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San Francisco's Green Business Program expands rebates, outreach and virtual assistance to support small businesses during COVID‑19

San Francisco Commission on the Environment · July 28, 2020
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Summary

The department's Green Business Program described virtual verifications, social media promotion yielding ~216,000 impressions, and a $500 prebate/rebate that helped 19 businesses buy qualifying green supplies; staff said they will continue outreach to businesses in districts with higher need.

The San Francisco Department of the Environment's Green Business Program told the commission it adapted services during the COVID‑19 pandemic to help certified and prospective green businesses stay afloat.

Kevin Kumataka, Green Business Program Coordinator, said the program pivoted to online outreach, virtual site verifications, and targeted informational campaigns about relief programs and safe reopening practices. The program ran a free promotional ad campaign that included 24 participating businesses and generated roughly 216,000 impressions and 1,700 clicks, Kumataka said.

To address immediate financial barriers, the program launched a prebate/rebate pilot that provided upfront payments or $500 rebates for qualifying green products and supplies; 19 businesses participated and requested items such as BPI‑certified to‑go ware, LED lights and cleaning products. Kumataka said funds were fully subscribed within 24 hours of announcement and the department will expand rebate and prebate offerings into the next fiscal year, with focused outreach to Districts 10 and 11 and to businesses owned by people of color.

A green business owner who spoke during the meeting said certification and promotion helped sustain takeout operations during the pandemic and suggested partnering with delivery platforms to highlight certified businesses. Commissioners commended the program's careful messaging and emphasis on resilience.

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