San Francisco City Services

Quick Guide to Doing Business in SF

San Francisco has a vibrant and successful business community, made of thriving companies both large and small. The City of San Francisco offers a range of resources to businesses including incentives, training, programs and access to capital.

Start in SF

Mayor Edwin Lee has often referred to San Francisco as a city of doers and dreamers, and a city of innovators and entrepreneurs. Indeed, the entrepreneurial spirit runs deep in the city. And whether it’s our world class workforce, longstanding international reach and reputation, or a citizenry of early adopters and trend setters that’s always on the cutting edge, businesses who choose to locate in San Francisco enjoy a critical business edge. For these reasons, the City of San Francisco actively welcomes and encourages all budding entrepreneurs to take a serious look at San Francisco as an ideal headquarter city.

The first steps to starting a business are deciding upon a business structure, developing a business plan, finding the right location (you can start by using the City's GIS, or Geographic Information Systems, applications), business registration as well as deciding upon (and protecting!) your business’ name. Learn about the City’s tax structure and tax calendar, labor standards, permits and licenses and filing requirements and find all of the required forms for businesses in one easy place. And, don't forget, the City of San Francisco’s Small Business Assistance Center is here to help you, every step of the way.

Grow in SF

You’ve started your business in San Francisco (great choice!), and now you are looking to take it to the next level. Or maybe you’ve been a business owner for the last 20 years, and you want to make sure that you’re taking advantage of all of the incentives, programs and services offered by the City. In any scenario, City staff are at the ready to provide personalized assistance for your business by industry. Read on to find out more about financing your business, any available City loans , the array of tax incentives available and the available assistance and incentives for greening your business. Assistance is also available in filing for business property information.

Move to SF

Come find out what so many businesses already know—a location in San Francisco offers businesses a considerable advantage. Whether it’s San Francisco’s talented workforce, international reach, strong neighborhoods or entrepreneurial spirit that convinced you, we’re so glad to welcome you to San Francisco.

Hire in SF

One of San Francisco’s most valuable assets and attractive qualities is its residents. Using the newly launched HireSF, begin to explore theimmense pool of highly qualified job seekers San Francisco has to offer.

Do Business in SF