CAMPAIGN

City Contracting 101: A Small Business Workshop

Attendees watch intently as a presenter gestures at large projector screen. The presentation slide reads "How does the City buy what it needs?"

SAVE THE DATE!

The next workshop is happening on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, and will focus on hands-on support. Stay tuned for details and registration information!More info here!

Overview

We recognize that navigating the City and County of San Francisco’s contracting process can be challenging. To support businesses in this process, we offer live workshops and hands-on support to help small businesses understand the steps, connect with City agencies, and compete for City contracts.

The City Administrator’s Office hosts an annual City Contracting 101: Small Business Workshop each spring, and twice a year we offer a hands-on Supplier Support Edition where businesses have the chance to ask questions, get guidance, and connect directly with City staff involved in Supplier onboarding, contracting, and compliance.

Check out the resources below from the past workshop held in April 2025!

Small Business Workshop 2025 materials & resources

Keynote: Unlocking Opportunities

Keynote: This session breaks down the City’s contracting and purchasing processes and guides you through the steps to become a City supplier.

Becoming a Certified Local Business Enterprise (LBE)

Becoming a Certified Local Business Enterprise (LBE): This session outlines the eligibility requirements, application process, and key advantages of becoming a certified LBE to help San Francisco businesses compete.

Selling One-time Goods and Services Fast through Prop Q

Selling One-time Goods and Services Fast through Prop Q: This session explains how businesses offering one-off products or services can take steps to set themselves up for success for Prop Q opportunities .

Multi-year Contracting for Goods and Services

Multi-year Contracting for Goods and Services: This session explains what entering into a multi-year contract with the City entails, where you can find opportunities for multi-year contracts, a high-level overview of compliance requirements, and the terms and conditions that contractors must agree to.

Fundamentals of Construction Contracting

Fundamentals of Construction Contracting: This session helps construction businesses understand which City departments offer construction contracts, what the City builds, where to find opportunities, and what you should be aware of before bidding.

Working with the City as a Nonprofit

Working with the City as a Nonprofit: This session provides an overview of nonprofit compliance requirements at the state and local level along with resources to find opportunities with the City.

Contracting for Technology Services

Contracting for Technology Services: This session explains how the City buys technology, technology compliance requirements, and where to find opportunities.

Closing remarks

  • Closing remarks: This session highlights key takeaways from the Small Business Workshop.