Small, local businesses make up the majority of businesses in San Francisco, the economic engine for job growth and the diversity of character that defines our neighborhoods. In San Francisco small business delivers $4.5 billion in sales annually, and most of the dollars are reinvested in the local economy.

The Chamber is a champion for small business and was instrumental in the creation of the newly formed Small Business Assistance Center at City Hall. The Chamber has an active Small Business Advisory Council and provides networking, professional development, advocacy and resource referrals. Additionally, the Council is a part of the Neighborhood Merchants Summit series created by the Chamber. The Neighborhood Merchants Summits are an opportunity for the Chamber to partner with supervisors in every district, the merchant groups established in those districts and merchants.

"Small business is the generator", says Jim Lazarus, senior vice president/public policy for the San Francisco Chamber, "they generate most jobs and most of the overall economic activity."