Locally owned and loved San Francisco establishments like tapas restaurant Cha Cha Cha and the Hong Kong Bakery are getting a hand from the SF Shines Improvement Project, the city announced.

A total of $350,000 in funding will be distributed between more than 50 businesses to support storefront improvements and equipment purchases from the project, which is administered by the city’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development.

Both new and existing small businesses can receive up to $10,000 apiece to make building improvements to reduce vulnerability to crime, attract foot traffic, ensure compliance with City requirements and stimulate economic growth.

Since it launched in 2022, the program has been vital to the City’s economic revitalization strategy, awarding more than $3.7 million to approximately 960 businesses, city officials said.

“San Francisco’s small businesses are at the center of what drives our economy and what makes our city so special,” said Mayor London Breed.

Onur Ozkaynak, owner of Cha Cha Cha, said he plans to redesign the bar at Cha Cha Cha and purchase a new pizza oven for his other establishment, Oz Pizza, with the grant funding.

“This investment has not only enabled much-needed improvements to my businesses but has also brought renewed hope for future growth,” Ozkaynak said.

Hong Kong Bakery owner David Huang said, “In previous years, our old freezer would stop working randomly, requiring constant repairs and careful maintenance.

“With the funds from SF Shines Grant, we will be able to purchase a brand new commercial-use freezer for our bakery,” Huang said.

The new unit will make it possible for Huang to more accurately control and maintain the desired temperature and deliver fresher food to his customers, the bakery owner said.

The program will begin accepting new applications in January 2025. Information on how to apply for an SF Shines grant is available on the Office of Small Business webpage: sf.gov/SmallBusinessGrants.

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