Programs and Services

San José’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs (OEDCA) is committed to providing an integrated, solutions-based approach to business assistance that creates a foundation for entrepreneurs and companies to develop new ideas and foster economic opportunities for generations to come.

We wanted remain in San José with its seamless access to talent, our established customer base and the resources we need to grow. The support we received from the City of San José was unparalleled. The city staff’s support in expediting permits and approval to meet our extremely aggressive timeline was invaluable. The team at the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs went above and beyond at our launch with press support.

Nat Mani
President & CEO, Bestronics, San José

How We Help

Through comprehensive facilitation services, forward-thinking policies, and creative incentives, San José's Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs helps established and emerging companies grow and succeed. If you think you may need a development permit, you may contact OEDCA mentioned below. You may also visit the Planning, Building & Code Enforcement's Development Services Permit Center website.

Permitting Assistance for Small Businesses
We understand that clarity and speed through the permitting process is essential and we are ready to lend a hand. View a step by step approach to opening a business in San José. OEDCA can work with small businesses to manage and expedite complex permitting situations. Contact OEDCA's Small Business Allies, Juan Borrelli and Anh Nguyen, for permitting assistance.
Small Business Technical Assistance Support
The Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs partners with a number of organizations who provide business support for launching and growing a business in San José. These partners have served tens of thousands of entrepreneurs and businesses with their startup and growth needs and strategies. Sign up to receive our emails for a monthly list of free or low-cost workshops, trainings and resources.
Site Selection
The Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs provides self-guided as well specialized site selection services for companies looking to find the ideal space and site for their business. Contact Doug Moody or Noëlle Rábago for details.
Workforce Foundation (work2future)
The local administrative arm of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014 (WIOA) operates One-Stop Centers that serve the areas of San José, Campbell, Morgan Hill, Los Altos Hills, Gilroy, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Monte Sereno, and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County. Work2future collaborates with businesses, residents, government, educational and community-based organizations to maximize local and regional employment opportunities, and serves as the catalyst in the development and implementation of a comprehensive workforce strategy. Work2future provides a range of services to business including, customized training, on the job training, and training partnership opportunities.
Industry Partnerships
San Jose’s Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs partners with diverse industry sectors to drive innovation, support business growth, and enhance opportunities for success. Please contact us to discover how we can help your business thrive.

Business Assistance Programs

Small Business Resources
Learn about key resources for small businesses in San José.
Historic/Landmark Building Usage
Owners of historic and/or landmark buildings can benefit from some City and State provision, found on the Planning, Building & Code Enforcement site.
Foreign Trade Zone
Companies using San José’s Foreign Trade Zone are able to delay, reduce or eliminate customs duties on imported goods. Merchandise stored, manufactured or assembled within the zone area is considered to be international commerce. For more information, contact Joe Hedges.
Storefront Activation Grants
The Storefronts Activation Grants program provides financial assistance to small, ground-floor business with two types of grants to activate vacant commercial storefronts and/or businesses wanting to improve their exteriors.

The Vacant Storefront Grant can support opening costs for a small business owner leasing a ground floor space that has been vacant for longer than three months.

Through an Existing Storefront Grant, small retail businesses with ground floor space can receive reimbursement for fees and improvements to pedestrian experience, such as signage, sidewalk repair or even curb cafes.

For more information about the Storefront Grants program, contact Salvador Alvarez.

Download the Storefront Activation Grants Fact Sheet.

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State Incentive Programs

Popular incentives available statewide are described on California’s Business and Economic Development website. A few of these incentives are described below.

California Competes Credit Program that allows businesses to compete for available tax credits based on number of jobs created/retained, the extent of poverty in a business development area, a minimum compensation limitation and a set job retention period.
Economic Development Rate Program This program gives special utility discounts for businesses that require high-energy loads to operate or continue operating in California.

Sister Cities Program

The Sister Cities program in San José, now in its 65th year, continues to provide opportunities for San José residents to build friendships and understanding and engage with cities across the globe in the arts, education, sport, economic development, the environment, tourism, transportation, and other initiatives.

The City has eight established Sister City affiliations: Okayama, Japan (1957), San José, Costa Rica (1961); Veracruz, Mexico (1975); Tainan, Taiwan (1977); Dublin, Ireland (1986); Pune, India (1992); Ekaterinburg, Russia (1992); and Guadalajara, Mexico (2014).

The Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs manages the City agreements with each Sister City program committee or association.

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