Environment Commission approves $60,000 extension for Green Business Network grant

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment voted unanimously June 3 to authorize a two-year extension and $60,000 increase to the city's partnership with the California Green Business Network, bringing the four-year program total to $120,000.

Program manager Paolo Ohaya presented the resolution (file 2024-04-COE), saying the funding will support the Green Business Program's rebate and "prebate" services to help local businesses purchase products and services needed for green certification. Ohaya said the network also helps vet products, prioritize purchases from local green businesses and supports marketing campaigns tied to Climate Week and Small Business Week.

"We're asking to extend this grant for 2 years, for $60,000," Ohaya said, noting that $60,000 has been distributed across the prior two fiscal years. He told commissioners the funding source is a work order from the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission's Water Conservation Division.

Commissioner Bermejo moved to approve the resolution and Commissioner Hunter seconded; there was no public comment on the item. A roll call recorded ayes from the attending commissioners and the motion passed.

The grant supplements the commission's Green Business Program by underwriting certification assistance and outreach; staff said it helps smaller businesses avoid up-front costs for required upgrades. The resolution packet lists the California Green Business Network as a nonprofit partner that provides marketing support and program administration.

The commission's approval directs staff to execute the extension and allocate the additional funds per the grant agreement. Staff said they will continue reporting program outcomes to the commission as part of routine updates.

Next steps: staff will finalize the subaward paperwork and proceed with contracting under the terms described in the resolution.