Thinking of doing business in San Francisco? Hustler’s Library has gathered all the best resources for business owners in the city.
Whether you’re flying private, traveling business class, or taking economy; San Francisco has elite options to take off and land:
SFO is the region’s primary international airport, offering the strongest global and cross-country connectivity. Best for international travel and meetings in San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and the Peninsula.
San Jose International is the most convenient option for Silicon Valley travel. It offers quick arrivals, minimal congestion, and direct access to major tech corridors and corporate campuses.
Oakland International is a smaller, more efficient alternative to SFO with easier access and shorter security lines. Ideal for domestic travel and business in Oakland, Berkeley, and the East Bay.
The first step to doing business in San Francisco is getting set up properly. Follow these three rules of thumb to make sure your business is always in compliance when hustling in SF.
A great first step is to officially register your business with the state of California. Whether you’re launching a startup, independent contracting, or building a full brick-and-mortar shop; you’ll need to file the necessary paperwork with the California Secretary of State. For businesses operating under a name different from your legal name (DBA).
Depending on your industry and business activities, you might need specific licenses or permits to operate legally in the city of San Francisco. Make sure you’re up to code by checking with the relevant Business Licensing Department.
Its best to keep an eye out for the latest updates and requirements by bookmarking relevant government websites and subscribing to newsletters. Staying compliant isn’t just good business sense; it’s the key to keeping your hustle thriving in this dynamic city. Getting a solid San Francisco business lawyer can also increase your ability to stay compliant.
San Francisco has a tons of local resources dedicated to business owners and entrepreneurs.
Our team has done our research and found top local banks and credit unions for business owners & entrepreneurs. See what options are available and how they could potentially improve your operations.
Opportunity zones bring unique value to business owners and entrepreneurs of all sizes. Each having their own unique aspects and potential advantages. See what opportunity zones are around San Francisco and how they could possibly benefit your business.
In a high paced city like SF, connections can be made anywhere; but to meet like-minded people, you need to network with purpose. Hustler’s Library has put together the top events for entrepreneurs and business owners in the city.
We know where to find it.
Finding Funding in San Francisco
In a city all about appearances like SF, it can sometimes seem like everyone has money. But the reality is most business owners are struggling. Start looking for real funding and ditch the flash.
Where You Can Find Funding In San Francisco:
From legal support to digital marketing, find the expert services your business needs to thrive.
Contracts, IP, and regulations? We’ve found some of San Francisco’s best legal minds that will help keep your paperwork right.
Taxes and finances, handled. Work with startup-savvy CPAs to boost profits and stay stress-free.
We have the information you need from top commercial realtors to places you can find properties.
Start understanding how Artificial Intelligence can help make your business more efficient and increase overall productivity.
Launch a stunning, user-friendly website that captures your brand and drives results. Wether you’re looking to build a site for SF locals or the world, we have you covered.
Grow your brand’s reach in San Francisco and beyond with data-driven marketing, from SEO to social media. No more fluffed up stats, just real KPIs and results.
If you can’t find a service provider that fits your business’ needs in San Francisco, you can also try neighboring regions like Silicon Valley or San Jose.
Curated spots to work, recharge, and connect—handpicked for busy entrepreneurs on the move.
Doing business in San Francisco means learning to work with one of the most ever-changing municipal regulatory systems in the country.
Required if you operate under a name different from your legal name. Sole proprietors file this through the SF County Clerk’s Office.
Needed for any business selling taxable goods or services. Register through the California Department of Tax & Fee Administration.
Businesses like active Restaurants, Food Markets, Apartment Buildings, Condominiums, Swimming Pools, Food Trucks, Camps, and Cannabis Facilities are all required to obtain and prominently display their health rating. Anyone handling or near food is going to need California Certified Food Handler Card.
California classifies mobile vendors like food trucks as or Compact Mobile Food Operations aka CMFOs. Examples of CMFOs include pushcarts, pedal-driven carts, wagons, or other non-motorized conveyances.
If you want to set up outdoor seating, plan ahead—permits can take several months depending on your borough.
Needed for businesses with commercial cooking, fire extinguishers, chemicals, or compressed gas.
