Where to start
Are you interested in starting a business in San Francisco? You can contact this go-to resource for business development in San Francisco to answer your questions and get started.
About SFCED
The San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED) focuses exclusively on helping businesses locate and expand in the Bay Area. We work collaboratively with community partner organizations, industry groups and the Office of Economic and Workforce Development (OEWD) to pave the way for businesses to succeed in one of the most dynamic, innovative and technologically advanced cities in the world.
As a department of the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Foundation 501(c)(3), we are able to bring the strength, stature, and public policy expertise of the Chamber to our efforts. We provide a one-stop information and networking resource for businesses considering their strategy and location—delivering crucial relocation knowledge and links to professional and industry networks. We offer no charge, comprehensive confidential advice and fast-track access to help companies take advantage of government incentives, aiding them in navigating state and local regulations.
We are here to help, and look forward to working with you.
SFCED initiatives
ChinaSF
San Francisco has enjoyed deep cultural and economic ties with China for more than 150 years, including a long-standing Sister City relationship with Shanghai since 1979.
SFAsia
SFAsia spurs economic growth in San Francisco by promoting bilateral business ties with Southeast Asia, Japan, Korea and India.
LatinSF
LatinSF is a dynamic new economic development initiative that will promote business and trade between San Francisco and the Latin American region.
Fashion Incubator
Since the days of the Gold Rush when Levi Strauss began making durable denim pants for miners, the San Francisco Bay Area has been a hot bed for U.S. apparel manufacturing.
iHub
Innovation Hub (iHub) is an initiative of the Governor’s Office of Business & Economic Development (GO-Biz), designed to enhance California’s national and global competitiveness by stimulating partnerships, economic development, and job creation around specific research clusters.
Spaces for Growth
Space has always been a concern in San Francisco, a city surrounded by hills, the ocean, and the bay. But as the city grows as the nation’s innovation hub, with burgeoning technology and digital media sectors, issues of declining vacancies and rising rents and expansion within the city limits are increasingly becoming a challenge for firms.
Contact Us
San Francisco Center for Economic Development
235 Montgomery Street, Suite 760
San Francisco, CA, 94104
t (415) 352-8855
The nearest BART/MUNI stop is Montgomery Street at Market.
Parking is available in the Russ Building Garage with entrances from either Pine or Bush Streets, or at St. Mary’s Garage on Kearny between Pine and California streets.
Home Country Support
Companies wishing to enter a foreign market can actively seek out support by the embassy or consulate of their home country in another city. Staff members are ready to help you begin.
Another source of support and information is the bilateral chamber of commerce of your
home country. The chamber may assist your company in several ways, including
consulting services regarding market research, trade-show assistance, background
verification, preparation of market entry plans and business referral services.
Find your Embassy / Consulate or Chamber of commerce for this city.
