Select List of Resources for Economic Development and Arts Projects

The Neighborhood Economic Development unit of the Office of Economic and Workforce Development provides grants, loans, and resources aimed at stimulating neighborhood commercial districts. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive package of funding and technical assistance resources and interagency coordination for individual projects that have catalytic, high economic impact for San Francisco low- to moderate-income communities. For more information about our program, and the grants and loans listed below, contact Holly Lung at 415-554-6628, or holly.lung@sfgov.org

GRANTS

1. "SF Shines" Façade Improvement Program provides free architectural design services and up to $13,500 to property owners, merchants, and nonprofit organizations to improve façades, storefronts, and signs. Clients contribute 25% of project costs, including permit and inspection fees. Applications are available now, due January 2010.

2. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Capital for Economic Development Activities provides grants of up to $200,000 to existing nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate facilities that provide activities for children, youths, adults, and seniors. Capital CDBG also provides for commercial building rehabilitation conducted by a nonprofit organization that serves the needs of low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. RFP is available Nov. 2009; funding will not be available until July 2010.

3. CDBG Economic Development Grants for Technical Assistance Providers are available to nonprofit organizations that provide business technical assistance, financial assistance, or general support services to for-profit businesses. Program requires creating and retaining jobs for low- and moderate-income people or for the purpose of providing services to an area that contains at least 51 percent low- and moderate-income residents. RFP is available January 5, 2010; funding will not be available until July 2010.

4. OEWD Strategic Capital Grant Program provides grants of up to $100,000 for catalytic, positive impact projects in Neighborhood Marketplace Initiative (NMI) and Community Benefits Districts (CBD) target neighborhoods. Tenderloin NMI and Central Market CBD are both eligible areas. The catalytic role of the arts in community development, and its contributions toward creating vibrant communities with motivating quality-of-life assets in a neighborhood commercial district is an example of a qualifying project. Example uses include façade projects, tenant improvement, commercial outdoor enhancements and amenities, etc. Application is available Dec. 2009. Contact Crezia Tano at 415-554-4984, crezia.tano@sfgov.org

LOANS

1. San Francisco Revolving Loan Fund provides low interest (4-6% fixed) loans from $5,000 to $25,000 for for-profit businesses located in San Francisco. Building owners who lease commercial units are eligible. Eligible uses include funding for working capital, inventory purchase, equipment and machinery, startup costs, and leasehold improvements. Ineligible uses include funding for personal expenses, debt consolidation, and payment of existing business debt. The city's administrator for the loan fund is TMC Working Solutions, a nonprofit organization that assists businesses access the capital, resources, and support they need to grow and succeed. http://www.tmcworkingsolutions.org/ , or 415-655-5472

2. Housing Urban Department (HUD) Section 108 Business Loans will be available to CDBG-eligible economic development activities in spring 2010. A sample of eligible activities include acquisition, construction, or rehabilitation of real property for commercial use, assisting for-profit businesses for the specific purpose of creating jobs, and providing financial and technical assistance to persons who want to develop a microenterprise. The program provides low-interest loans from $50,000 to $1 million. Section 108 borrowers must operate a business in San Francisco, and create at least 1 full-time equivalent job for every $35,000 funded and must be filled by low- to moderate-income San Francisco residents.

3. Non-City Resources - here are a few examples of non-city funding resources for nonprofit organizations. For additional resources, contact the Small Business Assistance Center referenced below.

a. Opportunity Fund provides enterprising businesses and nonprofit organizations funding to build self-sufficiency and communities. Programs include the following: 1) Small Business Loan Program - $1,000-$200,000, 2) Community Facilities - Up to $2 million, and 3) New Markets Tax Credits - Up to $20 million. The New Markets Fund offers permanent financing for nonprofit and for-profit real estate projects providing high c ommunity impact in low-income areas. http://www.opportunityfund.org

b. Northern California Community Loan Fund provides loans ranging from $10,000 to $1 million for four types of nonprofit projects: affordable housing, community facilities, human services and economic development. Interest rates generally range from 7-10%. http://www.ncclf.org

TAX INCENTIVES

1. San Francisco Enterprise Zone (EZ) Tax Credit Program allows employers located in the EZ to claim credits against local payroll tax. The credit of an employee claim must be a San Francisco resident, work 50% of hours within the EZ, and work 90% of hours on tasks related to the EZ. Benefits are realized over a 10-year period. Tenderloin and Central Market are within the local EZ. Contact Natosha Safo at 415-554-6130, or natosha.safo@sfgov.org

2. California Enterprise Zone Tax Credit Program allows employers located in the EZ to claim credits against local payroll tax, helps businesses reduce their state income tax liability, qualify for business expense deductions, and accelerate depreciation. Tenderloin and Central Market are within the state EZ. Contact Natosha Safo at 415-554-6130, or natosha.safo@sfgov.org

3. California New Job Tax Credit, effective January 1, 2009, provides a tax credit of $3,000 for each additional full-time employee hired. Contact the Franchise Tax Board at http://ftb.ca.gov, 1-800-852-5711

JOBS NOW! is a SF Human Services Agency (HSA)-administered program that pays for your for-profit and nonprofit employees' wages. The HSA will provide you with referrals of qualified workers and reimburses you for 100% of the wage cost. Employers are required only to pay for payroll taxes, any fringe benefits that employees typically receive, and supervision of participants. To become a JOBS NOW! employer, fill out and submit a few simple forms available at www.sfhsa.org or call 1-877-JOB1NOW.

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE CENTER is the central point of referral and information for businesses located in San Francisco. The SBAC provide one-on-one case management on how to start your business including referrals to direct technical assistance, access to capital, and interagency coordination. SBAC is located at City Hall, room 110, available at 415-554-6134 and sbac@sfgov.org