Neighbors in San Francisco's Inner Sunset are putting their money into the shops they love. The nonprofit SF New Deal launched the Inner Sunset Neighborhood Vibrancy Fund this month, and 28 small businesses will get grants of $5,000 to $20,000, the San Francisco Examiner reported.
Where the money comes from
Inner Sunset residents put in $300,000. Nearly 100 businesses applied, the San Francisco Standard reported. The grants cover storefronts between 5th and 19th avenues, from Lincoln Way to Kirkham Street.
What it pays for
- Beautification: 20 businesses get money for murals, lighting and facade work. They include Peasant Pies, San Francisco Women Artists, The Game Parlour, Luke's Local Grocery and Green Apple Books on the Park.
- Business help: Support to help merchants sharpen their operations.
- New tenants: Two leasing grants help fill vacancies.
New businesses on the way
Mama's Boy Pizza, a New York-style slice shop from Oakland, plans to take over the former Reliable Rexall pharmacy at 9th Avenue and Irving Street in the spring, the Standard reported. It will be the shop's first location outside Oakland.
403 Coffee is coming to 403 Irving St. It will be the first Yemeni cafe on the west side, serving pour-overs, lattes and fresh baklava. The Munsar family, who own KJ Produce Market across the street, plan to keep it open until 10 p.m. as an alcohol-free evening hangout.
About SF New Deal
SF New Deal started in March 2020 as a government-funded program that paid local restaurants to feed vulnerable residents. Now it runs grants and pop-ups for small businesses. Executive director Simon Bertrang said the group hopes to bring the model to other neighborhoods.