1000 Things to Know About Starting a Business in San Francisco: Part 1

Launching a new venture in the dynamic, yet demanding, environment of San Francisco requires careful planning and a clear understanding of the local landscape. This article, the first in a series, covers the essential initial steps: planning your business, choosing the right legal structure, and navigating the fundamental registration and licensing requirements.

Initial Planning & Research

Before investing significant time and resources, laying a solid foundation through thorough planning and research is crucial for increasing your chances of success in San Francisco's competitive market.

Business Idea Validation & Market Research

• Define Your Value Proposition: Clearly state what unique value your business offers. What problem does it solve or need does it meet for San Francisco customers? Thorough planning helps clarify goals.
• Identify Your Target Audience: Who are your specific customers? Understand their demographics, needs, and behaviors within the San Francisco context.
• Analyze Market Size & Demand: Research the potential market size and existing demand for your product or service locally. Misjudging market demand is a primary reason for startup failure.
• Assess the Competitive Landscape: Identify your direct and indirect competitors in San Francisco. Analyze their offerings, strengths, weaknesses, pricing, and market position. The Bay Area is notoriously competitive.
• Conduct a SWOT Analysis: Formally evaluate your business's Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats specific to operating in San Francisco.
• Develop a Minimum Viable Product (MVP): If applicable, create a basic version of your product/service to test assumptions and get early feedback from potential customers before making large investments.

Business Plan Development

• Importance: A well-researched business plan acts as an essential roadmap. It clarifies goals, organizes priorities, provides direction, and is critical for securing funding or convincing stakeholders like lenders and landlords.
• Key Components: Typically includes an executive summary, business description (product/service, operations), market analysis, organization/management details, marketing/sales strategy, and detailed financial projections (including funding requests and forecasts).
• Financial Projections: Develop realistic forecasts covering startup costs, operating expenses, revenue projections, and cash flow analysis. Calculating startup costs accurately is a key initial step.
• Planning Resources: Leverage free resources like the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and SCORE for counseling and workshops. The San Francisco Office of Small Business (SFOSB) also provides guidance.

Understanding the San Francisco Business Environment

• Economic Overview: San Francisco has a dynamic economy focused on technology (especially AI), finance, professional services, tourism, and healthcare, with growing life sciences and clean tech sectors. However, the city is experiencing a slow recovery from pandemic-related challenges, particularly impacting downtown businesses.
• Key Industries: Dominant sectors include Professional & Business Services, Education & Health Services, Information (Tech), Government, and Trade/Transportation/Utilities. Leisure & Hospitality remains significant but was heavily impacted. "Back Streets Businesses" involved in Production, Distribution, and Repair (PDR) are also vital.
• Culture & Networking: The business culture emphasizes innovation, adaptability, and extensive networking, heavily influenced by the tech industry. Authentic engagement in numerous events, meetups, and online platforms is considered crucial for success. Co-working spaces are important hubs.
• Major Challenges: High operating costs (rent, labor, insurance), complex regulations, intense competition, and the ongoing downtown recovery present significant hurdles.
• Support Ecosystem: Despite challenges, SF offers a rich support network, including city agencies (SFOSB, OEWD), federal resources (SBA), non-profits (SBDC, SCORE), industry associations, accelerators, and incubators.

Choosing a Legal Structure

Selecting the appropriate legal structure is a critical early decision that impacts your liability, taxes, administrative requirements, and ability to raise capital. This choice must be made before registering your business.

Overview of Common Structures

Here's a comparison of the most common business structures:

Structure	Liability Protection	Taxation	Admin Burden	Funding Suitability	CA SoS Registration	CA Min. Franchise Tax ($800/yr after 1st yr)
Sole Proprietorship	None (Personal assets at risk)	Pass-through (Personal tax return)	Lowest	Limited (Primarily personal funds/loans)	No	No
General Partnership (GP)	None (Partners' personal assets at risk)	Pass-through (Partners' personal returns)	Low	Limited	No (Unless LP/LLP)	No
Limited Liability Company (LLC)	Yes (Separates personal assets)	Pass-through (Typically)	Moderate (Operating Agreement, State filings)	Can be complex for VC	Yes (Articles of Org.)	Yes
C-Corporation	Strongest	Corporate level tax (Potential double taxation)	Highest (Meetings, bylaws, compliance)	Best for VC/Going Public	Yes (Articles of Inc.)	Yes
S-Corporation	Same as underlying entity (LLC or C-Corp)	Pass-through (Avoids C-Corp double tax); Subject to 1.5% CA Franchise Tax	High (Requires IRS election, meets eligibility)	Can be complex (Shareholder limits)	Yes (As LLC or C-Corp first)	Yes (Pays 1.5% rate instead of $800 minimum if profitable)

Factors to Consider

• Liability Protection: How much protection do you need for your personal assets?
• Tax Implications: Understand pass-through vs. corporate taxation and the impact of the $800 California minimum franchise tax. Consulting tax professionals is highly recommended.
• Administrative Requirements: Consider the complexity of governance, record-keeping, and reporting required by each structure.
• Future Funding Needs: C-Corps are often preferred by venture capitalists. Evaluate how your choice might impact future investment rounds.

Registration & Licensing Requirements

Once you've chosen a legal structure, you must register your business at the federal, state, and local levels, and obtain any necessary licenses and permits. Failing to comply can lead to significant delays, fines, or shutdowns.

Federal Registration (IRS)

• Employer Identification Number (EIN): This is like a Social Security Number for your business. It's required for most businesses, especially corporations, partnerships, and those planning to hire employees. Sole proprietors without employees might not need one initially.
• How to Obtain: Apply for free online via the IRS website. It's usually issued immediately.

California State Registration (Secretary of State - SoS)

• Who Needs to Register: LLCs, Corporations (C & S), Limited Partnerships (LP), and Limited Liability Partnerships (LLP) must register with the California Secretary of State. It's optional for Sole Proprietorships and General Partnerships.
• Process Overview:
  1. Create an account on the CA SoS BizFile Online portal.
  2. Check name availability for your chosen entity. Name reservations are possible.
  3. File the appropriate formation document (Articles of Organization for LLCs, Articles of Incorporation for Corps) online or by mail. Filing fees apply (confirm current fees).
• Statement of Information: File an Initial Statement within 90 days of registration. Subsequently, file biennially (LLCs) or annually (Corps) by the end of your registration anniversary month. This updates info on agents, addresses, and management. Failure to file can lead to penalties or suspension. File online via BizFile.
• Registered Agent: Designate an individual or company (like CorpNet) with a physical California address to receive official legal and tax documents.

San Francisco City & County Registration (Treasurer & Tax Collector - TTX)

• Business Registration Certificate (BRC): This is mandatory for *every* person or entity "engaging in business" within San Francisco.
• Definition of "Engaging in Business": Very broad, includes having a physical location, owning/leasing property, storing goods, soliciting business (>7 days/yr), performing work (>7 days/yr), or driving for business (>7 days/yr). (Note: Certain taxi/TNC drivers are now exempt if it's their sole activity).
• Registration Deadline: Within 30 days of starting business activities in the City.
• Registration Process:
  1. Complete the online application via the TTX website.
  2. Provide required information (legal structure, name, tax ID, start date, contacts, ownership, locations, estimated SF gross receipts/payroll, employee count, payment info). Indicate if you're a City vendor.
  3. Submit application. Receive DocuSign email and payment instruction email.
  4. Sign the DocuSign application.
  5. Pay the registration fee (options include e-check or card w/fee). Payment confirmation provides your crucial Business Account Number (BAN).
• Business Account Number (BAN): Essential for other city permits/licenses and tax filings.
• Registration Fee: Based on anticipated SF gross receipts for new businesses. Fees vary significantly by revenue tier. Refer to the current TTX Rate Schedule.
• Annual Renewal: BRC is valid July 1 - June 30 and must be renewed annually by May 31st. Renewal fees are based on the prior year's actual SF gross receipts. Renew online via the TTX portal.
• Certificate Display: Display the BRC prominently at your place of business. Issues with receiving the certificate can occur if renewal wasn't paid, taxes are owed, or address is outdated. Request replacements via the TTX Help Center.
• Account Updates: Use the TTX online portal to update mailing addresses, add locations, or close the business/location.

Fictitious Business Name (FBN) / Doing Business As (DBA)

• When Needed: Required if operating under a name different from the owner's legal name (Sole Prop/Partnership) or the official registered name (LLC/Corp).
• Filing Location: File with the San Francisco County Clerk's office.
• Prerequisite: You must have a valid SF Business Registration Certificate (BRC) *before* filing for an FBN. List each DBA as a separate location during BRC registration if applicable.
• Process: Check name availability, complete the FBN statement form, file with the County Clerk (fees apply, check current SF fees), and publish the statement in an approved local newspaper within the required timeframe.

Industry-Specific Licenses & Permits (City/County/State/Federal)

• General Requirement: Many businesses need additional licenses beyond basic registration based on their industry, activities, or location.
• SF City/County Permits: Examples include permits from Dept. of Public Health (food service), Fire Dept., Police Dept. (alarms, entertainment), Entertainment Commission, Public Works (signs, sidewalk tables), Animal Care, Office of Cannabis. Apply directly with the relevant department. Inspections are common. Annual fees for these licenses are billed by the TTX (due March 31).
• California State Licenses/Permits: Examples: Seller's Permit (retail - from CDTFA), professional/occupational licenses (state boards), environmental permits (AQMD), Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) license, employer registration (EDD).
• Federal Licenses/Permits: Needed for federally regulated industries like aviation (FAA), firearms (ATF), alcohol/tobacco (TTB), broadcasting (FCC).
• Finding Required Permits:
  • Use the SF Business Portal and Permit Locator tool.
  • Get help from SFOSB at the Permit Center (49 South Van Ness).
  • Check SF.gov resources.
  • Use the state's CalGold tool for state-level permits.
• Prop H Streamlined Permitting: Eligible small business projects (not involving major construction) may qualify for a 30-day permit review process. Check eligibility criteria.

Zoning & Location Considerations

• Verify Zoning First: Before signing a lease or buying property, confirm your intended business activity is allowed in that specific location's zoning district. This step should ideally happen *before* business registration. Operating against zoning rules can lead to enforcement.
• SF Planning Department: Oversees zoning (Planning Code) and land use permits.
• How to Check Zoning:
  • Use the online SF Planning Property Information Map (PIM).
  • Contact the Planning Information Center (PIC) via email, phone, or visit.
  • Visit the Permit Center for in-person specialist help (often recommended).
• Use Classifications: The Planning Code defines uses as Permitted (P), Conditional (C), or Not Permitted (NP) per district. Conditional Uses require Planning Commission approval (CUA).
• Conditional Use Authorization (CUA): A public hearing process required for certain business types/locations (e.g., some restaurants). The CB3P program may streamline this for eligible small businesses.
• Home-Based Businesses: Allowed with rules (Home Occupation Permit may be needed), generally subject to limitations (client traffic, signage) rather than commercial zoning.
• Signage: Rules vary significantly by zoning district. Permits are required for most business signs/awnings. Check rules before installation.
• Letters of Determination (LOD) / Zoning Verification Letters (ZVL): Formal responses from Planning clarifying zoning or verifying status for complex situations.

Health & Safety Permits

• Department of Public Health (DPH): Issues required permits for food service (restaurants, caterers, mobile food), cottage food operations, etc. Fees apply.
• Fire Department: Permits may be needed based on occupancy, hazardous materials, or specific operations. Inspections likely.
• Department of Building Inspection (DBI): Issues building permits required for construction, renovations, tenant improvements, or changes of use. Often requires licensed professionals and involves plan review/inspections.
• Environmental Review (CEQA): Many development projects/changes of use require assessment of environmental impacts.
• Neighborhood Notification: Required for many construction projects and some use changes.

Navigating the intricate web of federal, state, and especially San Francisco's multi-layered local requirements (TTX, County Clerk, specific permits, zoning) demands meticulous planning. Consider seeking professional guidance to avoid costly errors or delays.

Sources

1. Starting a business in San Francisco | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/reports--january-2024--starting-business-san-francisco
2. 106 must-know startup statistics for 2024 - Embrokerhttps://www.embroker.com/blog/startup-statistics/
3. Bay Area Real Estate Market 2025 - Housing Trends & Predictions for Buyers and Sellershttps://faberrealestateteam.com/blog/bay-area-real-estate-understanding-new-listing-trends-and-what-it-means-for-you
4. Selling a House During Bay Area Peak Season: Timing Tips for Success - OWN Real Estatehttps://www.theownteam.com/blog/selling-a-house-during-bay-area-peak-season-timing-tips-for-success/
5. Scaling Your Startup: How Innovation Districts Provide the Tools for Growthhttps://www.innovationquarter.com/articles/scaling-your-startup-how-innovation-districts-provide-the-tools-for-growth/
6. San Francisco | U.S. Small Business Administrationhttps://www.sba.gov/es/node/21
7. 4. Register Your Business with the CA Secretary State - City of Santa Anahttps://www.santa-ana.org/question/4-register-your-business-with-the-ca-secretary-state/
8. Office of Small Business | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/departments--office-economic-and-workforce-development--office-small-business
9. Business Resources - City of South San Franciscohttps://www.ssf.net/Departments/Economic-and-Community-Development/Divisions/Economic-Development/Business-Resources
10. Office of Economic and Workforce Development | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/departments--office-economic-and-workforce-development
11. Status of the San Francisco Economy: March 2025 | SF.govhttps://media.api.sf.gov/documents/Status_of_the_San_Francisco_Economy_March_2025.pdf
12. San Francisco Employment by Industry | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/data--san-francisco-employment-industry
13. State Economic Blueprint - California Jobs Firsthttps://jobsfirst.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/Economic-Blueprint.pdf
14. Jobs by Industry - Vital Signs - SF Bay Areahttps://vitalsigns.mtc.ca.gov/indicators/jobs-by-industry
15. CITY AND COUNTY OF SAN FRANCISCO - SF.govhttps://media.api.sf.gov/documents/March_Update_FY_25-26_through_FY_29-30_03.31.25_FINAL.pdf
16. San Francisco's budget is bigger than 17 U.S. states | GrowSF.orghttps://growsf.org/research/2025-04-28-sf-city-budget/
17. Small and Mighty - SPURhttps://www.spur.org/publications/policy-brief/2024-04-03/small-and-mighty
18. SAN FRANCISCO - SF.govhttps://www.sfgov.org/sfc/bsbab/Modules/BStrRepor07__fbb0.pdf
19. The State of the Workplace in San Francisco: Navigating the New Normal - Kadencehttps://kadence.co/news/the-state-of-the-workplace-in-san-francisco-navigating-the-new-normal/
20. Silicon Valley: Building on a Culture of Looking Forward - CHM - Computer History Museumhttps://computerhistory.org/stories/silicon-valley/
21. Top 10 Strategies for Networking Your Way into San Francisco's Tech Scenehttps://www.nucamp.co/blog/coding-bootcamp-san-francisco-ca-top-10-strategies-for-networking-your-way-into-san-franciscos-tech-scene
22. My Tips and Tricks on Networking in San Francisco - Natalia Bielczyk, PhDhttps://nataliabielczyk.com/my-tips-and-tricks-on-networking-in-san-francisco/
23. A Guide to Moving to San Francisco for Tech Industry Workershttps://royalmovingco.com/blog/a-guide-to-moving-to-san-francisco-for-tech-industry-workers/
24. Networking Event Tips and Tricks: Do's and Don'tshttps://piedmontave.com/networking-tips-and-tricks/
25. Challenges for California's Mid-Sized Businesses in Today's Market - AEIS Advisorshttps://www.aeisadvisors.com/challenges-for-californias-mid-sized-businesses-in-todays-market
26. Smarter scaling: A startup's guide to headcount, capacity, and location strategy - SignalFirehttps://www.signalfire.com/blog/startups-guide-to-headcount-capacity-and-location-strategy
27. Why San Francisco Tech Startups Should Rethink Their Business Model for Scalabilityhttps://www.skyfeatherstudios.com/post/why-san-francisco-tech-startups-should-rethink-their-business-model-for-scalability
28. City Business Portal | SFGOVhttps://www.sfgov.org/services/city-business-portal
29. Permits and licenses for business | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/resource--2022--permits-and-licenses-business
30. Small Business, Office of - San Francisco - SF.govhttps://www.sfgov.org/agency/small-business-office
31. San Francisco | U.S. Small Business Administrationhttps://www.sba.gov/district/san-francisco
32. San Francisco SBDC - Northern California Regionhttps://www.sfsbdc.org/
33. Top Startup Accelerators & Incubators in San Francisco, USA - AcceleratorApphttps://www.acceleratorapp.co/en/blogs/category/all/blog/top-startup-accelerators-incubators-san-francisco-usa/
34. San Francisco Startup Resource List: 700+ Accelerators, Investors and morehttps://fi.co/insight/san-francisco-startup-resource-list-550-accelerators-investors-and-more
35. San Francisco Chamber of Commerce: Homehttps://sfchamber.com/
36. Register your business - SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/resource--2022--register-your-business
37. Business registration | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/information--business-registration
38. How To Register a Business in California - Toast POShttps://pos.toasttab.com/blog/on-the-line/how-to-register-a-business-in-california
39. California Secretary of State Contact and Document Filing Information - CorpNethttps://www.corpnet.com/secretary-of-state-filings/california/
40. California state business registration | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/information--california-state-business-registration
41. C corporations | FTB.ca.govhttps://www.ftb.ca.gov/file/business/types/corporations/c-corporations.html
42. 2025 Instructions for Form 100-ES Corporation Estimated Tax - Franchise Tax Boardhttps://www.ftb.ca.gov/forms/2025/2025-100-es-instructions.html
43. Guide to Permits, Licensing & Regulations - California Office of the Small Business Advocatehttps://calosba.ca.gov/for-small-businesses-and-non-profits/permits-licenses-regulation/
44. Business Entities :: California Secretary of Statehttps://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs/business-entities
45. Business Programs - California Secretary of Statehttps://www.sos.ca.gov/business-programs
46. Register a Business | Treasurer & Tax Collectorhttps://sftreasurer.org/business/register-business
47. Mobile Food Facilities - San Francisco Public Workshttps://sfpublicworks.org/services/permits/mobile-food-facilities
48. Manage Your Business - Treasurer & Tax Collectorhttps://sftreasurer.org/business/manage-your-business
49. San Francisco complex tax filings due February 29 - PwChttps://www.pwc.com/us/en/services/tax/library/san-francisco-complex-tax-filings-due-february-29-2024.html
50. Business Registration | SFGOVhttps://www.sfgov.org/services/business-registration
51. Licenses and Permits - Treasurer & Tax Collectorhttps://sftreasurer.org/business/taxes-fees/licenses-and-permits
52. Doing business in the San Francisco District | U.S. Small Business Administrationhttps://www.sba.gov/district/san-francisco/doing-business-san-francisco-district
53. Guides & Info | SFGOVhttps://www.sfgov.org/business-sub-category/guides-info
54. Zoning | SF Planninghttps://sfplanning.org/zoning
55. Zoning for businesses - SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/information--zoning-businesses
56. Small Businesses | SF Planning (Permit)https://sfplanning.org/permit/small-businesses
57. Small Businesses | SF Planninghttps://sfplanning.org/small-businesses
58. Check the sign rules in your zoning district - SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/check-sign-rules-your-zoning-district
59. Business License Information - City of South San Franciscohttps://www.ssf.net/Departments/Finance/Business-License-Information
60. San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA Economy at a Glance - Bureau of Labor Statisticshttps://www.bls.gov/eag/eag.ca_sanfrancisco_msa.htm
61. Census Bureau data confirms San Francisco Bay Area population growth - CoStarhttps://www.costar.com/article/1800460794/census-bureau-data-confirms-san-francisco-bay-area-population-growth
62. San Francisco Office Snapshot Q1 2025 | CBREhttps://www.cbre.com/insights/figures/san-francisco-office-snapshot-q1-2025
63. San Francisco MarketBeat Reports - Cushman & Wakefieldhttps://www.cushmanwakefield.com/en/united-states/insights/us-marketbeats/san-francisco-marketbeats
64. San Francisco Q1 2025 Office Market Report - Savills UShttps://www.savills.us/research_articles/256536/374648-0/san-francisco-q1-2025-office-market-report
65. San Francisco Office Market Q1 2025 - IPG - Innovation Properties Grouphttps://ipgsf.com/san-francisco-office-market-q1-2025/
66. san francisco - office q1 2025 - Cushman & Wakefieldhttps://assets.cushmanwakefield.com/-/media/cw/marketbeat-pdfs/2025/q1/us-reports/office/san_francisco_marketbeat_office_q12025.pdf?rev=5d3aed73658c4aec9d3ae05ce075534e
67. SF Office Leasing Hits 10-Year Peak as Market Finds Its Footing - CRE Dailyhttps://www.credaily.com/briefs/sf-office-leasing-hits-10-year-peak-as-market-finds-its-footing/
68. U.S. Office Market Dynamics, Q1 2025 - JLLhttps://www.jll.com/en-us/insights/us-office-market-dynamics
69. Eight Ways The Bay Area Can Attract And Retain Its Fleeting Tech Talent - Forbeshttps://www.forbes.com/councils/forbestechcouncil/2021/02/03/eight-ways-the-bay-area-can-attract-and-retain-its-fleeting-tech-talent/
70. Occupational Employment and Wages in San Francisco-Oakland...https://www.bls.gov/regions/west/news-release/2025/occupationalemploymentandwages_sanfrancisco_20250501.htm
71. BLS Data Viewerhttps://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/0041860
72. Beyond vanity metrics: 8 insights to elevate your talent acquisition strategy - Findem's AIhttps://www.findem.ai/blog/8-insights-to-elevate-talent-acquisition-strategy
73. Question: What are some tips to make the physical move to Silicon Valley... | Startups.comhttps://www.startups.com/questions/146/what-are-some-tips-to-make-the-physical-move-to-silicon-valley-to-ensure-you
74. 21 Best Startup Accelerators in San Francisco in 2025https://www.papermark.com/blog/startup-accelerators-san-francisco
75. AngelPad – #1 U.S Accelerator based in SF and NYChttps://angelpad.com/
76. Choose from 68 Coworking Spaces in San Francisco, CA | CoworkingMaghttps://coworkingmag.com/listings/coworking-space/us/ca/san-francisco/
77. Coworking Space & Shared Offices in SF Bay Area | WeWorkhttps://www.wework.com/l/coworking-space/sf-bay-area--CA
78. Home - San Francisco Chamber of Commercehttps://sfchamber.com/home-2/
79. San Francisco trade / professional associations - Cause IQhttps://www.causeiq.com/directory/trade-professional-associations-list/san-francisco-oakland-berkeley-ca-metro/
80. Nightlife and Entertainment sector business development - SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/information--nightlife-and-entertainment-sector-business-development
81. About the Office of Small Business | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/departments--office-economic-and-workforce-development--office-small-business--about
82. US Small Business Services (SBA) | SFGOVhttps://www.sfgov.org/services/us-small-business-services-sba
83. Bay Area - PitchBookhttps://pitchbook.com/tag/bay-area
84. Top 20 VC Firms in San Francisco Bay Area & Silicon Valley - Waveuphttps://waveup.com/blog/top-vc-firms-san-francisco-bay-area/
85. Venture Capital | Shai's Bloghttps://shaigoldman.com/category/venture-capital/
86. Angel Investors in San Francisco - folk CRMhttps://www.folk.app/angel-investors/angel-investors-in-san-francisco
87. Top San Francisco Angel Investors 2024https://www.boringbusinessnerd.com/angel-investor-lists/top-san-francisco-angel-investors
88. Find a grant for your small business - SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/information--find-grant-your-small-business
89. Free Grants and Programs for Small Business | CO- by US Chamber of Commercehttps://www.uschamber.com/co/run/business-financing/small-business-grants-and-programs
90. Small Business Administration (SBA)https://www.sba.gov/
91. Green your business - SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/information--green-your-business
92. Gross Receipts Tax (GR) - Treasurer & Tax Collectorhttps://sftreasurer.org/business/taxes-fees/gross-receipts-tax-gr
93. San Francisco Begins Transition to Gross Receipts Taxhttps://www.sfbar.org/blog/san-francisco-begins-transition-to-gross-receipts-tax/
94. Gross Receipts Tax Overview - Treasurer & Tax Collectorhttps://sftreasurer.org/business/taxes-fees/gross-receipts-tax-overview
95. State Corporate Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2025 - Tax Foundationhttps://taxfoundation.org/data/all/state/state-corporate-income-tax-rates-brackets/
96. California City & County Sales & Use Tax Rates - CDTFA - CA.govhttps://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/sales-use-tax-rates.htm
97. Know Your Sales and Use Tax Rate - CDTFA - CA.govhttps://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/know-your-rate.htm
98. CDTFA Publication 95https://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/formspubs/cdtfa95.pdf
99. California Employer's Guides - EDD - CA.govhttps://edd.ca.gov/en/payroll_taxes/Employers_Guides/
100. Payroll Taxes - EDD - CA.govhttps://edd.ca.gov/en/payroll_taxes/
101. Payroll Taxes – Forms and Publications - EDD - CA.govhttps://edd.ca.gov/en/payroll_taxes/forms_and_publications
102. Contribution Rates, Withholding Schedules, and Meals and Lodging ...https://edd.ca.gov/en/payroll_taxes/rates_and_withholding/
103. Transfer tax - SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/transfer-tax
104. Tax Rates — Special Taxes and Fees - CDTFAhttps://www.cdtfa.ca.gov/taxes-and-fees/special-taxes-and-fees-tax-rates/
105. When Should Your California Business Hire an HR Professional?https://www.californiaemploymentlawreport.com/2025/02/when-should-your-california-business-hire-an-hr-professional/
106. California Labor Laws: What Small Business Owners Need to Knowhttps://www.californialaborsolutions.com/california-labor-laws-what-small-business-owners-need-to-know/
107. 2023 California Labor Laws: Complete Guide for Business Ownershttps://huckleberry.com/blog/simple-guide-to-california-labor-laws/
108. California Labor Law - California Chamber of Commercehttps://www.calchamber.com/california-labor-law
109. California Labor Laws: What Small Business Owners Need to Know (Duplicate Link)https://www.californialaborsolutions.com/california-labor-laws-what-small-business-owners-need-to-know/
110. Health Care Security Ordinance | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/information--health-care-security-ordinance
111. Fair Chance Ordinance | SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/information--fair-chance-ordinance
112. California (CA) Small Business Insurance | Hiscoxhttps://www.hiscox.com/small-business-insurance/california-business-insurance
113. Workers' Compensation Requirements - CSLB - CA.govhttps://www.cslb.ca.gov/contractors/maintain_license/workers_compensation.aspx
114. California Business Insurance, General Liability Insurance | TechInsurancehttps://www.techinsurance.com/small-business-insurance/states/california
115. California Workers' Compensation Insurance: 2025 Cost & Requirements - Simply Businesshttps://www.simplybusiness.com/business-insurance/workers-compensation-insurance/california/
116. Fair Chance Ordinance (FCO) Overview - SF.govhttps://www.sf.gov/sites/default/files/2023-10/Fair%20Chance%20Ordinance%20Overview.pdf
117. Cyber Insurance Trends – Navigating Coverage... 2025 Privacy Breach Insights – Part 5 | McCarthy Tétraulthttps://www.mccarthy.ca/en/insights/articles/cyber-insurance-trends-navigating-coverage-evolving-risk-landscape-2025-privacy-breach-insights-part-5
118. Cyber Insurance: Risks and Trends 2025 | Munich Rehttps://www.munichre.com/en/insights/cyber/cyber-insurance-risks-and-trends-2025.html
119. Cyber Insurance Trends and Statistics to Know in 2025 - JumpCloudhttps://jumpcloud.com/blog/cyber-insurance-trends-statistics
120. Intellectual Property Protection Guide for Tech Startups - L.A. Tech and Media Law Firmhttps://techandmedialaw.com/intellectual-property-protection/
121. Intellectual Property for Startups: Protecting Your Work - American Public Universityhttps://www.apu.apus.edu/area-of-study/business-and-management/resources/intellectual-property-for-startups/
122. Patent Pending in California: The Beginner's Guide - GIP Research & Consultancy Serviceshttps://gipresearch.com/patent-attorney/patent-pending-in-california-the-beginners-guide/
123. An Honest Review of Digital Marketing Services in Silicon Valley - SocialSellinatorhttps://www.socialsellinator.com/social-selling-blog/digital-marketing-services-in-silicon-valley
124. Best B2B Marketing Agencies in San Franciscohttps://digitalagencynetwork.com/agencies/san-francisco/b2b-marketing/
125. Top PR Agencies San Francisco | Best Firms, Tech & B2B Marketinghttps://www.actual.agency/pr-agency-san-francisco
126. The Fastest Way to Sell a House in the Bay Area: Proven Strategies - OWN Real Estatehttps://www.theownteam.com/blog/the-fastest-way-to-sell-a-house-in-the-bay-area-proven-strategies/
127. 6 Tips To Network Effectively At Your Next Tech Meetuphttps://www.tryreason.com/blog/6-tips-to-network-effectively-at-your-next-tech-meetup/
128. Cybersecurity Compliance and Regulatory Frameworks: A Comprehensive Guide for Companies - Deepak Guptahttps://guptadeepak.com/cybersecurity-compliance-and-regulatory-frameworks-a-comprehensive-guide-for-companies/
129. CCPA Updates, Cyber, Risk, ADMT, and Insurance Regulations Written Comments Part 3https://cppa.ca.gov/regulations/pdf/part3_all_comments_combined_redacted_oral_not_included.pdf
130. CCPA Compliance Best Practices - AuditBoardhttps://www.auditboard.com/blog/ccpa/
131. Green Business Certification | StopWaste - Home, Work, Schoolhttps://www.stopwaste.org/at-work/business-assistance/green-business-certification
132. SF Green Business Program | San Francisco Environment Department (SFE)https://www.sfenvironment.org/green-businesses
133. Startup Success Stories: Inspiring Case Studies of Disruptive Innovators - Hakiahttps://hakia.com/startup-success-stories-case-studies-of-disruptive-companies/
134. Optimizing talent acquisition, retention & workforce strategy in the AI era - Eightfold AIhttps://eightfold.ai/learn/optimizing-talent-acquisition-retention-workforce-strategy-in-the-ai-era/
135. Small Business Administration - California Department of Social Serviceshttps://www.cdss.ca.gov/cacfp/resources/small-business-administration
136. Surviving SF Tech Week: 8 Essential Tips From Verahttps://www.hirevera.com/blog/surviving-sf-tech-week-8-essential-tips-from-vera