About the Site

What is the San Francisco Business Portal?

The San Francisco Business Portal is a City and County of San Francisco website, and your first stop for all things business. The Portal cuts through the red tape to help you navigate the process of starting, managing, and growing your business.

Do I have to be a San Francisco resident to use the Business Portal?

No, everyone is welcome to use this site, though it was created with San Francisco residents in mind. If you’re a resident of another city but would like to re-locate your business to San Francisco, the Portal can help.

Is there a way for me to stay informed about new legislation and business requirements?

The San Francisco Office of Small Business (OSB) maintains a newsletter thatprovides updates on news, legislation, and events related to small businesses. You can sign up for the newsletter through the OSB website.

I'm not ready to submit any applications. How can the Business Portal help me?

We recommend starting with a Starter Kit. Browse these step-by-step guides to help you open the most common types of businesses. There are tips and tricks to help you avoid common pitfalls, find resources, and identify all the permits that could be applicable. Create an account so you can save Starter Kits and other documents as you do your research. Come back at anytime and access all your information in 'My Folder'. When you are ready to open your business, you can submit the necessary application forms online through 'My Folder'.

What's new on the Business Portal?

We launched the Business Portal in November 2014 and keep looking to improve this critical digital service in San Francisco. We update this answer whenever we launch major updates.
January 2016 - Now submit many permit applications online! Using the improved My Folder, you can save and digitally complete your applications, upload them to My Folder, and submit them online. You will still need to mail a check to pay for the permit fee, but we're working to change that, too! Learn How to Submit Permit Applications Online today.
November 2014 - Business Portal launches! Now find all the information you need to run your business in one place. Here is more information on the launch and some awards the Portal has won.

Applying Online

How do I submit permit applications online?

1) Create a free Business Portal account.
2) Add a Starter Kit or a Permit to 'My Folder'.
3) Find the permit you want to submit in 'My Folder'.
4) Download the form on your computer, complete the form, and save it.
5) Upload the completed form to the same place in 'My Folder'.
6) If there are additional documents required (e.g., copy of a check, proof of insurance, etc.), be sure to upload those, as well.
7) Click on the appropriate icon to submit.

What is 'My Folder'?

'My Folder' is where you can save application forms and submit them when you’re ready.

Does my old 'My Folder' still exist?

Yes, it does! However, you will need a Business Portal account to access it. You can always add Starter Kits, Guides, Permits, and Documents to 'My Folder' for your reference later. Anything you add to 'My Folder' will be automatically saved until you delete it yourself.
As part of the 'My Folder' upgrade, you can submit many permit application documents online! Simply save a form to your computer, fill it out, save it again, and upload it into 'My Folder' under the specific permit section.

Why should I create an account?

Creating an account on the Business Portal allows you to submit permit applications online, upload and save relevant files, and create checklists to track your progress.

How do I create an account?

1) Click “Sign Up” on top navigation bar.
2) Enter your first name, last name, and email address.
3) Select a password that is at least 8 characters long with a number and special character.

What is 'My Files'?

Think of 'My Files' as a file cabinet where you can upload documents related to your business.

What is 'My Checklists'?

Check off your to-do’s using a pre-created checklist based on the type of business you are starting, or create your own custom checklist.

What is the difference between a Checklist Template and creating my own?

If you know the type of business you want to start (restaurant, food truck, hair salon, etc.), use a pre-created Checklist Template to track your progress. We added tasks based on the Starter Kits. You can add or delete items to Checklist Templates as you like. You can also create your own custom checklist to fit your needs better.

How do I get started?

1) Find a Starter Kit for the type of business you want to open.
2) Familiarize yourself with all the steps involved.
3) Read all the instructions for each permit you need. Here is one for a Restaurant.
4) From the Starter Kits page, click on the button to “Add kit to 'My Folder'”.

Are there any tips or tricks for my application?

Absolutely:
Each permit application has its own requirements. Be sure to carefully read all the instructions on the permit page, which you can find using the Permit Locator, before saving it it in 'My Folder' and submitting it online.
No application is complete until the payment is received. Follow the instructions on submitting a copy of your check with your application and mailing the check to the appropriate permitting department.

What if I have to make a payment?

The Business Portal is working with each permitting department to establish online payments. While this is not yet available, we wanted to provide the convenience of submitting the application form online as a first step toward automating the entire process.
Before submitting your form online and mailing in the check, scan an image of the check (with the department’s requested information), so you can upload this image to 'My Folder' with the application form. Your application is not complete until you have submitted the requested payment.

Why can't I submit a payment online?

The method of form completion, submission, and payment varies by form type and department. As we continue to enhance the functionality of the Portal, we are working with each department to automate as much of the licensing and permitting process as possible. Current instructions for form submission and fee payments can be found with each individual permit, or on the department websites.

How do I delete my account?

We're sorry to see you go! At the moment, you are unable to do this by yourself online, but we're happy to do this for you instead. Simply go to the Give Feedback page and request that we delete your account. If you don't mind, include a little message about why you'd like to delete your account. Perhaps we can do something to fix the issue!.

Financing, Credits, & Incentives

What happened to the Enterprise Zone Tax Credits?

As of January 1, 2014, the State of California has eliminated the Enterprise Zone program. Businesses have 10 years to claim any unused EZ credits, meaning that if you earned Enterprise Zone credits before 2014, you can use them up until 2024. Although you can no longer earn new credits, the state has created three replacement programs to help business owners. You can learn more from the SF Office of Economic and Workforce Development.

What are ADA tax credits?

Businesses can take advantage of two Federal tax incentives available to help cover costs of making access improvements for customers with disabilities: (1) A tax credit for small businesses who remove access barriers from their facilities, provide accessible services, or take other steps to improve accessibility for customers with disabilities. (2) A tax deduction for businesses of all sizes that remove access barriers in their facilities or vehicles.

Does the City provide any loans or grants?

The City provides a variety of loans and a very limited number of grants for specific uses to qualified businesses. The Invest in Neighborhoods team can guide you through these programs and explain how to qualify for them.

What is 504 financing?

Long-term commercial real estate financing with fixed, below-market interest rates and low down payments. The US Small Business Administration (SBA) and their partners offer 504 financing to help small businesses purchase fixed assets, like a storefront or equipment.

Location & Building

How do I know if a location is ADA compliant?

Because of the contention around disability access to buildings in California, there are Certified Access Specialists (CASp) who can assess your business for compliance with disability laws. Landlords must provide the Access Information Notice Brochure and Disability Access Obligations Notice to tenants at the time of lease execution or amendment for spaces 7,500 sq. ft. or less.

Are there any improvements/changes I can make that do not require a building permit?

A building permit is required for any work that is not specifically exempted by the Building Code. There are some changes that don't typically require a building permit, such as minor repairs to interior plaster, painting or wallpapering, floor coverings not requiring removal of existing flooring, replacement of doors, etc. You can find a full list of exempt changes in the DBI Getting a City Permit brochure but don't just assume your project is exempt. Be sure to check with the Department of Building Inspection. Visit the Zoning and Building section for more details on the process of obtaining building permits.

How do I schedule an inspection?

Every department conducts its own inspections at both the local and the state level. City requirements and state requirements are often different, so be sure to comply with both before any inspection. The San Francisco departments that most often sign off on building and location changes are the SF Department of Building Inspection (DBI), SF Fire Department, and, if you plan on serving food, the SF Department of Public Health (DPH). See our Zoning and Building section for more information.

Can I start a business at a park? On the port? In the Presidio? On Treasure Island?

The Presidio, Ocean Beach, Treasure Island, and all of San Francisco’s parks and piers are public property, but they are run by different agencies. If you want to start a business or operate in one of these locations, you must obtain permission from the appropriate agency. Some don’t allow business activity at all. For Ocean Beach and the Presidio, including Crissy Field, check in with the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. For public parks in the City, work review the Recreation and Park Department’s partnership opportunities and for port property, speak to the Port Authority. Finally, for leasing information on Treasure Island, contact the Treasure Island Development Authority.

City Contracts

Do I have to be located in San Francisco to bid on a City contract?

No, but all businesses must qualify to do business with the City before the City can award a contract or pay an invoice. Depending on the product or service you sell to the City, additional compliance requirements may apply. See our City Contracts section for more information.

Does the City buy what I sell?

The City buys everything needed to run our departments, including: office supplies, medical and laboratory products, water and electrical distribution systems, wastewater treatment equipment, buses, streetcars, cable cas, and products used in the maintenance and construction of buildings, roads, parks and playgrounds. See our City Contracts section for more information..

Disasters & Business Continuity

I don’t have time to think about preparing for disasters. Isn’t it enough to have insurance?

Having insurance is great but have you thought about duplicating your insurance papers and other important documents so you can keep a set off site? This is only one of many things you can do to prepare for disasters. See our Disaster Preparedness section for more information.

If a disaster strikes, who should I contact for help with rebuilding my business?

There are a couple of places you can go for disaster relief: (1) File a Disaster Relief Application with the SF Office of the Assessor-Recorder. (2) The Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) can help provide access to various loan products that may also assist you in getting your business back up and running. (3) Get a Federal emergency loan of up to $2 million. Businesses affected by a federally-declared disaster can register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and then apply with the US Small Business Administration (SBA). (4) Help your employees recover lost income.  Employees can apply to the CA Employment Development Department for benefits for work cancelled during and following a disaster.

Hiring

Are there labor laws that are specific to San Francisco?

All businesses in San Francisco must comply with local labor ordinances, which are enforced by the Office of Labor Standard Enforcement (OLSE). These are the Minimum Wage Ordinance, Paid Sick Leave Ordinance, Health Care Security Ordinance, Family Friendly Workplace Ordinance, Commuter Benefits ordinance, and the Fair Chance Ordinance. These ordinances require that employers pay the SF minimum wage, provide paid sick leave, contribute to employee healthcare coverage, offer flexible work arrangements, and provide commuter benefits. Employers are also prohibited from discriminating against potential hires with criminal records. See our Hiring section for more information.

How can I determine if a worker is an independent contractor or an employee?

Sometimes employers improperly classify employees as independent contractors, which have different rules on payroll taxes, minimum wage, overtime, and other labor laws. Penalties my apply even if you are doing so unintentionally. The CA Department of Industrial Relations explains the difference.

Licenses, Permits & Forms

What happened to License123?

The City and County of San Francisco had a pilot project with License123, allowing local business owners to use License 123 for free to access permit forms. However, as part of Mayor Ed Lee's Jobs Plan, this new portal was created to help make our city government more responsive and effective by providing a streamlined approach to accessing all business related information. The new San Francisco Business Portal now has a comprehensive searchable database of permits and licenses that was custom-built to meet the needs of San Francisco businesses. The Permits section of the portal contains detailed information about each permit, its requirements and dependencies, and is routinely maintained to ensure necessary forms are up-to-date.

Can I fill out my forms or make payments online?

For some permits, yes! However, the method of form completion, submission, and payment varies by form type and department. As we continue to enhance the functionality of the Portal, we are working with each department to automate as much of the licensing and permitting process as possible. Current instructions for form submission and fee payments can be found with each individual permit, or on the department websites.
If you want a specific department to have online permitting, let us know in the Give Feedback section of the Portal. We look forward to working together with you to improve our City services.

How do I start a Nonprofit Corporation?

Most nonprofits are 501(c)(3) organizations, which means they are formed for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes and are eligible for federal and state tax exemptions. To create a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, first you need to form a California nonprofit corporation. Then you apply for tax-exempt status from the IRS and the state of California. To form a nonprofit in California, first you need to form a nonprofit corporation under California state law. Once you have created your nonprofit corporation, you can obtain your federal and state tax exemptions. See nolo.com for more information on the state requirements.
When these steps are complete, you must register your nonprofit with the SF Office of the Treasurer and Tax Collector. Nonprofit and other exempt organizations are exempt from the registration fee, payroll expense tax, and gross receipts tax, but must still register with the Tax Collector. They are also required to provide proof of their exempt status in order to receive an Exemption from Business Tax. If you need free or low-cost legal help as you file, the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Community Organization Representation Project (CORP) can help.