San Francisco - Global inspiration. Local innovation.
San Francisco is the innovation capital of the world. Nearly 100 years after William Howard Taft dubbed it “The City That Knows How,” San Francisco is still one of the most innovative, enterprising and intelligent cities in the world. Its unique combination of geographical beauty and dynamic, creative environment draws the brightest minds from all over the world; 70% of San Franciscans over 18 have received training beyond high school, and nearly 50% speak a language other than English. The result is an unmatched natural and cultural diversity that continues to contribute to the forward-thinking, open-minded atmosphere for which the City is famous.
What’s more: the City of San Francisco has been consistently ranked as the “Best City in the U.S.” and the business world tends to agree; throughout its history, San Francisco has attracted entrepreneurs from around the world and is home to some of the most highly regarded businesses. In this section, you’ll learn more about what it’s like to do business in one of the most desirable destinations in the world—and how San Francisco’s City government can be an efficient, effective partner throughout the process.
THRIVING BUSINESS HUB FOSTERS LOCAL INNOVATION
With an enviable waterfront location halfway between London and Tokyo, San Francisco has long been at the center of global business. Supported by access to the largest venture capital investment community in the United States, world-class business services and the most educated, diverse workforce of any major city, San Francisco’s vibrant economy supports a number of thriving sectors. From enterprising start-ups to established leaders, San Francisco is a worldwide hub for cutting-edge businesses in the biotech, high tech/digital media, clean technology, financial services, international business, professional services, hospitality and retail industries.
And it didn’t happen overnight. Throughout history, San Francisco has been at the heart of a region that has conceived and nurtured entire industries—many led by companies still headquartered here today. San Francisco has also welcomed tens of thousands of smaller businesses...nimble, forward thinking companies that are the foundation of the City’s economic vitality.