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Downtown San Jose You're Invited

Business Incentives

Signage Grant Program
The San Jose Redevelopment Agency’s Signage Grant Program provides financial assistance to install new signage or upgrade existing signage, creating a more positive retail environment in downtown San Jose. Grants are a reimbursement to the sign contractor for the actual cost of the sign (design, permits, fabrication and installation) up to $12,000. More than 30 businesses have taken advantage of the program since its inception in June 2004. Participants have noticed a 10 percent to 20 percent increase in sales.

Enterprise Zone
The Enterprise Zone is an 18-square-mile, state-designated area including downtown. Enterprise Zone benefits primarily to small- and medium-sized companies include sales and use tax credits, manufacturers’ investment credits, business expense deductions, net interest deductions for lenders, hiring credits, and tax credits for qualified employees. Contact Yolanda Lee, Office of Economic Development, 535-8191.

Facade Improvement Program
The San Jose Redevelopment Agency’s Façade Improvement Program provides financial assistance to eligible property owners to improve the appearance of storefronts in order to help create and promote a positive retail environment in downtown San Jose. Since 2001, 284 businesses have been improved, at a cost to the Redevelopment Agency of $9.4 million.

Sidewalk Café Permitting Assistance
SJDA and the San Jose Redevelopment Agency are streamlining the sidewalk café permitting process. Permitting fees will be waived for businesses to go through this process. Contact Gretchen Knight Baisa.

Small Business Loans
Revolving Loan Funds ranging from $5,000 to $20,000 are often leveraged with private capital and can be used for working capital, tenant improvements, equipment and other uses (but not intended to finance mortgage loans). Contact: Office of Economic Development 535-8181.

Opportunity Fund
Opportunity Fund is a non-profit lender that provides small business loans of $1,000-$200,000 to low-moderate income entrepreneurs who do not qualify for traditional bank loans. The repayment process is simple, 1 to 10 year terms and little to no collateral requirements.  Business technical advice is also provided. Contact: (866) 299-8173.

Small Business Opportunity Program
City departments use online posting and e-mail notification to inform potential vendors of open bids and contracting opportunities. Contact: Office of Economic Development 535-8181.

Special Tenant Improvement Program
The city’s Special Tenant Improvement Program provides incentives to developers to expedite tenant improvement projects in vacant buildings to make the space ready for quick occupancy for industrial and R&D office uses. Financial incentives include: construction tax suspension, plan check fee deferrals, phased project building permit fee payment plans, one-stop permit process, expedited plan check, and enhanced inspection services.

Santa Clara County’s Green Business Program
Get assistance to become certified as an environmentally friendly business. To be certified, you must be in compliance with all environmental regulations and take measures to reduce waste, conserve energy and water and prevent pollution. Also, find out about rebate programs.

Additional City of San Jose Resources
Financial Assistance
Learn about financial assistance for your business, from low-cost loans to grants.

BidLine provides current contract opportunities and general information on how to do business with the City of San Jose. 535-7018

Classes and Counseling

SBA-Cisco Systems-San Jose Entrepreneur Center provides information and classes on financing programs, technical assistance, training, technology, and procurement that help a company better see its future.

Silicon Valley Economic Development assists small businesses and start-ups through courses, technical assistance, and business counseling. 298-8455.

Small Business Development Center of Silicon Valley is dedicated to assisting with small business opportunities, preventing future problems, improving management skills, helping businesses expand and develop, promoting minority and women-owned businesses, and creating and retaining jobs. 494-0240.

Software Development Forum provides software and Internet professionals with a one-stop location in downtown San Jose for information, connections, and education. 414-5950.

Also, the work2future has ongoing professional development opportunities for business.

Downtown Hotels

Coming downtown for business? Stay downtown. The airport is just minutes away. Here are the hotel choices.