San Francisco Tenderloin Storefront Opportunity Grant program offers small businesses opportunities to move into vacant spaces

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — In San Francisco, several new businesses are moving into vacant storefronts in the Tenderloin. It’s part of a grant program that provides money for rent and renovations.

Those small businesses are getting a $50,000 boost to pay for rent, renovations, and other costs.

It’s a new beginning for Falafelland in San Francisco. The Tenderloin neighborhood welcomed Billy Alabsi and his small business.

“Billy is telling me his story. It is one of grit, determination and perseverance,” said Mayor Daniel Lurie. “This is why our city on the rise, because of entrepreneurs like you.”

Thanks to the Tenderloin Storefront Opportunity Grant, Alabsi has signed a three-year lease and got a big financial boost to open his business on Golden Gate Avenue.

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“I think it’s an awesome idea,” said Alabsi. “This program will revitalize the spirit of the neighborhood and also give people in the neighborhood an opportunity to come up and get another chance in life.”

The Office of Economic Workforce Development says 23 people applied. Five winners were selected after they went through training, developed a business plan and signed a three-year lease.

Those winners each received a $50,000 grant for rent, equipment and business operations.

“I’m really happy I got into this program,” Alabsi said.

Some say the grant program will do a lot to uplift the Tenderloin neighborhood.

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“The Tenderloin is downtown. This is the community that needs it most. It’s immigrant families, working families that live in the Tenderloin,” said SF Supervisor Bilal Mahmood.

According to the Office of Economic Workforce Development, the storefront vacancy rate on Larkin Street in the Tenderloin is about 25%.

For Alabsi, who is surrounded by empty businesses, he’s excited for a new opportunity.

“It’s my own style. It’s a fusion food. It’s like Yemeni beside Persian, Indian and Mediterranean. The spices are integrated of all these regions,” Alabsi said.

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People are starting to take notice.

“I work a couple of blocks away in the state building,” said Gary Tom. “I think it’s great. I would walk by and this spot, and it’d be vacant for the longest time.”

More small businesses are on the way.

“We have a bookstore that’s going to be selling books in Spanish, we have a retail store that’s going to be selling clothing. And we have an herb shop, so it’s really reflective of the neighborhood,” said Diana Ponce De Leon with the Office of Economic Workforce Development.