Business Resources

STATE AND FEDERAL RESOURCES

California Office of the Small Business Advocate State loan programs are available to small businesses looking to start or grow their business. These state loan programs include: The California Rebuilding Fund, Loan Guarantee Program, Disaster Relief Loan Guarantee Financing, and California Capital Access Program

IBank The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) was created in 1994 to finance public infrastructure and private development that promote a healthy climate for jobs, contribute to a strong economy and improve the quality of life in California communities.

Go Green Financing Revitalize your small or medium-sized business by leaving outdated equipment behind. Discover contractors, project developers, and favorable financing options to boost productivity.

Small Business Administration They support America's small businesses. The SBA connects entrepreneurs with lenders and funding to help them plan, start and grow their business.

CITY OF SAN JOSE GRANTS

Storefront Activation Grants

Includes two grant opportunities for businesses:

1. The vacant storefront grant to support small business owner to lease a ground floor space that has been vacant for longer than 3 months.

2. The existing storefront grant helps small, ground-floor business with grants to activate and improve their exteriors.

For more information or to apply, contact Sal Alvarez .

Disability Access Improvement Grant program will support your ongoing responsibility to comply with the federal Americans with Disability Act and the California Building Code.

The grant will help you pay for a CASp report and to hire professionals to design and remove ADA barriers. For more information, contact Juan Borrelli, Small Business Ally at Juan.Borrelli@sanjoseca.gov

CITY OF SAN JOSE PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Access Small Business Development Center They provide personalized advice on subjects such as access to capital and training on a wide variety of business topics.

ESO Ventures Entrepreneurial support focused confidence, competence, and capital for Black and Brown entrepreneurs, including the ReEntry Business Incubator Program, which provides training for entrepreneurs with records.

Latino Business Foundation of Silicon Valley They offer advice on marketing and growing your business through a partnership with Santa Clara University.

Minority Business Development Agency Personalized business advice, support for scalable growth and preparing for government contracting.

Prosperity Lab In-person and online support including starting up your business. They offer a special focus on women entrepreneurs and local micro businesses.

The Small Business Development Center Located at San Jose State University. They provide free advice and support with a focus on innovation and tech-related businesses and startups.

Silicon Valley SCORE Score offers small-business and nonprofit mentoring and training services.

Start Small Think Big They provide legal, marketing and financial support to small businesses.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

Legal

Elevate Community Center Free legal services for small businesses, including contract drafting, contract review, litigation, incorporation and formation.

Santa Clara University’s Entrepreneur’s Law Clinic Appointment based legal assistance.

Workforce

Work2Future Need to build your workforce? Work2Future helps employers with talent, training, outplacement, and expertise.

Learn

The San José Public Library Works They provide economic and workforce development resources for employment seekers, small business owners, and entrepreneurs.

My Own Business Institute Online entrepreneur courses from starting to expanding your business. Run in partnership with Santa Clara University.

Permits and City Business Requirements

Permits, inspections, and business tax certificate registrations contact Juan Borelli, Small Business Ally at Juan.Borelli@sanjoseca.gov