This year's theme for San Francisco Small Business Week, Rising Together, emphasizes the importance of building a strong community among small businesses to foster long-term sustainability and success. The word “competition” is often thrown around when starting or growing a business, framing the experience as adversarial.
In reality, the most successful small businesses thrive by supporting and collaborating with their peers across industries. We also want to highlight the value of inter-business relationships and the benefits of partnering with larger organizations—whether it’s choosing the right financial institution or engaging with local small business support networks.
Upcoming Events

DEAR COMMUNITY: CHINATOWN FRIDAY
Come join us for one of our longest running programs, Chinatown Friday! At this dinner we will have the Dear Community board discussing future plans for the community. This is a great opportunity to learn more about our organization, and see how you can get involved with us.
RESVP Here: [PENDING LINK]

Closing Celebration
Close Out Small Business Week with Us at The Progress
As Small Business Week comes to a close, we invite you to gather with the community that made it all possible.

Starting a Business in San Francisco
Learn how the San Francisco Office of Small Business helps aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners grow and thrive. Presented by Martha Yanez, Business Case Manager at the Office of Small Business.
RSVP Here: https://sfpl.org/events/2025/05/09/presentation-starting-business-san-francisco

Pause | Pausa
This event is exclusive to participants of SF Small Business Week 2025. As a small business owner, the hustle never stops. The to-do lists are endless, and moments of true rest feel out of reach. But what if you gave yourself the gift of pause? Welcome to Pause—a wellness-centered event designed just for you.
NightLife x Carnaval SF
"Join Carnaval San Francisco, in partnership with the California Academy of Sciences, for a Nightlife evening event on Thursday May 8th from 6pm to 10pm. Enjoy a night full of dance, local merchants, and delicious food as we celebrate the 47th Anniversary of Carnaval SF

2025 DIASAPORA BUSINESS FOUNDERS, ENTREPRENEURS, AND LEADERS AWARD (DBFELA)
Join us for an extraordinary evening under the Dome celebrating and recognizing the contributions of the diaspora to the American Economic Ecosystem
REGISTER HERE
Presented By

4th Annual Legacy Business Mixer
The Legacy Business Mixer is a friendly annual celebration of San Francisco’s over 400 registered Legacy Businesses. It’s also a place for Legacy Business owners to meet, socialize, and network. The event will spotlight host Legacy Business Izzy's Steaks and Chops in their newly renovated space. They will be providing appetizers, courtesy of the Legacy Business Program.
Learn More: https://www.sf.gov/4th-annual-legacy-business-mixer

Panel: Breaking Barriers: Accessibility as a Growth Strategy for Small Business
The San Francisco Disability Business Alliance (SFDBA) and accessibility advocates will discuss how inclusive practices contribute to small business success. With 1 in 4 individuals in the U.S. living with a disability, accessibility is more than compliance—it’s a growth strategy.
RSVP Here: https://www.sfdba.org/small-business-week

IA básica para negocios con bajo presupuesto
La inteligencia artificial ya no es exclusiva de grandes empresas. En este workshop práctico, aprenderás cómo integrar herramientas de IA económicas para optimizar tu negocio, automatizar procesos y mejorar la productividad sin necesidad de grandes inversiones. Descubrirás cómo estructurar ideas, analizar datos y ejecutar estrategias con IA de manera sencilla y efectiva.

AI-Powered Success: Elevate Your Small Business with Smart Automation
Learn practical AI applications for marketing, customer service, content creation and more. Discover the pros and cons of AI, see real-world demos in action and gain insights into emerging tools and trends shaping the future of small business.
RSVP here: https://sfpl-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_jcAS3Q4eTKmeT1py9Npk5g#/registration

Know Your Policy
Navigating business insurance can be overwhelming, but understanding your policy and costs is essential for protecting your business. In this session, we’ll break down the key components of business insurance, helping you decipher coverage types, policy terms, and hidden costs.
RSVP Here: https://KnowYourPolicy.eventbrite.com
Scaling for Success: How to Take Your Small Business to the Next Level
Scaling for Success is a Small Business Week event designed to help San Francisco’s small and medium-sized business owners grow—from launch to mid-size and even enterprise-level. The conversation will explore how technology, mentorship, and community resources can drive sustainable growth.

Mission Loteria Game Night at Taqueria La Iguana Azul
Fiesta at La Iguana Azul! Join us at 928 Geneva Ave for a fun night of Mission Loteria, based on the popular Mexican bingo-style game with a unique SF Mission District twist!

Out Pro LGBTQ+ Networking - SF Small Business Week
Meaningful Networking for LGBTQ+ Professionals (+ friends, allies, coworkers)! Out Pro is thrilled to partner with the SF Chamber of Commerce to recognize LGBTQ+ owned and operated small businesses, and those who support the community, during SF Small Business Week. The theme for this year is Rising Together.
Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/out-pro-lgbtq-networking-sf-small-business-week-tickets-1301687585609?aff=oddtdtcreator

Chow Fun Opening Reception
Shop Local, Eat Global: Take your tastebuds on a culinary journey around the world by exploring local participating restaurants, cafes, bakeries and bars in the Excelsior and outer Mission neighborhoods. CHOW FUN is an Asian dine-around that celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
Learn More: https://www.chowfunsf.com/

How Visa Can Help Grow Your Business - Networking Reception
Join Visa and Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center to celebrate you- the small business owners and entrepreneurs that make San Francisco shine! Eat, drink, and learn how Visa products, tools, and partners can help you grow your business at this networking reception. Prizes* and giveaways throughout the evening.

Celebration: Glen Park Small Business Stroll
Enjoy an evening of community, connection and commerce at the Glen Park Small Business Stroll. This guided walk will spotlight 5 locally owned businesses, each offering a unique look into their story, products and services.
RSVP here: https://sfpl.org/events/2025/05/07/celebration-glen-park-small-business-stroll

USF Gellert Family Business Award Reception
Join USF's Gellert Family Business Center at an evening reception recognizing two exemplar San Francisco-based family enterprises! Grab a friend, come to the hilltop and let's celebrate these long-time businesses and the families who own them at this annual SF Small Business Week event.
RSVP here: https://rsvp.usfca.edu/event/gellert-family-business-awards/summary

OPENING UP SHOP AT SFO
In this workshop, subject matter experts from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the U.S. Department of Transportation's Small Business Transportation Resource Center (SBTRC), and the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) will discuss key topics such as accessing financing and technical assistance, doing business at SFO, and navigating opportunities for small businesses. Join us for an engaging discussion and bring your questions to the experts!

Discussing Tariffs & What it Could Mean for Your Wallet and Investments!
Small Business, Big Protection: Turn Insurance Into a Wealth-Building Tool
As a small business owner, you work hard to build something meaningful—something that provides for your family, supports your employees, and serves your community. But what happens if life throws the unexpected your way?

Accessing Capital for Your Business
Join us for an informative webinar about getting funding for your business.
We will explain different types of capital—loans, investments, and grants—and discuss different funding sources, like banks and special organizations called Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs).
RSVP here: https://medasf-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/Z0gMD1xBTNSe677fWxzivg

Expand Your Brand: Digital Marketing for Global Audiences
Take your brand beyond borders! This session explores key digital marketing strategies for reaching international markets. Learn how to adapt your messaging, optimize for global audiences, and navigate cultural differences to expand your reach. Perfect first step for established businesses looking to grow their presence worldwide.

Small Business Fest
SF New Deal and Wells Fargo, in partnership with Mayor Daniel Lurie and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, invite you to celebrate the unique small businesses that are the heartbeat of San Francisco.
Learn More: www.sfnewdeal.org

Smart Money Moves for Small Businesses
Small Business, Big Protection: Turn Insurance Into a Wealth-Building Tool
As a small business owner, you work hard to build something meaningful—something that provides for your family, supports your employees, and serves your community. But what happens if life throws the unexpected your way?

Click & Vende: La Nueva Era del Comercio Digital
Click & Vende: La Nueva Era del Comercio Digital es una presentación dinámica para emprendedores que quieren llevar su negocio al mundo digital. Descubre cómo crear una presencia en línea poderosa, optimizar tus imágenes y contenido, y usar herramientas digitales para atraer más clientes y vender más.

AI, PR, MarCom et ALL: Intelligent Communications for the AI Era
The only thing constant in life is change,” the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus once said. In today’s rapidly shifting business landscape, those words have never been more relevant — especially when it comes to communications and media in the era of artificial intelligence. David Perry, an award-winning consultant and SF Chamber of Commerce Board Member, offers "AI, PR, MarCom et All: Intelliget Communications for the AI Era" -- tools, information and intel for business owners - large and small -- to navigate the ever morphing communications space in the age of ChatGPT et all.

Panel: Behind the Byline - The State of Small Business in San Francisco
Local business journalists discuss their raw and real takes on the current state of entrepreneurship in San Francisco based on their original reporting. Moderated by Owen Thomas (San Francisco Business Times) and in celebration of San Francisco Small Business Week 2025, this panel discusses the good, the bad and the ugly of starting and running a small business in our City by the Bay.
Learn More: https://sfpl.org/events/2025/05/06/panel-behind-byline-state-small-business-san-francisco

Small Business Week - Latino Celebration
The Mission Economic Development Association (MEDA), which has strengthened small businesses since 1973, is taking part in “San Francisco Small Business Week” by hosting a free educational workshop on resources for small business at 4:00 pm and a Latino Entrepreneurs Celebration on Wednesday, May 7, at 6:00 p.m.
RSVP Here:

Elevate Your Brand: Marketing Strategies to Build Your Presence & Stand Out
Are you looking to strengthen their brand, attract loyal customers, and effectively market your business? Ideal for small business owners who want to stand out in a competitive market.

Health Horizons Summit
The future of healthcare and business is changing—are you ready to be part of it? The Health Horizons Summit 2025 is more than just a discussion—it’s a call to action for small business owners, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to take charge of the opportunities emerging at the intersection of health, business, and technology.
RSVP HERE: https://lu.ma/gc6q2b2t