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.

NOMINATION FORMS: Nominate your favorite neighborhood business here. Nominate a neighborhood business for Green Business Award. To learn about becoming a sponsor of the San Francisco Neighborhood Business Awards, Download our Sponsorship Proposal, or call us at 415-553-4433 x106.

Nomination Process

We are now accepting nominations for the 2008 Awards. The deadline to submit your nomination is Friday, August 15 at 5 p.m.

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 and honorable mentions based on the social, cultural and economic contributions the business has made to its respective neighborhood.

The Party

This year's winners will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 7, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at Mezzanine nightclub, 444 Jessie St., just off of Mint Plaza. Tickets are $50 and will go on sale in early September. For more information, call (415) 346-0199.

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

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