San Francisco Center for Economic Development

Build What's Next in San Francisco.

The San Francisco Center for Economic Development helps businesses launch, locate, and expand in the world's most innovative city.

Why San Francisco?

Where big ideas find their home.

Where else can you make big ideas thrive, fuel progress, and enjoy yourself along the way? Join other future-focused companies in creating what's next.

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Parks & Culture
AI Innovation
Global Business
Transit & Sustainability
Bay Area Opportunity
Small Business

What We Do

How We Help

Free, confidential services for businesses looking to grow in San Francisco.

Business Attraction

Guidance on taxes, incentives, regulations, talent acquisition, and access to capital — tailored to your industry and growth stage.

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Site Selection

Services that ensure you find the best neighborhood and space to match your business's needs, culture, and growth plans.

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International Desk

Specialized support for global companies to register, establish, and scale their operations in San Francisco and the Bay Area.

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Our Focus

Key Industries

AI
Tech
Finance
Sustainability
Life Sciences

Downtown Pulse Dashboard

SF's economic recovery, by the numbers.

Track the signals driving San Francisco's downtown comeback — from BART ridership and bridge crossings to office activity, retail foot traffic, and more. Updated with real data from BART and MTC.

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Downtown Core · Transportation
Jan 2024 – Apr 2026 · BART + Bridge crossings
Live data
Avg Weekly BART Exits
330K
▲ 22.8% vs Q1 '24
Bridge Recovery vs 2019
90.5%
~4.5M below peak
YTD BART Exits · 2026
5.8M
▲ 23.8% vs '24
Peak Station · Q1 2026
EMB
30.3% share
Jan '24Jul '24Jan '25Jul '25Apr '26

Resource Hub

Everything you need to thrive in SF.

From understanding zoning codes to accessing capital, we equip you with the tools to navigate San Francisco's business environment.

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Local Business

Local programs, grants, incentives, and resources available to San Francisco businesses.

Workforce Development

Training, education, and workforce development support for businesses and their teams.

National & International

Federal-level initiatives, grants, and export assistance for international businesses.

California Businesses

Statewide support programs, tax incentives, and economic development resources.

Financial Support

Financing options, loans, and funding opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses.

"We are committed to reimagining our downtown as a vibrant, resilient, diverse, and sustainable hub."
Rodney Fong, President & CEO, San Francisco Chamber of Commerce

Ready to Lead Your Industry in San Francisco?

Connect with our team to start your future in San Francisco and build what's next.

Meet With Us