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This page will help you understand the steps to opening a business as an art vendor in San Francisco. It is a resource from the Office of Small Business, San Francisco's central point of information for small businesses.
Application and screening
Application and screening
- Decide if you are applying as an individual or a family unit partnership and fill out the Art Vendor application accordingly.
- Submit the online application. The application is available at: https://sfac.tfaforms.net/92. Once your application has been reviewed for eligibility, staff will send you a link to pay the application fee.
- Screening
- Optional: Attend your scheduled screening where your application will be reviewed by the Advisory Committee.
- Register your business with the City through the Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector (TTX).
- Apply for a Seller’s Permit from the CA Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA). Every location must have this permit to sell taxable goods.
- Resource: cdtfa.ca.gov
- Submit your Business Registration Certificate, Seller’s Permit, ID photograph and image of your signature to Arts Commission staff at art-vendors@sfgov.org.
Selling your goods
Selling your goods
- Explore your payment system options. Although operating as a cash-only business may be easier, a credit card payment system can help maximize customers.
- Participate in the space lottery, which determines where you may sell your goods. After you submit your application, Art Vendor Program staff will provide you with information on how to gain access to the space lottery.
- For more information, visit https://www.sfartscommission.org/find-opportunities/street-artists-lice… or email art-vendors@sfgov.org
- Note: Check the lottery schedule for time and frequency for each location.
- Set up a table or booth in your designated location. Ensure that your table/booth dimensions fit within your allotted space and will adequately display your goods.
Taxes and renewals
Taxes and renewals
- Renew your certificate prior to the expiration date online at https://www.sfartscommission.org/find-opportunities/art-vendor/renew. Contact Arts Commission staff with questions at art-vendors@sfgov.org.
- Note: You may be eligible to reinstate your license or you must rescreen your wares.
- Prepare and pay your local, state, and federal taxes. Learn more from these departments: