Five Years of SF New Deal: Five Lessons Learned
Five years ago, SF New Deal launched as a group of friends and volunteers who came together to respond to the devastating threat the pandemic posed for San Francisco’s small businesses.
Standing with our immigrant neighbors and small business owners
As the new federal administration creates uncertainty, we know many in our community—especially our immigrant neighbors—are feeling anxious about what’s ahead. At SF New Deal, we stand with you, today and always.
Vacant to Vibrant Welcomes First Pop-up in Union Square: Oakland Fashion Designer Taylor Jay
In a bold initiative to revitalize Union Square, San Francisco's Vacant to Vibrant program proudly announces the opening of its first pop-up store in the district: Taylor Jay, a renowned Oakland-based fashion brand specializing in sustainable, inclusive, and elevated comfort apparel for women.
Vacant to Vibrant Expands to Union Square
In an exciting move to reinvigorate San Francisco’s city center, Vacant to Vibrant is expanding to the city’s iconic Union Square!
Remembering Bo-Lai Ng
On October 21, our dear friend and team member Bo-Lai Ng passed away following a prolonged battle with cancer. We have been reflecting on the indelible mark she has left at SF New Deal, marveling at her courage and strength these last four years and the ways that, even as she navigated challenges with her health, she unwaveringly showed up for the communities we served.
2023 Impact Report: The Road to Vibrant is here!
Beyond supporting individual business owners, our work in 2023 focused on improving the operating environment small businesses need to succeed. When confronted with a pervasive doom loop narrative, we forged a new road ahead.
Downtown ENRG grantees to revitalize San Francisco
San Francisco has always been a center for innovation, culture, and a thriving community spirit.
Building on this foundation, we are thrilled to announce the selection of the Downtown Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization Grants (ENRG) recipients. This program marks a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to rejuvenate the heart of our city, making Downtown San Francisco a beacon of arts, culture, and entertainment.
Introducing: Bricks at Embarcadero Plaza - A New Cultural Hub for San Francisco
Starting August 7th, Embarcadero Plaza will transform into a center of activity and culture with the launch of Bricks at Embarcadero Plaza. This 12-week pilot program will run through the end of October, offering a sneak peek into potential long-term activations that promise to make the plaza a key destination for locals, commuters, and tourists alike.
Vacant to Vibrant Pop-Ups Open Now!
Join us as we welcome ELEVEN new pop-ups to Downtown San Francisco this week. Grab a friend or co-worker and stop by to greet your new neighbors! We are excited for you to check out this incredible new group of pop-ups.
Building Blocks: Reimagining San Francisco's Shared Spaces
In early 2020, San Francisco's cityscape transformed as the pandemic limited indoor gatherings. The City quickly authorized the construction of parklets and outdoor dining areas, known as Shared Spaces. These installations, ranging from simple designs to elaborate setups, became beacons of vibrancy in our neighborhoods, creating revenue opportunities for businesses and safe gathering spaces for the community.
Vacant to Vibrant Expands this Summer and Wells Fargo Commits $1 Million to Further Program’s Local Impact
Launched last year to great fanfare, we’re thrilled to announce the second cohort of activators invited to participate in the Vacant to Vibrant program. The second cohort of Vacant to Vibrant will include a diverse selection of small businesses, nonprofit organizations, artists, and makers representing unique concepts, operations, and industries. Each of these grantees will be offered a rent-free storefront space for three months beginning this summer with the potential to extend their leases.
Introducing the Downtown Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization Grants (ENRG) Program
San Francisco has long been a beacon of culture, innovation, and vibrant community life. Today, we are excited to announce a new chapter in our city's dynamic story—the launch of the Downtown Entertainment & Nightlife Revitalization Grants (ENRG) Program. This initiative is designed to breathe new life into the heart of our city, transforming Downtown San Francisco into a thriving hub for arts, culture, and entertainment.
Read the Brief: How Small Businesses Can Reinvent Downtown
We are proud to have contributed to a new policy brief by SPUR. Through the past four years of SF New Deal engaging closely with neighborhood businesses, we have seen the scale of persistent challenges that make it so difficult to operate them successfully. In the wake of the pandemic, amidst high vacancy rates Downtown, there is an important opportunity to consider how we supportively resource small businesses to revitalize the area.
Vacant to Vibrant Pop-Ups have Been Extended and Applications Are Open for the New Cohort!
8 of the original 9 pop-up locations participating in the first-ever cohort of the Vacant to Vibrant program have extended their stay beyond the initial 3 month term. Applications are being accepted for Cohort 2 launching later this year.
Pop-up Activations Announced for Vacant to Vibrant Program Downtown!
Mayor London Breed joined the Office of Economic Workforce and Development (OEWD) Executive Director Sarah Dennis-Phillips and SF New Deal Executive Director, Simon Bertrang to announce the first cohort of awardees for the Vacant to Vibrant pop-up program.
SF New Deal Opens Application for Shared Spaces Arts & Culture Grants up to $10,000
SF New Deal is excited to announce an open call for individuals, groups, and organizations to apply for grant funding to activate Shared Spaces with outdoor performances, installations, and other cultural engagement activities.
SF New Deal and Office of Economic and Workforce Development Launch Vacant to Vibrant to Bring Pop-ups to Downtown San Francisco
Amidst a growing number of vacant storefronts in San Francisco’s downtown and economic core, we’re launching Vacant to Vibrant, a program to support and inspire the community to envision the future of downtown and re-energize the neighborhood with diverse pop-ups.
Announcing our new Executive Director, Simon Bertrang
SF New Deal is thrilled to announce Simon Bertrang as our new Executive Director. Simon brings expertise working for and in partnership with local governments and communities to create direct and meaningful improvements for all community members. Simon shares SF New Deal’s founding belief that small businesses serve as the cornerstones of San Francisco’s cultural fabric and identity, and is committed to building a more equitable city for all San Franciscans.