 |
|
|
There are a number of specific incentive programs in place
to draw new retailers into San Jose, and to support existing
retailers. From retail recruitment, to working capital loans
for small businesses, to façade improvement grants
and a Downtown Signage grant program, the San Jose Redevelopment
Agency and Office of Economic Development actively engage
in business assistance.
For more information on incentives, please contact us at
sanjoseretail@sanjoseca.gov.
To find out more about the area
please consult our
list of Resources.
|
 |
| |
|
RETAIL RECRUITMENT PROGRAM
The Retail Strategy ensures a comprehensive approach to
leasing in which new tenants receive facilitation from site
introduction through store opening. The focus
areas include Downtown and 10 neighborhood business districts:
The Alameda, Alum Rock Avenue, Japantown, West San Carlos
Street, Winchester Boulevard, East Santa Clara Street, Story
Road, University, North 13th Street and Blossom Hill Road & Almaden
Expressway. For more information regarding retail
opportunities in San Jose please contact Christine
Velasquez of the San Jose Redevelopment Agency at 408-535-8500.
|
FACADE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
The intent of the Facade Improvement Program is to rehabilitate
storefronts in an effort to create a more attractive retail
shopping environment while reducing urban blight and enhancing
the City’s image. For more information,
please contact the San Jose Redevelopment
Agency at 408-535-8500.
Download
Application
|
SIGNAGE GRANT PROGRAM
The Signage Grant Program provides financial assistance to eligible ground floor businesses and property owners to install new signage or upgrade existing signage in order to create a positive retail environment in all San Jose Redevelopment Project Areas. Criteria used to select grant recipients include need, business location, elimination of blight, and visibility of the space. Businesses that have received a Façade Improvement Program grant within the last 7 years are not eligible to participate in this program. The maximum potential Signage Grant is $12,000 per eligible business storefront. For more information, please contact Liz Nunez at 408-535-8500.
Download Application
 |
SMALL BUSINESS AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
The Small
Business Ambassador Program assists small business owners
with new locations, relocations and expansions. The program’s
goal is to simplify and expedite the permit process while
providing a number of different services including the assignment
of a single point of contact to help guide the applicant
through the plan review and inspection process. For more
information, please contact Development Services at (408)
535-3555.
|
SAN JOSE ENTERPRISE ZONE
San Jose's Enterprise Zone is an 18 square-mile, state-designated
area which provides significant tax credits and deductions
to primarily small and medium-sized companies located within
its boundaries, and helps to generate local jobs. The
boundaries include Downtown San Jose. Enterprise Zone
benefits include sales and use tax credits, manufacturer’s
investment credits, business expense deductions, net interest
deductions for lenders, hiring credits, and tax credits for
qualified employees. To verify whether a business is
in the Enterprise Zone, please contact Yolanda
Lee at the
Office of Economic Development at 408-535-8191. Enterprise Zone Map
|
SMALL BUSINESS LOANS
Small businesses located in San Jose are eligible for Revolving
Loan Funds which range from $5,000 to $20,000. RLF funds
are often leveraged with private capital and can be used
for working capital, tenant improvements, equipment and other
uses. The RLF is not intended to finance mortgage loans.
Please contact the Office of Economic Development at 408-535-8181.
Lenders for Community Development also offer small business
loans of up to $50,000 and lines of credit up to $15,000.
LCD also provides no-cost technical assistance. For more
information, please contact LCD at (408) 297-0204 or visit
the website |
|
City of San Jose – Connect with
City departments, the Mayor’s Office and City Council
members, the City Bid Line, and view live City Council meetings.
Industrial
Site Finder – Looking for industrial
space in north or south San Jose? This site will connect you
to information and broker contacts for available space opportunities.
Also, learn more about incentives for biotech companies.
San
Jose Redevelopment Agency
– Find out more about Redevelopment
projects and programs including
the Strong Neighborhood Initiative,
construction timelines, active development
opportunities, and Redevelopment
financing.
Office of
Economic
Development – Discover all about
San Jose's growing business climate
and learn how your company can DO
BIZ HERE!
San
Jose Department of Planning – View
the City’s zoning ordinance and maps and learn more about
the general plan, historic preservation, and environmental
review. You can also view entitlement fee schedules, and download
council district maps.
Downtown San Jose Parking - The website provides information about parking Downtown and the different parking programs and services offered.
Convention
and Visitor’s
Bureau – The information resource
and travel guide for San Jose, California.
The San Jose Convention
& Visitors Bureau's website
is one of the simplest and most
thorough tools for learning about
and planning a trip to San Jose,
California.
Entrepreneur
Center – The center
provides entrepreneurs with a full
range of support services in one
convenient location to help them
succeed in today's competitive economy. You can also subscribe
to the E-Center magazine, and link
to San Jose’s 6 ethnic chambers.
San
Jose Downtown Association –
Since 1986, downtown business and
property owners collectively address
issues and implement programs for
creating a more prosperous downtown.
This site features a downtown business
directory, parking and transportation
information, and events calendar.
Silicon
Valley Chamber of Commerce -
The chamber is the leading
voice for Silicon Valley companies by delivering
innovative products and services,
engaging in aggressive advocacy
and producing premier networking
opportunities.
Urban
Land Institute– The institute provides responsible leadership
in the use of land in order to enhance
the total environment.
International
Council of Shopping Centers
– International trade organization
for retailers, retail brokers, and
retail developers.
|
|
