SAN FRANCISCO—The First Year Free program, an initiative established since 2021, has helped launch small businesses without cutting through red tape, meaning entrepreneurs’ startup fees and other fees such as registration fees and permit fees are waived.
It has made the permit process quicker and transparent for entrepreneurs and homeowners with a newer and even better legislation with the help of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, who have nothing but good words to say about it.
The First Year Free program initiative is good for business owners who can just cut through red tape, and some cannot afford the permit costs amongst other costs to start a small business. With the initiative, they can afford to start a small business in San Francisco.
It is also good for the economy in San Francisco. It is an opportunity for potential entrepreneurs to open small businesses without worrying about permit fees.
This program has been continued with the help of San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie, who signed an extension to the legislation, PermitSF Legislative Package on July 10, 2025, until Tuesday, June 30, 2026. Lurie also signed a legislation to revitalize small businesses and their neighborhoods they reside in, including having entertainment zones and adding more public safety within those areas.
According to the initiative’s statistics, since starting in 2021, First Year Free Program has nearly 11000 businesses enrolled in its program; saving entrepreneurs at least $5.95 million in fees. With this program, they are no longer in debt. According to figures, in the last year alone, this program has registered at least 2904 small businesses, saving $2.12 million.
The following City and County of San Francisco’s departments are supporting this initiative, First Year Free Program, Treasurer and Tax Collector with support from Office of Small Business/Office of Workforce and Development, Department of Building Inspection, the Department of Public Health, Public Works Department, the Entertainment Commission, Fire Department and the Planning Department.
