For small businesses today, every decision counts. Margins are tighter. Costs are rising. And for many entrepreneurs, access to capital and support can determine whether they grow — or stall.

But in San Francisco, a new wave of investment is targeting that gap.

What you need to know: JPMorganChase just hosted its first The Experience event of the year in San Francisco, where nearly 450 small business owners attended to learn, network and grow. Onsite, the company announced new support for Bay Area small businesses, including $2.5 million in philanthropic funding to local organizations that help entrepreneurs grow and hire, as well as broader efforts to revitalize downtown San Francisco and drive neighborhood growth.

What that looks like:

• Graduating 1,200 entrepreneurs through the firm's complimentary, one-on-one Coaching for Impact program over the next five years.
• Increasing the number of business bankers in San Francisco and Oakland by 30%.

Why it's important: Small businesses are the backbone of local economies — but many are navigating a difficult economic reality — and the data back this up. According to JPMorganChase's 2026 Business Leaders Outlook Survey:

• 38% expect tariffs to negatively impact their business this year.
• 55% of businesses saw total expenses rise by at least 5%.

Workforce shortages, rising costs and inconsistent access to capital are adding pressure, particularly in high-cost markets like San Francisco.

What you're missing: Demand for growth hasn't disappeared. But the type of support businesses need is evolving. It's no longer just about access to banking. It's about:

• Local, tailored guidance.
• Connections to new revenue streams.
• Tools that extend beyond traditional banking services, like Customer Insights.

The idea: JPMorganChase's work in San Francisco is part of its broader American Dream Initiative, a national effort focused on expanding economic opportunity locally — starting with small businesses.

• The goal is to help power 10 million small businesses across the country over the next several years.
• The company intends to provide nearly $80 billion in lending over the next 10 years to small businesses nationally, both directly and through community and mission-driven lending partners, to help entrepreneurs start, scale and thrive.

How it works: The approach combines capital, expertise and local partnerships to support businesses at different stages of growth. This includes:

• Expanding access to capital.
• Providing local, customized guidance and resources.

• Adding digital tools and resources to help businesses manage and grow.
• Connecting small business owners to lower-cost health care options.
• Expanding access to supplier programs for government projects.
• Championing policies that support entrepreneurship and job creation.
• Revitalizing local business along main street.

The strategy: JPMorganChase has a 225-year track record of investing in communities across the country, collaborating with local government, business and community partners to solve local challenges.

• The Bay Area is both a major economic engine and a region where small businesses face acute challenges. JPMorganChase serves more than 271,000 small businesses in the region, making it a key market for this initiative.

Next steps: Additional local support and programming tied to the American Dream Initiative are expected as the effort expands.

• San Francisco offers an early look at how that strategy is taking shape on the ground.

The takeaway: As economic pressures build, access to capital alone isn't always enough.

By addressing the evolving needs of businesses, like funding, guidance and connections, not only do small businesses benefit, but local communities can get ahead.

Learn more about JPMorganChase's work in San Francisco and the American Dream Initiative.

JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

©2026 JPMorgan Chase & Co.