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
Check out all Upcoming Events in May! >>
Sunset Small Business Expo
Kick off San Francisco's 2025 Small Business Week by joining the first annual Sunset Small Business Expo at the Sunset Recreation Center. Small business owners and professional service providers can meet and mingle from 12:30 to 1:30 pm.
RSVP Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdXMvmq1o4blZKS4m9Fw5EqZmBex9La-Go30FWWQIIBqpCNJA/viewform?usp=sharing

Plan for Business Success with Gale Business Resources
Discover Gale’s powerful small business resources designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Gale Business: Plan Builder is a step-by-step tool for planning, launching and growing a business or nonprofit.
RSVP Here: https://cengage-gale.zoom.us/meeting/register/gkOw1uYwSuOx3a4UPA5KHg#/registration

Opening Ceremony
Kick-off San Francisco Small Business Week in style at the official Opening Ceremony! Join fellow entrepreneurs, community leaders, and small business advocates as we launch a week dedicated to celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit that drives our city's economy.
Under this year's powerful theme, "Rising Together," we'll explore how collaboration, not competition, creates the foundation for sustainable success. Experience firsthand how businesses across industries can support one another to build a thriving ecosystem where everyone wins.

Coffee & Connections with Alliance for Community Development
Join The Alliance for Community Development on Tuesday, May 6 from 10am to 12pm for a morning of community building! The Alliance's Coffee and Connection's networking event is for local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community partners to meet and mingle with each other.
RSVP Here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfhddNzy8VJdG549F9MNxICTFx1skFJ6gVFTJp4thSKo1h0uQ/viewform

Wellness In Focus: A Wellness Brand Photography Event
Wellness Brand Portraits is a mini photography session designed for wellness entrepreneurs who need professional yet natural headshots. As part of SF Small Business Week, this event supports wellness professionals in showcasing their authentic presence with confidence.
RSVP Here: nireltheyogini.com/wellnessinfocus

Small Business Pop-Up Shop
Take in the splendor of City Hall while shopping for your friends, family and yourself! The annual Small Business Week City Hall pop-up shop is a great place to find a gift for Mother's Day, the graduate, a special gift, or a tasty treat. Featuring goods from over 45 local makers!
Learn More: https://www.sf.gov/small-business-pop-up-shop

New Roots, New Routes Conference
USF Gellert Family Business Center's New Roots/New Routes Conference is the premier SF Bay Area event centering on family-owned enterprises. Our May 6th convening tackles a critical challenge - ensuring a thriving legacy for families-in-business.
RSVP here: https://rsvp.usfca.edu/event/new-roots-new-routes-conference/regProcessStep1

Mastering E-Commerce for Your Website
Optimize your e-commerce success with a comprehensive workshop tailored for beginners. Learn to build, design and secure your online store using top platforms, payment gateways and analytics tools. Discover strategies to convert visitors into loyal customers, ensuring a thriving online business.
RSVP: https://sfpl-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZMuduCvpjsuH9TdNu3PweUe7RThxzUsOhzM#/registration

90 Day Accelerates (Your Business Foundation) - Take Your Business To The Next Level!
Welcome to the 90 Day Accelerates - Your Business Foundation event! Get ready to supercharge your business in just 90 days. This online event will help you establish a solid foundation for your business growth. Join us for expert insights, practical tips, and actionable strategies to take your business to the next level.
RSVP Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/90-day-accelerates-your-business-foundation-tickets-1261331770279

AI for Small Businesses: Simplify Your Operations
Workshop for small business owners looking to streamline daily operations, save time, and improve efficiency using AI tools. Perfect for entrepreneurs who want to work smarter, not harder.

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

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.

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:

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

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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?

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!

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

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

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.

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/

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

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!
Scaling for Success: How to Take Your Small Business to the Next Level
Discover Gale’s powerful small business resources designed to support entrepreneurs at every stage. Gale Business: Plan Builder is a step-by-step tool for planning, launching and growing a business or nonprofit.
RSVP Here: https://cengage-gale.zoom.us/meeting/register/gkOw1uYwSuOx3a4UPA5KHg#/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

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

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.

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

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
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

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.

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

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.

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 Ceremony
REGISTER HERE
Join us for an engaging evening as we conclude San Francisco Small Business Week 2024. This year's festivities will take place beneath the magnificent Dome at The San Francisco Centre on Friday, May 10, starting at 5:30 pm.
Our closing ceremony promises an exceptional opportunity to connect with fellow entrepreneurs, seasoned professionals, and community partners as you explore a diverse array of maker exhibitors, such as SWAP FILM, Kuali Salsa, and Sumiware, showcasing remarkable products crafted right here in the SF Bay Area.
Share your experiences from the week's captivating programming, highlighting our vibrant maker and manufacturer community, as you enjoy delectable bites from La Cocina and its talented members.
Accompanied by top Bay Area DJs, a lively performance, and a hosted cocktail hour, this evening guarantees an unforgettable experience and inspires continued support for our small business community.
Don't miss out on an evening filled with stimulating content, networking opportunities, and community building as we conclude another successful San Francisco Small Business Week. We look forward to seeing you there!
Hosted by: San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

Presentation: En2action's Programs for Black Entrepreneurs
En2action’s mission is to engage, empower, and inspire action to promote equitable growth, build resilient communities and achieve transformative social good. Learn about En2action's program offerings for entrepreneurs, including Sell Black, Ujamaa Kitchen and Black Cultural Preservation Mini-Grants.
Hosted By: San Francisco Public Library

San Francisco Green Business Certification
Join SFMade Engagement Manager Ryan De La Hoz as he walks you through the free process of becoming an SF Green Business, and how doing so can help you save money, gain loyal customers, and help the planet.
Hosted By: SF Made

Legacy Business Mixer
The Legacy Business Mixer is a friendly 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 Zeitgeist.
Hosted By: Office of Small Business

SF Downtown Series Reception
Join NEXTSF and Square at a Whack Donuts! with VIP guests, representatives from City Hall and SFPD, along with small business and community leaders, and our featured small business owners, to toast the Vacant to Vibrant program.
Hosted By: NEXTSF

Dogpatch – Design Studio Crawl
The Dogpatch Design Studio Crawl will take you on a journey through innovative design studios in the area. Meet talented designers, see their work up close, and get inspired by their creative process.
Hosted by: Dogpatch Business Association

SF Lends: Capital for Small Businesses
SF Lends is an initiative of the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector (TTX) and the City Administrator’s Office that connects small businesses to affordable loans and lines of credit for their day-to-day cashflow needs.
Join this session to meet bankers from the four participating banks, learn about their products for small businesses, and get your questions answered.
Hosted By: San Francisco Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector and San Francisco Public Library

Small Business Office Hours with an Advisor
Get feedback on your small business ideas from a business advisor from the Small Business Development Center.
Advisors will host a virtual office hour to help assess your ideas, answer questions, as well as to provide advice on best practices to make your business ideas a reality.
Hosted By: San Francisco Public Library and San Francisco Small Business Development Center

Vacant to Vibrant Community Market
SF New Deal, Wells Fargo, the Office of Mayor London Breed and the San Francisco Office of Economic Workforce Development (OEWD) invite you to celebrate the unique Vacant to Vibrant small businesses that are the heartbeat of San Francisco.
Join us for a market at Wells Fargo Plaza, 333 Market St in downtown San Francisco featuring unique food and retail, music by local DJs, special guest speakers, and delightful giveaways.
Hosted By: SF New Deal, Wells Fargo, Office of Mayor London Breed, and SF OEWD

Presentation: Financial Tips for the Newly Self-Employed
Don’t get caught by surprise when it comes to figuring out what sort of entity to form; filing the right tax forms; producing 1099s or W-2s for people you hire; paying estimated taxes on time; taking all the right deductions (and none of the wrong ones!); and maximizing retirement savings for yourself, your family, and your employees.
Hosted By: San Francisco Public Library

Panel: How Small-Scale Marketing Can Drive Big Impact
Start your day with fresh insights at our morning online panel discussion featuring three restaurant business owners.
This event will explore the strategies and tactics that small business owners can use to leverage social media to achieve marketing success. Moderated by Vas Kiniris of Next SF.
Hosted By: Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

SFDBA Small Business Week Panel & Networking Event
Celebrating the 20th Annual Small Business Week, the San Francisco Disability Business Alliance is co-hosting a diverse panel discussion, followed by a networking event. Resources provided by the Department of Rehabilitation and SBDC.
Hosted by: San Francisco Disability Business Alliance

Be the Host with the most you’ve always wanted to be!
Have you ever had to host or attend a business lunch, fearful of what to do and how to act? Fear no more!
Attend this fun, interactive, unique event, where participants leave empowered with the utmost confidence in their ability to host and attend any business meal from start to finish.
Hosted By: National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

Conozca Sus Derechos: Arrendamiento Comercial (Leases)
En este seminario web empoderador conocera mejor sus derechos de inquilino comercial. Este seminario web lo ayudará a comprender su contrato de arrendamiento escrito y le mostrará las mejores prácticas al negociar su contrato de arrendamiento.
Hosted By: Renaissance Entrepreneurship & Legal Services for Entrepreneurs

SFMade: Manufacturer Meet Up
Meet other manufacturers of your size, in your hood, industry, etc. Other owners and managers that “get it” and have walked in your shoes. SFMade staff will be on hand as well as some of our cherished volunteer advisors.
Hosted By: SFMade

Selling Your Product Wholesale
Do you want to sell your product wholesale to retailers and get on store shelves? Come learn about how you can sell your products to new markets.
We will discuss different types of wholesale options and identify if it's right for your business as well as the timeline to get on shelves and what it costs.
Hosted by: Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center

Choosing a Retirement Solution for Your Small Business
Interested in establishing or sponsoring a retirement plan for you and your employees? This presentation will assist small employers in making this decision and will help small businesses understand the types of retirement plans available, the tax benefits and consequences of each and the federal laws governing these types of plans.
Hosted By: San Francisco Public Library and U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration

Presentation: First Year Free
Learn how the Treasurer & Tax Collector Office supports small businesses by waiving the cost of initial registration fees, initial license fees, first-year permit and other applicable fees for qualifying businesses.
Hosted by: San Francisco Public Library

Shop Dine SF Pop-up Shop
Shop Dine SF presents the 2024 Small Business Week Pop-up Shop. Shop from over 40 makers and artisans, while experiencing music, dancing, and food options.
Hosted By: Office of Small Business and Office of Economic and Workforce Development

State of the Ethnic Chambers
Join the San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce, other Ethnic Chambers, and business-related associations in hosting panel discussions on the business opportunities in EV and AI.
Discover government programs in support of small-scale manufacturing, innovations, and installations in the EV space…Explore the business opportunities in AI and learn how to grow your business in this space.
Hosted by: San Francisco African American Chamber of Commerce

AI Tools for Business Owners
During this 90-minute workshop, we'll guide you through the latest tools and technologies that are shaping the future of business.
You'll learn how to make more money using automated LinkedIn Outreach and Grant Writing Bots. We'll show you how to get your time back using Process Automation and Automated Calendar Assistants.
Hosted By: SF Filipino American Chamber of Commerce

USF Gellert Family Business Center’s 25th Annual Award Reception
The University of San Francisco’s Gellert Family Business Center will be celebrating its 25th anniversary on Tuesday, May 7th during San Francisco’s Small Business Week to recognize the innovation, inspiration, and community impact of San Francisco’s families-in-business.
Hosted by: University of San Francisco Gellert Family Business Center

GGBA + OutPro - May Mega Make Contact
Save The Date for GGBA's Annual Mega May Make Contact on May 8th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Stay tuned for more information.
Hosted by: Golden Gate Business Association

SF Security Awareness Forum
Join NEXTSF for this online forum, sponsored by our friends at Lime, as we focus on security issues and crime affecting small businesses in San Francisco.
Panelists* from SOMA, Chinatown, Bayview, and the Fillmore, will each give ‘state of the neighborhood’ presentations.
Our special guest is SF District Attorney, Brooke Jenkins. We’ll discuss ways in which small business owners can provide a secure environment for their employees and customers, and what the DA’s office is doing to help combat crime in our merchant corridors.
Hosted By: NEXTSF, Lime, and San Francisco District Attorney’s Office

USF Gellert Center Hospitality and Food Industry Symposium
The University of San Francisco’s Gellert Family Business Center will host a hospitality/food industry symposium on Tuesday, May 7th during San Francisco’s Small Business Week.
The symposium, which will be held from 2:30 pm to 5:00 pm at the McLaren Conference Center, Room 252, will feature two industry panels on a range of topics
Hosted by: University of San Francisco Gellert Family Business Center

Starting a Business in San Francisco
Learn how the San Francisco Office of Small Business helps aspiring and existing small business owners and entrepreneurs grow and thrive.
Presented by Martha Yanez, Business Case Manager at the Office of Small Business.
Hosted By: San Francisco Office of Small Business and the San Francisco Public Library Small Business Center

Chefs Panel: Financing Strategies for Food Businesses
Join local mission-driven lenders for an engaging panel discussion tailored for food entrepreneurs looking to boost their success through strategic financing.
Panelists include seasoned Bay Area chefs and food entrepreneurs who have successfully secured funding from community lenders to grow their businesses.
Hosted By: Main Street Launch, Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA), Pacific Community Ventures, Working Solutions

Coffee and Connections | Alliance for Community Development
Join the Alliance for Community Development in-person on May 7th for a morning of community building! This event is for entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community partners to meet and mingle with each other. Complimentary coffee and small bites brought to you by local business Tallio’s Coffee and Tea.
Hosted by: Alliance for Community Development

Opening Party
REGISTER HERE
Join us at the opening ceremony for San Francisco Small Business Week 2024! Experience an exciting evening where we’ll celebrate our dynamic small business community at the impressive Pier 70 on Monday, May 8th, from 5:30-8:00 pm.
We will pay special attention to our robust makers and manufacturers for this year's theme. During our ceremony, you will have the opportunity to explore the stories of 10 different Maker exhibitors showcasing the incredible process of crafting an idea into a beautiful finished product.
In the spirit of making, you’ll have the chance to witness a DJ and dance collaboration that takes the riffing elements of jazz to create a one-of-a-kind performance in real-time, paired with incredible libations from La Cocina Alums and signature beverages from local mixologists. So please join us for this unforgettable evening as we kick off Small Business Week 2024.
Hosted by: San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

Understanding Your Fiduciary Responsibilities Under ERISA
Register Here
Understanding Your Fiduciary Responsibilities Under ERISA is a free workshop for employers and service providers.
Presenter Dania Kanafani is a Benefits Advisor for the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration.
Hosted By: U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration