TOPIC
Business
Starting, owning, and closing a business.
Find help for small businesses
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. We offer one-on-one business assistance, online and in person at City Hall and the Permit Center.Learn moreServices
Register
Step by step guide to starting a business in San Francisco
Find out where to begin, what you need, and how to plan for success.
Register a new business
If you engage in business in San Francisco, you must register, renew your registration annually, and show your Registration Certificate in your place of business.
Get your small business permits with a 30-day review
Open a new business or change your business operations under Prop H.
Operate
Pay business tax
Businesses must file and pay taxes and fees on a regular basis.
Renew, change, or refile a Fictitious Business Name (FBN)
Tell the City if you want to change your registered trade name, address, or ownership information.
Update business information
You must tell the City if you change your mailing address or begin operating at a new location.
More services
Apply for a grant for your small business storefront
Get reimbursed for up to $10,000 in eligible purchases for your small business on Geary St or Folsom St.
Apply for a street vending permit
Get a permit to sell merchandise or prepackaged food on the sidewalk.
Apply for reimbursement for your small business storefront
Get reimbursed for improvements to your small business through the SF Shines program. This program is closed, and will reopen in January 2025. Check back for updates on the grant timeline and guidelines.
Get a dog walking permit
Required for an individual to walk 4 or more dogs (limited to 8 dogs total) at any one time, on public property.
Get help for your business after a fire
Learn what resources are available to businesses after a major fire, including a Fire Disaster Relief grant of up to $10,000.
Get help with final inspections to open your business
Small Business Inspections Ambassadors can schedule inspections, explain requirements, and provide clarity.
Join the Neighborhood Anchor Business Registry
You can join if your business has been in continuous operation in San Francisco for at least 15 years.
Prepare for your DPH Director's Hearing
Rules everyone must follow at the Department of Public Health Environmental Health Branch Director's Hearing,
Prepare for your inspection
These checklists will help you prepare for your business inspection.
Register your vacant storefront
Vacant storefronts must be registered within 30 days of vacancy and re-registered every year.
Report a violation of San Francisco’s food delivery service requirements
Food delivery services must follow several City requirements when contracting with San Francisco restaurants. Learn about these requirements and how to report a violation.
Sign up for a HCSO-SF City Option webinar
Learn how to make payments into SF City Option for your employees' health care benefits.
Starter guides for small businesses
Find resources and processes for the most common types of small businesses in San Francisco.
Small business storefronts
View services and resources for small businesses with storefronts that serve the public.
Event permitting
Your business can get permits to host events.
Contracting with the City and County of San Francisco
Registering, submitting bids and proposals, and working on a contract.
Business health requirements
Get the health permits and information you need for your business.