Small Business Ambassador  Program
The Small Business Ambassador Program assists small business owners interested in new locations, relocation, and expansion to navigate the City’s development review and permitting process. The program provides each business going through the development process with a single point of contact at City Hall. Among the services available are customized checklists and the opportunity to work with a single inspection team throughout the project. The Small Business Ambassador Program was developed based on feedback from business owners who saw a need for the City to simplify its process and reduce the time needed for planning review and permits.

San Jose's Workforce is one of the Strongest in the Country
We have a wide variety of resources that reflect the diversity in our economy.  To assist with keeping our residents competitive in the job market, the Workforce Investment Network exists to help workers and employers.  Workers can get assistance with English skills, career counseling, and access to computers.  It also helps employers attract and retain skilled employees while receiving tax credits, on-line job postings, and recruitment for specific needs.  We also produce more affordable housing than any city in California. Strong, sustainable economy requires a community that can provide affordable housing for families of all income levels.  Recently, Mayor Gonzales initiated a $2 billion financing plan to build 6,000 affordable homes over the next five years.   This is in addition to the 5,400 affordable homes constructed since 1999.

San Jose Offers Programs to Help Businesses Succeed
To support businesses that have offices around the world or a local restaurant, San José offers programs to assist businesses succeed.  For example, we introduced permit streamlining so businesses need to spend less time at City Hall and the Enterprise Zone offers a variety of tax incentives to businesses.  Both impact a company’s bottom line. We also offer numerous incentive programs such as the Revolving Loan Fund and the Development Enhancement Special Fund.  Please click on this link to download a PDF brochure with information on the City's  Revolving Loan Fund and the Development Enhancement Special Fund.

Affordable Housing for Families of All Income Levels  
Since Mayor Gonzales was elected mayor in 1998, housing has been one of his top priorities.  He quickly established very aggressive goals to create 6000 new affordable homes by 2004. This doubled the rate of affordable housing production in the past. Last year the Mayor recommended that the City extend its affordable housing strategy for five more years. Over the next five years, San Jose will invest more than $500 million from city and redevelopment agency funds. It is estimated that this will bring in $1.6 billion more from other sources – for a total of $2.1 billion!

Entertainment and Cultural Activities
Part of making San Jose a great place to do business is providing employees and tourists alike with a diverse range of entertainment and cultural activities.  With the diverse population in San José and Silicon Valley, San José offers a vibrant arts, cultural and entertainment scene.  From the great sounds at the largest free jazz festival in the nation, to unlocking the mystery of technology at the Tech Museum, San Jose offers something for everyone.  We are home to one of the region’s largest art markets, with our annual Tapestry in Talent, and host to San Jose’s renowned Repertory Theater, where Academy Award winning actress Holly Hunter performed recently.  Our major cultural institutions include The Tech Museum, San José Museum of Art, and the Institute for Contemporary Art.

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