Neighborhood businesses do more than create jobs and generate tax revenue. They foster the well known spirit of openness and community for which San Francisco is famous. Whether it’s a family-owned breakfast spot or a cluttered hardware store, the neighborhood business is as much a part of the City’s charm as summer fog and old Victorians.

Each year, Urban Solutions honors San Francisco business owners who make a significant contribution to the city’s vitality, prosperity and character. The San Francisco Neighborhood Business Awards is our annual event to recognize the importance of these entrepreneurs, as well as to raise awareness about Urban Solutions’ many programs to build thriving, vibrant neighborhoods.

Join us next year for the 2009 S.F. Neighborhood Business Awards! Check our site next fall for details. To support Urban Solutions' mission to empower low income and minority entrepreneurs please click on the button below.

Nomination Process

Each summer, partnering with The Examiner newspaper, we put a call for nominations throughout the city and receive nearly 200 nominations from passionate patrons. Urban Solutions assembles a panel of judges to select three winners based on the social, cultural and economic contributions the business has made to its respective neighborhood. New this year, we are presenting a special Green Business Award and a Community Spirit Award to two outstanding neighborhood businesses.

The Party

The final event is a high-profile, festive party with food, drinks, and live music, attended by revelers from all over the city. With support from dozens of sponsors and a program featuring local leaders, the San Francisco Neighborhood Business Awards is one of the warmest and most inspiring community events of the year.

Past Winners

2008
Mission Pie
Uoki K. Sakai Company
Sun Rise Restaurant
Sheba Piano Lounge, Community Spirit
Keetsa Mattress, Green Business

2007
Hwa Rang Kwan Martial Arts Center
Marcus Books
Marlena’s

2006
Cole Hardware
Balboa Theater
Cafe Que Tal

2005
Green Apple Books & Music
Waldeck's Office Supplies
Rasselas Jazz Club