Office of Small Business

In this page:

Get help with permits for your small business

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

Click for more info

Business Portal

Comprehensive resource for starting, running, and growing a business in San Francisco

Free business counseling

Fill out this form and a business case manager will contact you

Small Business Commission

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

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.

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

Get City help if your business is affected by the pandemic

Loans, grants, and other financial help.

Update business information

You must tell the City if you change your mailing address or begin operating at a new location.

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.

Accessibility inspection grant program

Apply for a small business grant to help you understand and plan for accessibility improvements. Applications due June 30, 2022.

Learn more & apply here

News

Small business newsletter for June 2022

June 2, 2022

Important Reminder about Business Registration Renewals

May 16, 2022

Mayor London Breed Announces Small Business Permitting Support Services

May 5, 2022

See more news

Resources

Guidebook: Starting a business in San Francisco

Designed to help you as you set out to launch or expand your business.

Small business community resources

Learn where to go for help for public safety, street crises and other issues.

Loans

Find a loan for your small business

Grants

Find a grant for your small business

Tax filing and fee due dates

Important tax filing and fee due dates for businesses (2022)

Become a Legacy Business

For businesses 30 years or older in San Francisco

Neighborhood Anchor Business registry

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

Tax credits and incentives

Learn about local, state, and federal programs

Vandalism relief fund

Get a grant of up to $2,000 for vandalism-related costs

Disability access

ADA resources for your small business

Find out where you can locate your business

Learn what types of businesses are allowed at a particular location in San Francisco

Permit resources

Check if you need permits to start, renovate, or expand a business, or change the type of business

Disaster relief

For businesses impacted by fire

Learn about labor standards

Resources for employers and employees

About

Part of: Office of Economic and Workforce Development

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