Supporting Our Small Businesses

Keeping Japantown Small Businesses Connected

The JCBD supports Japantown small businesses by acting as a bridge between them and City resources. The JCBD actively disseminates crucial information from the Office of Small Business through their e-newsletter “Keeping Japantown Small Businesses Connected”. Information shared includes:  

  • Grant opportunities: Connecting businesses with available funding sources to support growth, expansion, or recovery.

  • Licensing and permitting requirements: Guiding businesses through the necessary steps to operate legally and comply with city regulations.

  • Access to resources: Providing information on programs, workshops, and mentorship opportunities designed to help businesses succeed.

  • Advocacy for business needs: Representing the concerns and needs of Japantown businesses to city officials and decision-makers.

By providing this vital information and fostering strong relationships with City agencies such as the SF Office of Small Business and actively supporting initiatives like the Osaka Way Shared Spaces, the JCBD empowers Japantown businesses to thrive and contribute to the long-term success of the neighborhood.

Ganji owner Danny Kim standing next to branded diverter walls supplied by the JCBD.

Shared Spaces Support

The JCBD actively supports the success of businesses on Osaka Way.

  • To enhance the Shared Spaces on Osaka Way, the JCBD successfully secured funding through the Community Challenge Grant. This grant enabled the purchasing tables, chairs, and branded diversion walls, creating a more inviting and comfortable outdoor dining experience for patrons.

  • To assist businesses with the Legislated Permit process for Shared Spaces, staff conducted walk-throughs with restaurant owners. These walk-throughs involved representatives from SF Public Works, the Office of Economic and Workforce Development, and the SF Fire Department, addressing any concerns raised by the business owners.

Currently, the following restaurants on Osaka Way utilize Shared Spaces:

  • Kippu Sushi Restaurant

  • Hinodeya Japantown

  • Ganji

Providing Community Meetings and Guide to Address Accessible Building Entrance

Department of Building Inspection and Office of Small Business: Accessible Building Entrance Program

HThe JCBD held a meeting between small businesses and property owners with SF on track to be in compliance with the program. The Accessible Business Entrance (ABE) ordinance (no.51-26) applies to all San Francisco businesses with buildings of “public accommodation” to have all primary entrances accessible for people with disabilities.  

Click here to download JCBD’s Guide to SF's Accessible Business Entrance requirements.

One of 3 forms (Category Checklist Compliance, Waiver, or Pre-screening/Exclusion) form must be turned into DBI. The due dates are dependent upon which category your building falls under.  

RESOURCES:

Creating Opportunities for Small Businesses

In the wake of the pandemic, the JCBD launched the "Heart of Jtown Resiliency Fund" through GoFundMe. This campaign successfully raised $500,000 in under a month, thanks to the generosity of community members. These funds were used to:

  • Purchase crucial PPE supplies.

  • Translate vital City information into Japanese and Korean.

  • Provide grants of $5,000 each to 80 small businesses.

Furthermore, the JCBD collaborated with Kinokuniya Bookstores of America to establish the "Heart of Jtown Pop-Up Shop" in a vacant storefront. Four local artists were invited to showcase and sell their work in this vibrant space. Initially planned for three months, the pop-up shop's success led to a lease extension for an additional nine months. This initiative provided invaluable experience for the artists in managing a storefront. Notably, two of these artists have successfully opened their own businesses in Japantown: 3 Pillars celebrated its one-year anniversary on January 17, 2025.

Supporting Small Businesses During COVID Pandemic

The JCBD supported businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic through a multifaceted approach:

  • Direct Financial Assistance:

    • "Heart of Jtown Resiliency Fund": This successful GoFundMe campaign raised $500,000, which was used to provide grants of $5,000 each to 80 small businesses in the Japantown district.

  • Essential Supplies & Services:

    • PPE Distribution: Provided essential Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to businesses to help protect employees and customers.

    • COVID-19 Testing: Partnered with the SF Department of Emergency Services and Virus Geeks to provide accessible and convenient COVID-19 testing for businesses and their employees.

  • Navigating COVID-19 Guidelines:

    • Guidance and Support: Actively assisted businesses in understanding and complying with the evolving COVID-19 guidelines and regulations issued by local, state, and federal authorities.

  • Business Development & Recovery:

    • "Heart of Jtown Pop-Up Shop": Provided a valuable platform for four local artists to gain practical experience in managing a storefront. This initiative fostered entrepreneurship and contributed to the long-term recovery of the Japantown business community.

These initiatives demonstrate the JCBD's commitment to supporting local businesses throughout the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.