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.

Find out more

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

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.

Starter guides for small businesses

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

Get help recruiting employees

Save time and money finding quality workers for your business with personalized, zero-cost recruitment services.

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.

Small business exception to plan requirements

For small businesses undergoing a change of use under the Planning Code

Existing businesses

Get help recruiting employees

Save time and money finding quality workers for your business with personalized, zero-cost recruitment services.

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.

Become a City Supplier

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

Claim a refundable business tax credit from the IRS

If you own a business that had employees during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for up to $26,000 per qualified employee.

Learn more

cartoon of a person holding up a completed tax form, with a pile of cash in front of them

News

Small business newsletter for November 2022

November 2, 2022

Small business newsletter for October 2022

October 5, 2022

Board of Supervisors approve renewal and expansion of San Francisco Tourism Improvement District

September 13, 2022

See more news

Resources

Starting out

Guidebook: Starting a business in San Francisco

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

The City funds nonprofit organizations to provide small business training and one-on-one counseling.

Find a location for your business

Assess factors like demographics, safety, traffic, zoning and building requirements, and accessibility.

Buy an existing business

Rather than completely new, consider purchasing an existing business. Be sure to plan and research carefully.

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.

Rules for business

Tax filing and fee deadlines for small businesses in 2022

Important tax and fee filing due dates for businesses in the 2022 calendar year.

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 and an ongoing responsibility.

Grow your business

Loans and borrowing money for your business

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

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.

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.

The City funds nonprofit organizations to provide small business training and one-on-one counseling.

Resources for business challenges

Find a grant for your small business

Learn about grant options for your business.

Small business community resources

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

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.

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

This grant provides up to $2,000 for vandalism-related costs. Examples of damages include broken windows, broken doors, broken locks, etching on windows, graffiti, and more.

Get help for your business after a fire or other disaster

Learn what resources are available to businesses and employees after a disaster, including grants up to $10,000.

Loans and borrowing money for your business

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

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

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