ISSUE #3

#1 Most Walkable City: Muni transit and sidewalks make car-free living effortless.

#1 Tech Hub: More AI startups and venture capital than anywhere else in the world.

#1 Food Scene: Among the world's top cities with Michelin-starred restaurants per capita.

#1 U.S. Clean Energy City: Tops the nation in energy efficiency and GHG reductions.

Rising AI demand leads to more expansion in San Francisco

The $111 billion recovery: why San Francisco's 2026 tech surge is different

AI startups are shifting the economic center of gravity of San Francisco

Local Business Support

• Downtown San Francisco Vibrancy Loan: Offering a low-interest loan program to fill commercial vacancies and foster business activity.
• SF First Year Free: Qualifying new businesses can waive initial registration, permit and license fees.

State Business Support

• Sales & Use Tax Exclusions (STE): CAEATFA supports companies on qualifying purchases of alternative energy and advanced transportation technologies.
• California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC): A competitive income tax credit for businesses planning to create full-time jobs or make major capital investments.
• Welcome In Program: Participating businesses receive free access to CRD’s trainings, technical support, and public recognition. 
• Accelerate California: With over $16 million in investments, CalOSBA provides capital support and other resources to uplift small businesses.

International Business Support:

• ACE Reports for CAPE Claims – A Guide for Small Businesses: Learn the full CAPE filing process, from submitting the declaration to receiving a refund, hosted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - May 21

San Francisco is where big ideas come to life — where visionaries and businesses of all kinds converge to shape tomorrow's economy. Join us in creating what's next.

Community Trusteeship

Leadership San Francisco

May 12

Meet the LSF Alumni and learn about our two civic leadership programs.

Discover how they develop + connect business and nonprofit leaders committed to strengthening San Francisco.

Learn more here.

Workforce Development

The Job Forum

A volunteer network of hiring managers and career professionals offering free guidance to job seekers in the SF Bay Area.

Upcoming Events:

• Women in Science and Biotech - May 19
• Personalized Job Search - Weekly Wednesday

Learn more here.

Economic Development

International Week

August 10-14

San Francisco International Week 2026 - a weeklong spotlight on the region's international business community and the city's role as a global hub for commerce, culture, and innovation - presented in partnership with Turkish Airlines.

Register for our Opening Night here!

To participate as a vendor, contact: info@sfcentered.org



Bay to Breakers | (May 17)

This historic fun run has brought SF to life since 1912. Join the SF Chamber Team and run 9 of the city's most famous neighborhoods, the gorgeous gardens of Golden Gate Park, and breaking on the tides of Ocean Beach.

Learn more here.

California Trade Mission to Melbourne, Australia | (June 1)

This trade mission (from August 18 to 21) is held alongside AFAC26, Australasia's leading emergency management and first responder's event. The program supports California companies looking to enter the Australian market and build partnerships.

Learn more here.

The San Francisco Center for Economic Development (SFCED) is a program within the San Francisco Chamber of Commerce Foundation (SFCcF).

Learn more about SFCc Foundation programs:

• SFCED
• Yes SF
• UniteSF
• The Job Forum
• Leadership San Francisco (LSF)
• Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy (CICE)