The San Francisco Office of Small Business is not just a necessary visit for tax IDs and permits, but also provides a healthy amount of resources from counseling to city data to how to find financing. The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce is a very active chapter, and it provides a special section of resources for entrepreneurs from traditionally underserved communities. The San Francisco Economic Development Alliance (SFEDA) is a hub for business resources, many of them free, including help with developing business plans and ongoing mentorship.

San Francisco is still utilizing state COVID-19 recovery funds to offer microgrants to small businesses that have been significantly impacted by the pandemic. For companies looking to construct a physical location or renovate an existing storefront, the city’s SF Shines Storefront Improvement Project has grants specifically for these projects. Small businesses that have been in the city for 30 years or longer can apply for a special Legacy Business Program grant to keep chugging into the future. The city also has special grants created for small businesses looking to improve their accessibility.

A small business loan in San Francisco can be used in many different ways, but you should focus on how the funds can help support your company’s future growth. A business loan can fill in funding gaps caused by a cash crunch or be used on expansion, by attracting great talent, opening a new location, or developing a new product. Some small business loans, like revolving lines of credit, are great for seasonal businesses, while others, like a term loan, are built for companies that are planning decades into the future. How you use a business loan in San Francisco will depend on the nature of your business, your industry, and your immediate needs. Fortunately, you can see a bunch of your options within minutes for free on Lendio’s online platform.

To qualify for a San Francisco business loan, you must first decide on a company structure—you may wish to operate as a sole proprietorship, or you might want to incorporate. Depending on the structure, you might have to register with the California Secretary of State. Many businesses will have to register with the City of San Francisco as well, and you will want to find out if you have to apply for any licenses. Once your company is legitimate in the eyes of the law, you can see if you qualify for funding. Financiers differ, but many will expect you to have a detailed business plan and promising financial reports. Your personal credit score will also have a large effect on your approval odds.