BidLine provides current contract opportunities and general information on how to do business with the City of San Jose. (408) 535-7018; www.sanjoseca.gov/purchasing.

Downtown 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 $10,000.

More than a dozen businesses have taken advantage of the program since its inception in 2005. Participants have noticed a 10 percent to 20 percent increase in sales. To download an application:
www.sanjoseretail.com

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, (408) 535-8191; www.sjeconomy.com/ez.

Facade Improvement Program, a storefront rehabilitation program that enhances building exteriors, offers:

• Free architectural design services
• Permit processing and fee payment assistance
• Bidding and construction management assistance
• Funding assistance of up to $30,000 per storefront

Since 2001, 284 businesses have been improved, at a cost to the Redevelopment Agency of $9.4 million. To download an application:
www.sanjoseretail.com.

Northern California Minority Business Enterprise Center: Receive strategic business consulting, procurement assistaance, financial services with MBEC partners and certification application assistance. 111 N. Market St. Suite 920. www.norcalmbec.com

Retail Recruitment Strategy: The Redevelopment Agency takes new tenants through the process, from site introduction through store opening. Contact Christine Velasquez, 535-8500.

Sidewalk Café Permitting Assistance: SJDA and the Redevelopment Agency are streamlining the sidewalk café permitting process. Permitting fees will be waived for the first 18 businesses to go through this process. Contact Gretchen Knight.

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 (408) 535-8181; www.sjeconomy.com.

Lenders for Community Development also offer small-business loans of up to $50,000 and lines of credit up to $15,000, and provides no-cost technical assistance. Contacts: (408) 297-0204 or www.l4cd.com.

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 (408) 535-8181; www.sjeconomy.com.

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. Contact Allen Lang.

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. www.ecenteronline.org.

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

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; www.siliconvalley-sbdc.org

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