks and the School District, are working hard to keep public streets, parks, schools, buildings and buses free of graffiti tagging.  San Francisco property owners have been doing their part by quickly removing graffiti to keep it from spreading.  There are also hundreds of residents throughout the City who volunteer to remove graffiti in their neighborhoods.  You can register on-line at zerograffitisf.org  or call 415-641-2600 to receive additional information about the Anti-Graffiti Super Huddle. 

Make Me a Match! Procurement Summit
Friday, May 15, 2009
Westin St. Francis, 8:00AM - 11:30AM
Need more business? Then don't miss Make Me a Match!, NAWBO-SFBA's groundbreaking event matching women business owners with corporations as well as their Prime Suppliers to potentially secure contracts. Prior to the event day, registrants will be interviewed and evaluated by a diversity expert to ensure the most successful matches.  In addition to one-on-one appointments with your matches, Educational and Networking Roundtables will take place at the event. Learn more and sign up  today – the deadline is April 1!
Leaders & Legends 25th Anniversary Event
Friday, May 15, 2009
Westin St. Francis, 12:00PM -  2:00PM
NAWBO's premier event turns 25 this year! Come and help us celebrate the best and brightest women business owners in the Bay Area at the annual Women Entrepreneurs of the Year Awards and Leaders & Legends luncheon. You'll have time to network and get inspired by this year's amazing honorees whose businesses are shaping the future of the Bay Area.  Meet the winners and register now!  Learn more and register for these great events at http://www.nawbo-sfba.org/

Conference on Microfinance in California, Thursday, May 28, Stanford University      Urban Solutions is partnering with Microfinance California 2009 - the first statewide conference highlighting microfinance as a smart investment for California. Presented by Opportunity Fund, Kiva, and the Silicon Valley Community Foundation, with principal sponsors Wells Fargo and Chevron, this conference convenes on May 28 at Stanford University.
Learn the nuts and bolts of domestic microfinance; Understand the impact and future of microfinance in California; Discover your role in the field of microfinance through small group dinners with practitioners, leaders and investors. Visit www.microfinancecalifornia.org  to learn more and register.  Early bird registration until April 15.

Valencia Streetscape Artwork Selection Meeting #2
between 16th &19th Streets

Thursday April 16, 6:30 - 8:00pm
Centro Latino de San Francisco
1565 15t St [btwn Caledonia st & Julian Ave]
DPW's Valencia Streetscape Improvement Program will include new public art. You can be part of the selection process. This is a chance to share thoughts, values and visions. Participants will elect two members of the community to serve on the artist selection committee at this meeting. More info: contact Tonia Macneil, Project Manager 415-252-2551 or tonia.macneil@sfgov.org http://www.sfartscommission.org/pubartcollection/