Support Our Work

Policy, Ethics & Transparency

Our Purpose

The San Francisco Small Business Coalition (SFSBC) operates as a public policy and advocacy organization representing the interests of locally owned businesses across San Francisco and the greater Bay Area.

Our work includes policy research, stakeholder convening, public education, and direct advocacy with government officials to promote economic vitality, regulatory clarity, and public safety for small businesses.

Funding Transparency

SFSBC is committed to operating openly and ethically.

• SFSBC accepts contributions from individuals and organizations aligned with our mission.

• Contributions are not tax-deductible.

• Funds are used exclusively to support:

  • Advocacy and public policy work

  • Research and analysis

  • Communications and public education

  • Operations and professional staff

SFSBC does not accept funds that are contingent on political outcomes, enforcement actions, or preferential access to elected officials.

Compensation & Governance

SFSBC is led by professional staff with experience in government, business operations, and public affairs.

• Leadership and staff may be compensated for their work as an operating expense.

• Compensation is established using market benchmarks and approved through organizational governance processes.

• No profits or surplus funds are distributed to individuals.

Lobbying & Regulatory Compliance

SFSBC complies with all applicable lobbying and ethics laws.

Depending on the jurisdiction and nature of advocacy, this may include:

• Registration and disclosure with an Ethics Commission

• Registration and disclosure with the California Fair Political Practices Commission

• Compliance with federal regulations governing advocacy organizations

When required, SFSBC registers and files public disclosures in accordance with law.

Political Activity

SFSBC is not a political action committee (PAC).

• We do not make campaign contributions to candidates.

• We do not coordinate with political campaigns.

• We do not aggregate or route funds to candidates or committees.

Our advocacy focuses on policy outcomes, not elections.

Our Commitment to Clean Advocacy

SFSBC believes transparency is essential to public trust.

We distinguish ourselves from organizations that:

• Obscure funding sources

• Funnel money indirectly to political campaigns

• Operate without disclosure while exerting political influence

SFSBC does not engage in “dark money” practices.

Our positions, leadership, and funding purpose are public and clearly stated.

Questions & Accountability

We welcome questions about our operations, governance, and advocacy practices.

Transparency is not a slogan—it is a requirement for credibility.

Jurisdictional Scope & Compliance

SFSBC engages in public policy advocacy at multiple levels of government, depending on issue scope and impact.

San Francisco – When engaging in direct advocacy with City and County officials, SFSBC complies with applicable registration and disclosure requirements administered by the San Francisco Ethics Commission.

Berkeley, Oakland, and Alameda County – SFSBC engages in issue advocacy and stakeholder engagement within East Bay jurisdictions. Where required by local ordinance, SFSBC complies with applicable ethics and disclosure rules.

State of California – When engaging in state-level advocacy, SFSBC complies with registration and reporting requirements administered by the California Fair Political Practices Commission.

Federal – If engaging in federal advocacy or operating under a federal tax classification, SFSBC complies with applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue Service and other federal regulators.

SFSBC continuously evaluates its activities to ensure compliance with applicable laws and ethical standards across all jurisdictions in which it operates.