Mayor Breed Announces Delivery Fee Cap to Support S.F. Restaurants

Mayor London N. Breed, Supervisor Ahsha Safaí, and Supervisor Aaron Peskin today announced a temporary limit on the commission that third-party food delivery companies can charge restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic. The cap will be in effect through the remainder of the local emergency, or until businesses are permitted to reopen for dine-in service, whichever comes first. This fee cap is part of a broader effort to support small businesses in San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Delivery companies that wish to continue to operate in the city must cap the fees they charge restaurants at 15 percent.The order would apply to delivery apps such as Grubhub, Postmates, Uber Eats, and DoorDash and Caviar.

Mayor Breed issued this order as part of a Supplement to the Local Emergency Declaration she made on February 25th. 

COVID-19 Impact Survey for Japantown Small Businesses and Non Profit Organizations

This purpose of this survey is to provide the Japantown Community Benefit District information on the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic and the shelter-in-place orders, and it’s effect on the small businesses and non profit organizations in Japantown. Information collected will provide much needed data to the City, our and will be used for JCBD fundraising efforts.

Survey is available in English / Japanese / Korean

With construction getting closer to Japantown, the San Francisco Municipal Transit Agency (SFMTA) has installed wayfinding signs on the northside of Geary Boulevard. These JapantownSF branded signs directs drivers as well as pedestrians to the essential businesses that are currently open.

Verizon-LISC Small Business Recovery Grant Application
The application period for Round 1 is now closed. Click here to register for 2nd round of funding that will begin mid-April.

Economic Injury Disaster Loan
Please go to: https://covid19relief.sba.gov/#/ to start the application process. Information is available in: Japanese / Korean

San Francisco Hardship Emergency Loan Program (SF HELP) 
Rapidly deployed loans up to $50,000 at 0% interest. Funds can be used to pay payroll, rent, utilities, inventory and more.
You can read more information and apply here

COVID-19 Resources for
Employers and Employees

The JCBD staff has compiled a list of resources for employers and employees during COVID-19 and have translated it in Japanese and Korean languages. We’ll continue to update the lists as new information comes in. Please read through so that you and your employees are up-to-date on information that can assist you during these difficult times.

Resources for Employers During COVID-19 
English / Japanese / Korean

Resources for Employees During COVID-19 
English / Japanese / Korean

Following update from Greg Viloria of the Japan Center Malls

UPDATE! For Union Bank Customers in the community: As of 3pm (Thursday) , we spoke with Jerry Ono and he said they received over 30 applications manually. Online application is still being worked on. Please go to Union Bank branch to submit your application for PPP loan. Remember, only so many people are allowed in the bank at one time, so waiting times may be longer than usual.

For CB&T Customers in the community: California Bank & Trust's preparation checklist for the Paycheck Protection Act. It is a bit more detailed than Union Bank's list. Check it out. As of yesterday afternoon, they are accepting applications. Here is the link to where you can apply.

Another source to consider...Online Small Business Loan Lender, Kabbage who has been in the market since 2011, might be another source for the PPP 

Reminder that API Legal Outreach staff is now available to assist one-on-one with our Japantown small businesses to help guide you through the various COVID-19 programs, services and loan programs.

Please call 1-415-567-6255 and leave a message requesting help in the language preferred. Currently they provide assistance in the following languages: Korean, Japanese, Tagalog, Cantonese, and Spanish. Please do not forget to leave your name, business name and phone number so that API staff can contact you.

Please notethe changes in operating hours for the Japan Center Garage. Please share this information with your staff and customers.

SF Assessing Local Business Needs
Please take the time to fill this survey out. It only 5 minutes to complete. It will provide the Office of Small Business, OEWD, SBA, and other CIty departments info as to specific help our small business owners need now and how to reach them.