AGENCY

Office of Small Business logo

Office of Small Business

San Francisco's central point of information for small businesses.

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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 spaces
Step by step guide to starting a business
Find out where to begin, what you need, and how to plan for success
Free business counseling
Submit a question, schedule an in-person appointment, or drop by our two locations.
Small Business Commission
The Commission analyzes how laws impact small businesses and how to help small businesses thrive.

Calendar

Full calendar

UPCOMING CALENDAR

Event
City Hall Small Business Holiday Pop-up
Event
City Contracting 101: A Small Business Workshop - Supplier Support Edition (January)

PAST CALENDAR

Event
City Contracting 101: A Small Business Workshop - Supplier Support Edition
Event
4th Annual Legacy Business Mixer

News

See all news
Small business newsletter for December 2025
Small business newsletter for November 2025
Legacy Business Light: Autumn 2025
Small business newsletter for October 2025
Small business newsletter for September 2025
Small business newsletter for August 2025

Services

Long counter-desk with "Permit Center" written above. One person is seated at the counter.

Get help with permits for your small business

Visit us at the Permit Center (49 South Van Ness) for help with permits.Find out more

Resources

Rules for business

Business taxes
As a business, you'll have to pay taxes to different levels of government.
Improve the ADA accessibility of your business
Make your business accessible to people with disabilities. It's good for business, a civil right for all people, and an ongoing responsibility.
Liquor License Information
Learn how to acquire a Type 90 liquor license (live music or entertainment venues) or the Type 87 Neighborhood Restricted Restaurant Liquor License.
Security gates for businesses
Learn the steps to installing a security for your business in San Francisco
Awnings and signs for businesses
Learn the steps to installing a new awning or sign for your business in San Francisco.
Get permission to use the sidewalk for your business
Register to use the sidewalk space in front of your storefront for customer seating or merchandise display. No permit or fee is required.

Resources for business challenges

Find a grant for your small business
Learn about current City-run grant options for your business.
Hire employees 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.
SF Small Business Development Center
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.
Get help with City contracting
Navigating the contracting process with the City and County of San Francisco can be complex. Find the right City agency for your contracting questions.
Get a grant for vandalism related costs for your small business storefront
Get up to $2,000 for vandalism-related costs.
Graffiti abatement opt-in program
With permission, San Francisco Public Works abates graffiti on certain private property in the City’s neighborhood commercial corridors at no cost to the property owners.
Close your business
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.

Learn more about us

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Our team

photo of Katy Tang, with long black hair and a navy blue topKaty Tang(she/her)Director of Office of Small BusinessCarol Cheng, medium-length brown hair with black topCarol Cheng(she/her)Small Business Services ManagerDivine Katoure with dark ringlets, a black blazer and pearl necklaceDivine Katoure(she/her)Commercial Leasing AdvisorHao Banh with short dark hair, a blue collared shirt, and grey blazerHao BanhSmall Business Permit Specialistimpage of person wearing a brown beanie and dark sweater with a necklace and earrings, smiling in a sunny green backgroundIris Lee(she/they)Commercial Leasing SpecialistKerry Birnbach with medium length brown hair and a black and white topKerry Birnbach(she/her)Senior Policy Analyst / Commission SecretaryMarianne Thompson with dark medium length hair, a black blazer, and pearl necklaceMarianne ThompsonSmall Business Engagement SpecialistMartha Yanez at City Hall, wearing a black and white top and hair tied backMartha YanezSmall Business Services Managerphoto of woman wearing olive green jacket with short, dark blond hair and glassesMichelle Lynch Reynolds(she/her)Small Business Programs & Communications ManagerRachel Leong with long black hair, wearing a white topRachel Leong(she/her)Small Business Permit SpecialistRichard Kurylo with short hair and a short-sleeved tan topRichard KuryloLegacy Business Program ManagerWalter Monge with short dark hair, short beard, and a dark blazerWalter MongeCase Manager / Neighborhood Anchor Business Coordinator

Contact information

Address

Office of Small BusinessCity Hall
1 Dr Carlton B. Goodlett Place
Room 140
San Francisco, CA 94102
Get directions
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Phone

415-554-6134

Email

Social media

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Request public records

Submit requests for the Office of Small Business.

Archived website

See previous website archived on .