San Francisco Small Business Resources
Starting and running a small business requires resources. There are businesses, government groups, and nonprofits ready to help you.
We’ve compiled a list of San Francisco small business resources and created tools and guides to help you operate a successful business in California.
Starting a business? Get access to small business resources and support when you start an LLC with Northwest ($29 + State Fees).
Local Resources for Small Business in San Francisco
Using local resources can make a big difference. Here are some of the best local resources for small businesses in San Francisco.
To get more California business resources, visit our California Small Business Resources guide.
San Francisco Economic Development Alliance
Overview
The SFEDA offers many services to entrepreneurs starting small businesses, including educational and mentoring programs. This alliance offers numerous workshops, seminars, and other events lead by local professionals and experienced entrepreneurs. Mentoring is available on specific topics such as loan advice or small business skills, and there is a dedicated program for minorities of color. Their financial planning services can help you receive unbiased advice on how to secure funding and what routes are best for your situation. A real estate program can help entrepreneurs secure workspace in a complex market.
Contact Information
TRUiC Business Resources
AngelPad
Overview
AngelPad is an accelerator program that prides itself on being highly selective—less than 1% of applicants are accepted. For those who do get accepted, they can expect a hands-on program where the AngelPad team will impart all of the knowledge they’ll need to start a successful business. Ranked #1 U.S. Accelerator by MIT, Brown University and the University of Richmond, AngelPad might be a good option for San Francisco entrepreneurs.
Contact Information
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La Cocina
Overview
La Cocina is a private incubation center for disadvantaged entrepreneurs who want to launch a culinary venture. The organization is focused on low-income, women, and minority entrepreneurs who may otherwise have difficulty acquiring the assistance needed to start a business. For entrepreneurs still refining their idea, La Cocina offers a commercial kitchen with affordable rental rates. A more intensive incubation service is available to entrepreneurs who demonstrate that they are ready to launch a business (i.e. they have a team in place, the necessary experience, and a concrete plan to move forward).
Restrictions
Incubation is only for low-income entrepreneurs who are business ready. You must attend an orientation and office hours events prior to applying.
Contact Information
Office Address:
2948 Folsom St
San Francisco, CA 94110
Phone Number: 415-824-2729
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Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center
Overview
The Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center was launched in 1985 as a way to provide business planning classes to very low to moderate income individuals. Today, REC offers business planning, coworking space, and scholarship opportunities so that low income participants can enroll in classes. REC is also home to the Renaissance Women's Business Center, a partnership with the SBA to offer business services to women-owned companies.
Contact Information
Office Address:
275 5th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone Number: 415-541-8580
Email: info@rencenter.org
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San Francisco SBDC
Overview
The greatest strength of the SBDC is their free, confidential, 1-on-1 business mentoring for anyone who seeks it. Sometimes in order to be considered for mentoring from one of their professional business advisors, you may have to attend a class/workshop or at least present your business plan. SBDC's are located all throughout the state and you should use the SBDC closest to your location if possible, but you can often transfer to a different location if they do not fit your needs.
Contact Information
Office Address:
1 Dr. Carton B. Goodlett Place, Suite 110
San Francisco, CA 94102
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SCORE San Francisco
Overview
SCORE (Service Corp of Retired Executives) is a leading, nation-wide organization that has assisted millions of entrepreneurs over its 50+ years of operation. SCORE is a resource partner of the SBA that offers access to a network of experienced business leaders who donate time to mentor entrepreneurs and small business owners. They also host free or inexpensive workshops online and at 300 local chapters around the United States. Mentoring can be conducted either in person or remotely and is always free and confidential, no matter how often you take advantage of this service.
SF LGBT Center
Overview
SF LGBT Center works with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender residents in San Francisco to empower them. SF LGBT has two programs available for entrepreneurs and small businesses, counseling and mentorship. The organization also provides a number of online small business workshops.
Restrictions
Serves the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in San Francisco.
Contact Information
Office Address:
1800 Market Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone number: 415-865-5555
Email: info@sfcenter.org
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