Downtown San Francisco Vibrancy Loan Fund

In partnership with the City of San Francisco, JP Morgan Chase, and US Bank, Main Street Launch is offering a special low-interest loan program to fill commercial vacancies and foster business activity in downtown San Francisco.

What you need to know about this program:

  • Loan Amount: Up to $100,000
  • Interest Rate: Fixed at 4%
  • Terms: Flexible, with up to 5 years to repay
  • No Application Fee
  • No Prepayment Penalties
  • Zero Out-of-Pocket Costs: Closing fees can be covered with loan proceeds
  • Closing Fees: Flat loan fee, state guaranty fee, due diligence fees
  • Collateral: Business assets & personal guaranty
  • Bonus: Get an additional $25,000 grant from the City of San Francisco

 

Use the loan to:

  • Cover startup expenses to launch your venture
  • Pay rent, utilities, and other operating expenses
  • Invest in furniture, fixtures, and equipment
  • Purchase inventory to boost your offerings

 

Eligibility requirements:

  • New or existing for-profit business with a valid San Francisco business license and any other permits/licenses required to legally operate
  • Business must be filling a ground floor, public-facing vacancy within designated downtown areas
  • Must have signed lease or LOI for the space
  • May not be a chain or franchise business
  • Business must demonstrate current or future debt service based on historical and/or projected revenues
  • At least 51% owned by a US citizen or permanent resident
  • No minimum credit score required – we look at your credit history, not just the number

 

Whether you’re a startup business opening your first location, or an existing business operating as a pop-up or in another area, you can leverage these funds to bring new energy to downtown San Francisco.

Get Assistance to Prepare Your Application

Need help refining your business plan or putting together financial projections? We’ve partnered with the SF SBDC to provide additional technical assistance for applicants. Fill out their intake form to get started.

For assistance with entity formation and lease negotiation, reach out to the Legal Services for Entrepreneurs team at the Lawyer’s Committee for Civil Rights of the San Francisco Bay Area.

How we work:

Our application process begins with a conversation. Click the button below to fill out our loan inquiry form, and we’ll contact you to start your application!