Mayor Lurie just made it easier—and more affordable—than ever to open or expand your small business in San Francisco. The city’s popular First Year Free program has officially been extended through June 30, 2026, removing financial barriers for entrepreneurs and helping more local businesses thrive.
This move is a win for small business owners, and at Von Rock Law, we’re here to make sure you take full advantage of it—with expert legal support every step of the way.
What Is the First Year Free Program?
The First Year Free initiative waives a wide range of city fees for eligible small businesses in their first year of operation. That means:
✅ No registration fees
✅ No business license fees
✅ No permit fees
✅ No first-year renewal fees
These savings can add up to thousands of dollars—making a big difference for businesses just getting started or expanding into a new location.
What’s New: Mayor Lurie’s Expansion
On July 11, 2025, Mayor Daniel Lurie announced that the city will continue the First Year Free program through mid-2026, citing its success in helping more than 8,000 businesses save money and grow sustainably. By reducing upfront costs, the city is actively working to revitalize commercial corridors, support job creation, and empower underrepresented business owners.
“Starting a small business should be exciting—not overwhelming with red tape and fees,” said Mayor Lurie in the city’s press release. “We want entrepreneurs to have the freedom to focus on their vision and grow.”
Who Qualifies?
Your business may qualify if you:
- Are newly registering a business in San Francisco
- Are opening a new business location
- Meet the city’s definition of a small business (usually gross receipts under $2 million annually)
To check eligibility and apply, visit the official SF Treasurer’s page:
👉 sftreasurer.org/business/first-year-free
How Von Rock Law Can Help
Fee waivers are just the beginning. Von Rock Law’s Business Practice provides comprehensive legal support to help small businesses launch, grow, and stay protected.
We help you:
- Form your LLC, corporation, or partnership
- Draft and review contracts
- Navigate local and state compliance
- Handle lease negotiations
- Protect your intellectual property
- Develop internal policies and agreements
Starting a business involves a lot of moving parts—and legal issues shouldn’t hold you back. Our experienced legal team will make sure you’re set up for success from day one.
👉 Explore our Business Legal Services
Let’s Build Your Dream—Together
With reduced costs and reliable legal guidance, now is the perfect time to bring your business vision to life. Let Von Rock Law help you navigate the legal side so you can launch with confidence.
📞 Contact Us:
Von Rock Law, PC
📍 215 West Portal Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94127
📧 welcome@vonrocklaw.com
📞 866-720-0195
🌐 vonrocklaw.com/services/business
