Office of Small Business

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.

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

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

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

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

Make your business accessible to people with disabilities. It's good for business and an ongoing responsibility.

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

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.

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

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.

Apply to become a certified Local Business Enterprise.

Learn about grant options for your business.

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

Small business owners can get reimbursed for accessibility inspections or for making your business more accessible.

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.

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.

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

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

If you sell, close, or move your business out of San Francisco, you must unregister it with the City. Based your business type or employee status, you may also need to unregister and pay payroll taxes to certain city, state, and federal agencies.

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

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