Office of Small Business

San Francisco's central point of information for small businesses.

Office of Small Business

San Francisco's central point of information for small businesses.

Find a location for your business

Filter for commercial spaces by type, size, location, rate, and more. Connect with a Commercial Leasing Specialist by emailing sfosb@sfgov.org or calling 415-554-6134.Search for spaces

Step by step guide to starting a business

Find out where to begin, what you need, and how to plan for success

Free business counseling

Submit a question, schedule an in-person appointment, or drop by our two locations.

Small Business Commission

The Commission analyzes how laws impact small businesses and how to help small businesses thrive.

Calendar

Full calendar

PAST CALENDAR

May 08

May08

Event

4th Annual Legacy Business Mixer

Thursday, May 08, 2025

5:00 pm

May 06

May06

Event

Small business pop-up shop

Tuesday, May 06, 2025

11:00 am

Services

New businesses

If you engage in business in San Francisco, you must register, renew your registration annually, and show your Registration Certificate in your place of business.

Starter guides for small businesses

Find resources and processes for the most common types of small businesses in San Francisco.

Get your small business permits with a 30-day review

Open a new business or change your business operations under Prop H.

Waive permit fees for new businesses

Learn about the First Year Free program which waives the cost of initial registration fees, initial license fees, first-year permit, and other applicable fees for qualifying businesses.

Existing businesses

Renew your business information

Download, fill out, and submit your renewal form.

Manage your business registration account

Update your account information, renew your business registration, or close your business.

Get a copy of your business registration

Contact the Treasurer & Tax Collector's Office for help.

Become a City Supplier

Businesses that are Suppliers can apply for and receive certain grants and contracts with the City.

Long counter-desk with "Permit Center" written above. One person is seated at the counter.

Get help with permits for your small business

Visit us at the Permit Center (49 South Van Ness) for help with permits.Find out more

Resources

Starting out

Find a professional specialist for your small business

In running your business, there are times when you may need a specialist in law, accounting, taxes, insurance or marketing.

Buy an existing business

This information is about buying an existing business or transferring ownership.

Find a commercial location for your business

Rules for business

Business taxes

As a business, you'll have to pay taxes to different levels of government.

ADA compliance for business

Make your business accessible to people with disabilities. It's good for business, a civil right for all people, and an ongoing responsibility.

Liquor License Information

Learn how to acquire a Type 90 liquor license (live music or entertainment venues) or the Type 87 Neighborhood Restricted Restaurant Liquor License.

Security Gates for Businesses

Awnings and Signs for Businesses

Grow your business

Export and expand your business globally

Exporting can increase sales and revenues and make your business competitive domestically and internationally.

Green your business

Make your business better for the environment. Save money, improve employee health, and attract customers.

Get certified as an LBE

Apply to become a certified Local Business Enterprise.

Loans and borrowing money for your business

Borrowing money requires repaying over a period of time, usually with interest.

Resources for business challenges

Find a grant for your small business

Learn about current City-run grant options for your business.

Hire employees for your business

Hiring your first employee is a big step and has new complexities. Learn about labor law and payroll taxes at the local, state, and federal levels.

SF Small Business Development Center

Hosted by the Office of Economic & Workforce Development/Office of Small Business. Supports entrepreneurs with access to capital, human resources, compliance, marketing, accounting, or any other business need.

Apply for a grant to make your business accessible

Small business owners can get reimbursed for accessibility inspections or for making your business more accessible to the public, as required by the Americans for Disabilities Act (ADA) Title III.

Get a grant for vandalism-related costs for your small business storefront.

Get up to $2,000 for vandalism-related costs.

Graffiti abatement opt-in pilot program

To combat blight and to create a more welcoming and beautiful environment, San Francisco Public Works launched a pilot program to abate graffiti on certain private property in the City’s neighborhood commercial corridors at no out-of-pocket cost to the property owners.

Get help for your business after a fire

Learn what resources are available to businesses after a major fire, including a Fire Disaster Relief grant of up to $10,000.

Close your business

If you are no longer in business in San Francisco, you will need to close your business registration as well as any permits or licenses. Notify and pay final wages to employees in accordance with labor laws.

Secure your business legacy

Legacy Business Program

Long-standing small businesses can join the Registry for recognition, marketing and business help, and grants.

Neighborhood Anchor Business registry

For businesses in continuous operation in San Francisco for at least 15 years.

About

The Office of Small Business is the City's central point of information for small businesses located in the City and County of San Francisco.

Our mission is to equitably support, preserve and protect small businesses in San Francisco. We provide high quality direct services and programs, drive practical policy solutions, and serve as a champion for San Francisco’s diverse small business community.

Learn more about us