AGENCY
Office of Small Business
San Francisco's central point of information for small businesses.
AGENCY
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 spacesFind out where to begin, what you need, and how to plan for success
Submit a question, schedule an in-person appointment, or drop by our two locations.
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.
Find resources and processes for the most common types of small businesses in San Francisco.
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
Download, fill out, and submit your renewal form.
Update your account information, renew your business registration, or close your business.
Contact the Treasurer & Tax Collector's Office for help.
Get help with permits for your small business
Visit us at the Permit Center (49 South Van Ness) for help with permits.Find out moreResources
Starting out
In running your business, there are times when you may need a specialist in law, accounting, taxes, insurance or marketing.
This information is about buying an existing business or transferring ownership.
Rules for business
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, a civil right for all people, and an ongoing responsibility.
If you are opening a live music or entertainment venue, or if you have an existing venue, consider a Type 90 liquor license. It can be an affordable option for you to serve alcoholic beverages to patrons while also admitting minors, all without being required to serve food.
Grow your business
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.
Apply to become a certified Local Business Enterprise.
Borrowing money requires repaying over a period of time, usually with interest.
Resources for business challenges
Learn about current City-run grant options 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.
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.
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. Businesses can receive the grant up to three times in one year.
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 after a major fire, including a Fire Disaster Relief grant of up to $10,000.
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.
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.
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Contact information
Room 140
San Francisco, CA 94102
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