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Establishing a Business in San Francisco

This section includes information you may need to know if you are thinking of starting your own small business or want to find out about the local incentives to relocate your business to the San Francisco Bay Area.

We also provide several links at the left which give more detailed information about specific topics related to establishing a business in San Francisco.  For additional information, please contact the SFCED office.

Defining a Business

The first step in starting a business in California / San Francisco is to define a form of business entity. There are six different types of business entities:

·         Sole Proprietorship

·         General Partnership

·         Limited Partnership

·         Limited Liability Partnership

·         Limited Liability Company

·         Corporation

The California Taxes Information Center provides information on the types of business entities and the associated business taxes. 

Employer Identification Number

A business operating in the United States is also liable for federal corporate tax. The company must register for an Employer Identification Number (EIN), which is used for filing federal income and payroll taxes, as well as withholding income taxes for employees. 

To apply for an EIN, please visit the Internal Revenue Service Website. In addition to applying for an EIN, you should consult the Internal Revenue Service’s guidelines for international businesses.

Please visit the IRS International Business page for more information.

Professional Service Providers

The SFCED helps introduce businesses to different professional services in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We serve as a linking point for collaboration with real estate agents, attorneys at law, workforce recruiters, etc. 

Please contact SFCED for additional information.

311 Customer Service Center

The City and County of San Francisco established the 311 Customer Service Center to provide an easy-to-remember telephone number that connects residents, businesses, and visitors to Customer Service Representatives ready to help with general government information and services 24 hours a day. 

Please visit the 311 Customer Service Center website for additional information.