Square is doubling down on its commitment to local businesses by renewing the lease for its Corner Store in San Francisco’s vibrant Mission District, creating a hub for community engagement and economic growth. This initiative not only emphasizes Square’s dedication to the neighborhood but also offers practical advantages for small business owners looking to expand their reach.
With the Corner Store set to kick off on January 29, 2026, Square is amplifying its collaboration with BIGFACE Coffee, founded by NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler. This partnership aims to drive foot traffic and sales for local businesses, boosting community connection in a tangible way. "Local businesses are among the most powerful community connectors in every neighborhood," observed Lindsey Irvine, Head of Marketing at Square. "By providing the right tools and creating a space where people can connect and grow their businesses, we’re deepening our roots here and building the kind of neighborhood we all want to see."
Since its inception in May 2025, the Corner Store has made a noticeable impact, processing over 20,000 transactions a day and experiencing a 10% year-over-year growth in the latter half of the year. This growth highlights how strategic investments can convert into significant economic development for small businesses in the area.
In practice, small business owners stand to benefit through various initiatives tied to the Corner Store, including:
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Increased Visibility: The Corner Store serves as a venue for monthly in-store spotlights on local businesses, offering them a platform to showcase their products directly to the community.
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Exclusive Opportunities: With the BIGFACE residency, local entrepreneurs gain access to a space where they can participate in events, share resources, and connect with potential customers. This is particularly relevant during peak seasons in the area.
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Financial Incentives: Square’s Hometown Love program is providing $1,000 in processing credits to 100 eligible businesses during significant upcoming events, helping them maximize sales opportunities and enhance their visibility.
- Community Engagement: The store will host events featuring local leaders and industry voices, enriching the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. These engagements can foster networking opportunities and provide entrepreneurs with insights that could inform their own business strategies.
However, small business owners might consider potential challenges as well. Maintaining visibility amid numerous events and promotions can strain resources, particularly for smaller operations. Additionally, business owners need to leverage these opportunities effectively—simply participating may not yield results without a solid marketing strategy.
The Corner Store will officially open with a lively block party featuring local entertainment and food trucks, emphasizing community spirit and collaboration. Moving forward, Square plans to launch additional programming and residencies to spotlight various local businesses, showcasing more of what San Francisco has to offer.
"The first BIGFACE Corner Store pop-up proved what I already knew: San Francisco shows up big time for great coffee," said Butler. He emphasized the excitement around continuing the partnership and impacting the community positively.
As Square broadens its engagement with local businesses through initiatives like the Corner Store and BIGFACE residencies, the potential for small business growth in San Francisco becomes increasingly evident. By harnessing community connections and promoting local entrepreneurship, Square and its partners demonstrate that thriving neighborhoods hinge on the success of their small businesses.
For further details about Square and its ongoing initiatives, visit Square’s official site.
