Small Business Support Programs
Launch Local!
Vacant Retail Activation Pilot Program
The City of South San Francisco is currently accepting applications for Launch Local! the Vacant Retail Activation Pilot Program designed to activate vacant storefronts across South San Francisco by supporting local entrepreneurs, makers, and small business owners. Participants can access affordable short-term leases, tenant improvement funding, and prime commercial space in key commercial corridors.
Whether you're launching your first brick-and-mortar or testing a new concept, Launch Local! offers the boost you need to grow - while bringing new energy to our local retail corridors.
Upcoming Information Sessions
In-Person at 634 El Camino Real, SSF
- Tuesday, April 29 - 6pm
- Wednesday, April 30 - 12pm
Zoom
- Monday, May 5 - 12pm - Register here.
- Thursday, May 8 - 6pm - Register here.
Apply now:
Applications in other languages are available upon request. Please contact Katie Donner below for assistance.
Questions? Contact us at katie.donner@ssf.net or (650) 829-4601 and we'll be happy to help
Commercial Storefront Vandalism Relief Grant Program
The City of South San Francisco offers a Commercial Storefront Vandalism Relief Grant program to provide financial assistance to businesses that have been impacted by storefront vandalism. Eligible businesses that apply through this program can receive a maximum of $1,000 per business, per incident. Grant funds can be used for a loss of working capital due to business disruption or for costs associated with materials for necessary repairs.
Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are exhausted.
Eligibility:
To be eligible for this program, applicants must meet all of the following criteria:
- Applicant must have authority to represent the business;
- Business must have a valid South San Francisco business license;
- Business must have street-facing frontage along a public street; and
- Applicant will be required to affirm there was a specific incident that occurred after November 1, 2024 that damaged the façade of a commercial storefront. This may include, but is not limited to, broken windows, fixtures, or other similar damage.
- A police report will be required.
Application Information and Process:
An online application can be found here, or by calling (650) 829-6620 for assistance. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis beginning January 27, 2025.
Once an application is received, eligibility information will be reviewed, and a grant award letter will be sent to the email provided in the application. The awardee will also be sent a blank W-9 form that will need to be filled out and signed by the business owner. This is sent through Docusign, however, a paper copy can also be sent to City Hall or dropped off during normal business hours. The address and location is:
City Hall
Economic & Community Development Department
“Commercial Storefront Vandalism Relief Grant”
400 Grand Avenue
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Disbursement of Grant Funds:
Once the business owner confirm the repair was completed, and a completed W-9 form is provided to the City, a paper check will be processed through the City’s internal invoice system and mailed via U.S. mail to the business address.
To view the program guidelines, please click here(PDF, 173KB).