The City of San José is dedicated to helping local small businesses thrive as vital actors in our local economy. Representing 85% of all businesses in San José, small businesses contribute 60% of the total business taxes collected while employing 40% of San José workers. Recognizing both the importance of small businesses to our community and the challenges they face, the City leads efforts to support sustainability and growth for small businesses.  Among these initiatives are the Small Business Opportunity Program and the Local Preference Policy. The Opportunity Program improves small business access to City procurement opportunities through increased outreach and information exchange. Our Local Preference Policy provides San José businesses with a 5% cost advantage for bids on goods and a 10% point advantage for Request for Proposals. The City also works with its Small Business Development Commission to encourage business participation in all our programs by streamlining processes and cutting red tape. In addition, the San José Office of Economic Development operates the Silicon Valley Workforce Investment Network that provides training, technical assistance, and mentoring directly to small businesses through the Small Business Assistance Initiative.