City Contracting 101: A Small Business Workshop

City staff presenting information about city contracting processes to a group of small business owners.

Join us on September 16th at our City Contracting 101 Workshop!

The City Administrator's Office is hosting another City Contracting 101 Workshop on September 16th in partnership with the Contracting Monitoring Division (CMD) and the SFMTA to help local businesses learn how to do business with the City. This workshop will provide step-by-step instructions on how to contract with the City, explain Local Business Enterprise (LBE) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification, and offer hands-on assistance for businesses interested in becoming certified or re-certified.Learn more!

Overview

This page is your home base for all free City Contracting 101 resources and events hosted by the City Administrator’s Office.

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 City Contracting 101: A Small Business Workshop twice a year 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 past workshops!

Small Business Workshop Presentation Materials

Unlocking Opportunities: How Small Businesses Can Contract with the City

Unlocking Opportunities: How Small Businesses Can Contract with the City: 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.