Financing

MAYOR'S OFFICE OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

A variety of financing options are available through the Mayor’s Office of Community Development to help entrepreneurs start and expand existing businesses.

Micro-Enterprise Loan Program

The Micro-Enterprise Loan Program provides loans up to $25,000 to support micro-enterprise and self-employment efforts of lower-income San Francisco residents interested in starting or expanding their own business. A micro-enterprise business is defined as a business with five or fewer employees.

Small Business Revolving Loan Fund

The Small Business Revolving Loan Fund provides loans to existing small businesses that can be used for a number of purposes, including short-term working capital, purchase of equipment or inventory, building renovation and/or acquisition, or for business expansion activities. Loans are available up to $100,000 for both existing and start-up businesses.

Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program

The Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program provides loans in excess of $100,000 to businesses supporting specific economic development initiatives of the City, e.g. neighborhood revitalization, and/or job creation.

Bay Area Equity Fund

JP Morgan, the Bay Area Council and the Alliance for Community Development co-sponsor the Bay Area Equity Fund, a venture capital fund that makes investments in companies that can produce market rate financial returns and strong social/environmental returns. The fund invests in businesses located in or near neighborhoods in the San Francisco Bay Area whose median household incomes are 80% or less than their county’s median household income. Investments range from $500,000 to $5 million at the Series B stage or later. The Fund targets high-growth companies in the high-tech, specialty consumer and biotechnology sectors.