Looking to open, grow, or relocate your business to the CID? We help entrepreneurs prepare to find the right storefront for their business concept, support existing businesses in retaining their spaces or relocating within the district, and guide thoughtful business placement that complements the neighborhood. Whether you’re new to the district or a longtime staple, we’re here to help you thrive.
Whether you’re opening your first storefront, renewing a lease, or seeking a new tenant, we provide hands-on support to help you find the right fit — for your business, your space, and the culture of the Chinatown-International District.
Our services include:
· Business planning and financial preparation necessary to obtain space
· Storefront matchmaking for prospective businesses
· Referrals for assistance with tenant improvements and permitting
· Support for existing businesses seeking to retain space or find new space in CID
· Retail space design advice and pricing consultation for property owners
· Tenant recruitment aligned with the district’s character
· Small business workshops in multiple languages
We’ll help you prepare to qualify for space and look for the right location for your concept and budget. We will set you up with local insights and referrals to business resources. Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or expanding to a second location, we’ll walk with you every step of the way.
We can assist with:
· Business planning and financial projections
· Identifying available storefronts
· Understanding space fit and neighborhood dynamics
· Connecting you with property representatives and referrals to professional services and business resources
· Negotiation support
If you have a small business and are interested in a Chinatown/International District location, please fill out the short form here. We’ll follow up with personalized support.
Staying in the neighborhood can come with challenges. We’re here to help you explore options and stay rooted in the CID.
We offer:
· Negotiation support
· Assistance identifying potential re-location options in CID
· Help navigating communication with landlords
We work closely with property owners and developers to recruit quality businesses that align with the district’s culture and community needs.
We can support with:
· Tenant recommendations and referrals for viable spaces that are up to code
· Retail space layout and pricing guidance
· Understanding community needs and business mix
We coordinate multilingual meetings and workshops for CID business owners on topics ranging from the upcoming World Cup 2026 to planning for business succession. Meetings and workshops are free and tailored to businesses in the CID.
I’m new to the district. How do I find an available storefront?
Start by filling out the short form here. We’ll follow up with personalized support. We can help you prepare to qualify for a lease and identify spaces that fit your needs. When you are ready, we can connect you with property representatives and help you evaluate spaces. We also consider the neighborhood context to make sure your business is a good fit.
What types of businesses are you looking to bring into the CID?
We aim to support businesses that align with the district’s culture, customer base, and existing business mix. We provide guidance for small-scale entrepreneurs who are looking for their first brick-and-mortar space and, for restaurant spaces, focus on Asian and Asian-American foodways.
Do you charge for this service?
No — our business support and storefront matchmaking services are free to businesses and property owners in the CID
I already have a business in the CID. Can you help with lease renewal or relocation?
Yes! We help existing businesses with negotiation support and finding relocation options in the district if needed.
I own a building in the CID. Can you help me find a tenant?
We work with property owners who have viable spaces to recommend tenants that are a fit for the space and complement the district’s business mix. We can also advise on pricing and make referrals for design and construction contracting services.
What languages do you offer support in?
We work with interpreters and multilingual partners to provide assistance in languages such as Cantonese, Mandarin, and Vietnamese.