Resources
Discover what the City of San Francisco can offer your business.
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Start a Business in San Francisco
The Office of Small Business is the City's central resource for small businesses, with a handy, step-by-step guide to starting a business, access to free business counseling, and links and information to dozens of resources from registration and permitting to how to become a city supplier.
Learn more »Register a Business in San Francisco
San Francisco requires every person engaging in business within the City to register within 15 days after commencing business. Business renewals are renewed every year by May 31st. The online process is quick and easy. An instructional video is available to help you complete the online form.
Learn more »Incentive: Gross Receipts TaxRelief for New, Downtown Businesses
To incentivize business attraction, the City provides a 0.45% discount on office-based gross receipts for up to three years for companies opening new offices in San Francisco. The annual discount is capped at $1 million. The program expires in 2028. Businesses eligible for the discount include information, administrative and support services, and financial services, among others.
Learn more »Incentive: Tax Relief for Industries Hit Hardest by the Pandemic
Mayor Breed and the City’s Board of Supervisors delayed a scheduled increase in gross receipts taxes for certain industries hit hardest by the pandemic until 2025. The industries include maintenance, laundry, retail, food services, manufacturing, arts, entertainment, and recreation. Without this reform, these businesses stand to see their taxes increase by 50% this year and by another 30% next year.
Learn more »Incentive: Your First Year in Business is Free!
The First Year Free program was created to support San Francisco-based small businesses as they recover from the pandemic by waiving the cost of initial registration fees, initial license fees, first-year permit, and other applicable fees. Enrollment is automatic when you register as a new business or new location with the City.
Learn more »Incentive: Upgrade Your Storefront Awning
The City launched a special program that runs through June 30, 2024, to legalize existing awnings that were installed without a permit. Fees and fines are waived. If you bought an existing business, contact the Office of Small Business to find out whether your awning is legit.
Learn more »Incentive: Grants to Improve Your Storefront
SF Shines provides grants up to $5,000 plus free design services and project management for property improvements. The goal of the program is to help small businesses thrive and create vibrant and safe neighborhood commercial corridors.
Learn more »Become a Certified Green Business
SF Environment created the Green Business program for businesses that are committed to making the community and planet safer, cleaner, and sustainable. The Green Business Program offers three levels of recognition to organizations that meet high environmental standards. Certified businesses receive a variety of benefits, including:
Access to incentives, free technical assistance, expert audits, rebates, and educational resources.
Saving money and attracting more customers.
Showcasing greening practices to customers and the larger community.
The Office of Economic and Workforce Development
San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) offers a wide variety of programs, services, and assistance to create a thriving, resilient economy, where barriers to economic and workforce opportunities are removed and prosperity is shared by all. Services include but are not limited to:
Small business support.
Workforce development support with training and career development for job seekers and recruitment and specialized job training assistance for employers.
Community economic development programs focused investments in San Francisco's business corridors, public spaces, and commercial centers.
Contracting opportunities.
Assistance to become a City supplier.
Permitting assistance.
Help for employers before a layoff or closing.
Build Your Network by Joining the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce!
The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is the heart of the business community and the City’s most vibrant business network with more than 1,300 members representing just about every industry sector. Founded during the Gold Rush in May 1850, the Chamber has been a leading champion of economic growth and prosperity for more than 174 years. Search the business directory and learn about member benefits.
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State Incentive: California Competes Tax Credit
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) provides income tax credits for businesses that locate or grow in California creating full-time jobs in areas of high unemployment and constructing or making significant capital improvements in facilities. Applicants are analyzed based on fourteen factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region. For example, Pyka, a developer of autonomous electric aviation technology, was awarded a $7 million tax credit for expanding manufacturing operations in the State. Visit the CalCompetes Resource Page for an FAQ, application guide, and video presentation to help you fill out the online application.
Learn more »State Incentives: Sales & Use Tax Exemptions for Equipment Purchases
The Partial Sales & Use Tax Exemption program provides a sales tax exemption of 3.9375% for basic manufacturing equipment. Eligibility is determined by the company’s North American Industry Classification (NAICS) Codes 311100 to 339999, inclusive, 541711, or 541712. Research and development is also eligible for the exemption.
The Full Sales & Use Tax Exclusion program provides a full sale and use tax exclusion for cutting -edge companies and manufacturers of alternative source recycled feedstock and advanced transportation products, components, or systems.
Advanced Transportation definition
State Incentive: CA Research & Development Tax Credit
A business may qualify for an income tax credit if it paid for or incurred research expenses while conducting qualified research activity in California. Qualified research expenses include wages, supplies, and contract research costs.
Learn more»State Incentive: CA Energy Infrastructure Support for Zero-Emission (ZEV) Infrastructure
California and local governments offer a variety of incentives, financing options, and grants to help property owners, businesses, and California residents transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and install ZEV infrastructure with a skilled workforce.
Learn more »State Incentive: CA Employment and Workforce Training Matching Funds
The Employment and Workforce Training Matching Funds program provides match funding to employers to assist in upgrading the skills of their workers. You can sign up for Interactive Orientation and learn from Senior Employment Training Panel (ETP) Analysts about program guidelines, eligibility & contract processes. To learn more or to speak with an Analyst, reach out to the Economic Development Unit.
State Incentive: CA Expanded New Employment Credit (NEC)
The NEC is an income tax credit for new hires. Originally for veterans, formerly incarcerated individuals, and unemployed community members, in economically disadvantaged geographic areas, the credit has been expanded to include semiconductor manufacturing or research and development (NAICS Code category 3344), electric airplane manufacturing (NAICS Code category 3364 ), lithium production as defined under the California Lithium Extraction Tax Law (NAICS Codes 212390 or 325180 ), and lithium battery manufacturing if it constitutes at least 50% of the primary business (NAICS Code 335910 )
The credit is based on 35% of qualified wages or wages between 150% and 350% of minimum wage.
Learn more »CA Homeless Hiring Tax Credit
The Homeless Hiring Tax Credit (HHTC) is available for taxable years beginning January 1, 2022, through December 31, 2026. Employers may receive $2,500 to $10,000 in tax credit per eligible employee up to $30,000 of credit per taxable year.
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SFMade—Get Support for Your Manufacturing Business
SFMade, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, focuses on building San Francisco’s economic base by developing the local manufacturing sector to build and sustain companies producing locally made products, encourage entrepreneurship and innovation, and create employment opportunities for San Francisco's diverse workforce. SFMade provides workshops, factory tours, workforce development programs for the local manufacturing sector.
Learn more »Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
The SBDC provides free, confidential one-on-one business counseling, hands-on workshops, and access to capital.
Learn more »Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
The Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is a nonprofit organization offering comprehensive small business training and support services throughout the Bay Area.
Learn more »SF Public Library Business Center
The Small Business Center is on the fourth floor of the SF Library Main Branch.
Learn more »SCORE
The Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) provides free, confidential business counseling from professionals with real world experience.
Learn more »Pacific Community Ventures
Pacific Community Ventures (PCV) provides free, confidential, award-winning small business advising and mentoring services. PCV matches business owners who are beyond the startup phase with pro bono business coaches and mentors who provide tailored, hands-on advising.
Learn more »Southeast Asian Community Center (SEACC)
The Southeast Asian Community Center (SEACC) is a multi-service nonprofit that provides business support services include one-on-one technical assistance, credit evaluation and repair, business plan development, financial projections, marketing, business expansions, interpretation and translation services, and loan packaging to small businesses in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. SEACC is a designated intermediary lender for the US Small Business Administration’s Microloan program, which provides commercial loans up to $50,000, to small businesses that have been unable to secure conventional bank loans.
Learn more »The SF LGBT Community Center
The SF LGBT Center assists LGBTQ entrepreneurs in San Francisco through a variety of programs including one-on-one business consulting and coaching, business workshops, an entrepreneur training program, the Queer Street Marketplace, and referrals to a vast small business development network for funding and other support.
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U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Loans
SBA 7(a) loans, available through commercial and nonprofit lenders, provide businesses with short- and long-term working capital and loans for refinancing business debt; purchasing machinery, equipment, furniture, fixtures, and supplies; and changing ownership. The maximum loan amount for a 7(a) loan is $5 million. Your lender will help you figure out which type of loan is best suited for your needs.
Learn more »SBA 504 loans, available through commercial and nonprofit Certified Development Corporations (CDC), provide 90% financing for the purchase of commercial property and equipment. The benefit to the borrower is a lower down payment requirement (10%) and a longer-term, fixed-rate loan translating into reduced monthly payments.
Learn more »U.S. Department of Energy Clean Energy Guarantee Loans
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office (LPO) provides the critical financing needed to deploy some of the world’s largest and most innovative clean energy and advanced technology vehicle manufacturing projects to date. LPO issues loans and loan guarantees to finance deployment of innovative energy projects and advanced technology vehicle manufacturing facilities in the U.S. LPO manages a portfolio compromising more than $30 billion of loans, loan guarantees and conditional commitments covering more than 30 projects across the U.S.
Learn more »Main Street Launch ($10k - $250k for new and existing businesses)
Main Street Launch creates economic opportunity by empowering entrepreneurs through innovative partnerships that provide business owners with capital, education, and relationships that allow them to flourish.
Learn more »ICA Fund ($250k - $750k to established businesses)
ICA Fund Good Jobs educates, accelerates, and invests in high-growth small businesses to create accessible good jobs that lead to equitable communities for all.
Learn more »Working Solutions ($5k - $50k for new and existing businesses)
Working Solutions is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization committed to serving new and existing businesses throughout the nine San Francisco Bay Area counties. Services include Microloans (Small Business Loans from $5,000 to $100,000), Technical Assistance and One-On-One Support, No-Cost Referrals to Local Business Resources, and Educational Presentations on Access to Capital.
Learn more »Fondo Adelante ($5 - $100k for new and existing businesses)
The Mission Economic Development Agency’s (MEDA) community loan fund, Fondo Adelante, offers loans up to $100,000 to businesses who cannot get a loan at a traditional bank.
Learn more »Kiva Microloans (up to $10k for new and existing businesses)
Kiva is a local non-profit that provides 0% interest loans up to $15,000 for small businesses and start-ups in the Bay Area. These loans are crowdfunded on their website and can be used for any business purpose. Kiva's crowdfunding model and unique approach to underwriting allows those with poor financial history or limited business experience the opportunity to raise capital.
Learn more »Mission Asset Fund
Mission Asset Fund helps clients participate in lending circles to help low-income businesses access zero-interest loans and build credit.
Learn more »Northeast Community Federal Credit Union
Northeast Community Federal Credit Union is a nonprofit, member-owned, federally insured, community development credit union that offers small business loans. Chinese assistance is available upon request.
Learn more »Accion Opportunity Fund ($2,600k - $250k, must be in business at least 1 year)
The Opportunity Fund advances the economic well-being of working people by helping them earn, save, and invest in their future with Small Business Loans, IDA Savings, and Community Real Estate services. The loans range from $5,000 to $100,000.
Learn more »Pacific Community Ventures ($10k - $200k, must be in business at least 1 year)
Pacific Community Ventures is a mission-driven lender that provides fair and affordable loans up to $250,000 to California small businesses with at least 12 months in business.
Learn more »Southeast Asian Community Center (SEACC)
The Southeast Asian Community Center (SEACC) is a multi-service nonprofit that provides business support services include one-on-one technical assistance, credit evaluation and repair, business plan development, financial projections, marketing, business expansions, interpretation and translation services, and loan packaging to small businesses in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area. SEACC is a designated intermediary lender for the US Small Business Administration’s 7(m) Microloan program. This program provides commercial loans up to $50,000, to small businesses that have been unable to secure conventional bank loans.
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WorkforceLinkSF
The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) provides hiring services for San Francisco-based employers to help them attract, grow, and retain a diverse workforce. Employers can create an employer account and post open positions on WorkforceLinkSF to reach thousands of local candidates who are pre-screened for experience and job skills.
Learn more »JVS
JVS Bay Area is a trusted partner in building a talented and inclusive workforce. Employers who collaborate with JVS have access to diverse talent while benefiting from JVS’s expertise and resources.
Learn more »TechSF
TechSF is specifically focused on helping San Francisco-based employers find new tech talent for their businesses. TechSF serves businesses in all sectors with unique opportunities to engage the City’s excellent tech talent pool.
Learn more »Rapid Response Services
Employers in San Francisco County who are experiencing widespread layoffs or closures can use the Rapid Response services provided by the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD). Rapid Response orientations give companies the chance to give affected workers important tools that can speed up their return to work and make this difficult transition easier.
Learn more »JobsNOW! Hiring Subsidies for San Francisco Employers
JobsNOW! is the San Francisco Human Services Agency’s jobs placement program that provides salary subsidies of $4,000 per month for full-time hires or $1,250 paid per month for part-time hires for up to six months. Employers also get access to pre-screened candidates, skills testing, and promotion of your organization’s job openings.
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U.S. Department of Commerce Foreign Trade Zone in San Francisco
Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) are located throughout California, including in San Francisco. FTZs are territories legally considered outside the United States and allow entry of foreign and domestic goods without formal customs entry or government excise taxes.
Learn more »U.S. Department of Commerce Foreign Trade Zone in San Francisco
Foreign Trade Zones (FTZ) are located throughout California, including in San Francisco. FTZs are territories legally considered outside the United States and allow entry of foreign and domestic goods without formal customs entry or government excise taxes.
Learn more »Federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit
The Work Opportunity Tax Credit promotes the hiring of individuals who qualify as a member within at least one of nine target groups, including youth, justice-involved people, public assistance recipients, and more. Businesses can reduce their taxes up to $2,400 for each new adult hire, up to $1,200 for each new summer youth hire, and up to $9,000 for each new long-term family assistance recipient hired over a two-year period. See if your business qualifies.
Learn more »Federal New Market Tax Credits
The New Market Tax Credits (NMTC) program attracts private capital into low-income communities by permitting individual and corporate investors to receive a tax credit against their federal income tax in exchange for making equity investments in specialized financial intermediaries called Community Development Entities (CDEs). The credit totals 39% of the original investment amount and is claimed over a period of seven years.
Learn more »Historic Preservation Tax Credit
Businesses can receive tax credits for investing in the reuse and rehabilitation of historic structures. If the rehabilitation is for a historic building before 1936 then 10% can be received and for certified rehabilitation for historic structures 20% can be received.
Learn more »EB-5 Visa for Immigrant Investors
EB-5 is a visa preference category that is available to immigrants seeking to enter the United States to invest in a new commercial enterprise that will benefit the US economy and create at least 10 full-time jobs. There are two ways to invest which you may use within the EB-5 category and they are: creating a new commercial enterprise or investing in a troubled business. Eligibility: Applicants must invest at least $500,000 into the U.S. and create at least 10 full-time jobs to qualify.
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About the San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED)
The San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED) is an initiative of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that supports the economic vitality of the city and strives to improve the quality of life for all who live and work in the City.The SFCED
Provides comprehensive business attraction, retention, expansion, and site-selection services for domestic and international businesses.
Serves as a clearinghouse for data, information, resources, and connections to help businesses start, expand, or locate in San Francisco.
Promotes the city as a world-class place to innovate and do business.
Helps organizations navigate federal, state, and local tax credits, R&D exemptions, and other incentives aimed at supporting businesses that want to locate, stay, or grow in the city.
Works with City officials and business leaders to respond to challenges that impact business attraction and retention.
Leads efforts to reimagine the future of San Francisco’s business community as we transition to a more resilient, equitable future.
San Francisco Center for Economic Development
www.sfcentered.org
235 Montgomery Street Suite 760
San Francisco, CA 94104
415.392.4520
info@sfcentered.org
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