Business First

City of Campbell Economic Development Newsletter

August 2025 - View as Webpage

A Note from Your Campbell Economic Development Manager

Welcome to the new-look Campbell Business First! We’re kicking things off this month with stories about Campbell’s growing startup scene, new retail and dining arrivals, and initiatives that will shape how we get around town. You’ll also find tools to help your business thrive, from workforce programs to marketing tips for the Bay Area’s 2026 mega-sports year.

This is the first issue of a new email newsletter format. As always, let me know if you have any feedback or requests for future issues. You can catch the previous edition here.

-- Nathan Donato-Weinstein, Campbell economic development manager

News & Announcements

Hamilton in Motion: Upgrades and Planning Get Underway

Hamilton Avenue is more than just a busy east-west thoroughfare; it’s also a critical business corridor, home to important Campbell retail, office, and hospitality anchors. Now, the City has kicked off a pair of projects to make it work better for everyone who drives, walks, bikes, or takes transit.

First up: The Hamilton Avenue Public Improvement Plan just launched, starting a community conversation about how to make the stretch between Winchester Boulevard and Bascom Avenue safer, more accessible, and more appealing. Find out more, including how to participate, on the project webpage.

Meanwhile: Campbell's Annual Street Maintenance Project will resurface Hamilton from Phoenix Drive to Hurst Avenue starting in September. Expect fresh pavement, new accessible curb ramps, enhanced bike lanes, and improved striping -- all designed to extend the road’s life and upgrade day-to-day travel. More information is available on the project update page.

Quick reminder: You can report public works maintenance concerns -- from potholes and street trees to streetlights and illegal dumping -- to Campbell's Public Works Department. Use the "Submit a Concern" button at the bottom of the website.

Downtown Builds Startup Buzz

Tech energy is picking up in Downtown Campbell.

Over the past few months, at least three growing tech startups have expanded or set up shop in Campbell's small but mighty Downtown:

AI data storage innovator VAST Data (34 S. Second St.)
Fleet auto service platform ServiceUp (54 Central Ave.)
Healthcare logistics startup MedicareDrop (45 N. First St.)

And these companies have serious momentum: ServiceUp recently landed $55 million in Series B funding, while VAST Data is reportedly in talks for a large investment that would value the company at $30 billion. They’re part of a broader mix of companies discovering that downtown’s walkability, character, transit, and amenities make it a great place to build your company -- no sprawling corporate campus required.

And Downtown has space for more, with larger-block availability at 307 Orchard City Drive, 300 Orchard City Drive (The Cannery), and 411 E. Campbell Ave. (The Brickline).

Interested in a market snapshot? Campbell Economic Development can tap into the CoStar real estate database to share current availabilities, demographic data, and market trends for Downtown and other business districts. Reach out for a consult.

Hamilton Plaza Lands Two Notable Leases

Downtown isn’t the only area seeing tenant interest. The Silicon Valley Business Journal recently reported on two high-profile leases at Hamilton Plaza, located at 900-910 E. Hamilton Ave: Sutter Health is expanding its pediatric specialty care into 10,879 square feet (and relocating from San Jose), while Centric Software is taking 18,509 square feet to support more in-office collaboration. Together, the deals signal continued demand for well-located, high-quality office space in Campbell.

New Business Roundup

It was a busy month on the new-business beat! Here's a (non-exhaustive) run-down of new and upcoming businesses in the city.

It's Hip to Be Square

Known for Detroit-style pizza, Square Pie Guys opened at 501 E. Campbell Ave. on Aug. 5. It’s their first South Bay brick-and-mortar location, following a successful test-run at the Local Kitchens shared kitchen at Hamilton Plaza. A Campbell Chamber ribbon cutting (pictured) drew a crowd and city dignitaries, with a long line for square slices.

Drip Therapy Comes to Campbell

Need a boost? Hydration Room has opened a new clinic in The Pruneyard, offering medically guided IV and injection therapy to support everything from energy and immune health to inflammation and recovery in a spa-like setting. Find it at 1875 S. Bascom Suite 2410.

Studio G Joins Campbell's Creative Core

Prominent Silicon Valley architecture firm StudioG has moved from San Jose to The Pruneyard at 1919 S. Bascom Ave. Known for repositioning tech workspace and delivering market-ready projects, the firm also provides core-and-shell and public facilities design services. Led by Principal Architect Kelly Simcox, Studio G joins a growing cluster of architecture and design firms based in Campbell.

Get in the (Dumpling) Zone

Dough Zone Dumpling House is taking over the former Patxi's Pizza spot at The Pruneyard, between Trader Joe’s and Sports Basement. They’re known for soup and pan-fried dumplings, pan-fried buns, and dan dan noodles. Dough Zone follows the recent opening of Marufuku Ramen, expanding The Pruneyard’s Asian cuisine lineup.

Playtime is Getting an Upgrade

Pennyland Toys is coming soon to The Pruneyard, offering high-quality toys for all genders, from babies to tweens. You’ll find educational toys, board games, baby shower baskets, free gift wrapping, plus a game and puzzle exchange. Craft days and game nights are also in the works. The locally owned shop will be located in the former BlueMercury space (next to Out of the Barrell) and expects to open in the next few weeks -- check pennylandtoys.com for the latest updates.

Business Resources and Training

Get '2026 Ready': What Businesses Should Know about Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup Watch Parties

Two massive sporting events are coming to the Bay Area in 2026: Super Bowl LX (Feb. 8, 2026) and six FIFA World Cup matches (June 13-July 1, 2026). If you’re thinking about hosting a public watch party at your restaurant or bar, you’ll want to be sure you’re doing it by the book.

To help, the Bay Area Host Committee has released its first Public Screening Playbook. It's a practical guide to help local businesses host screenings without running afoul of NFL or FIFA rules. It covers:

What you can and can’t say in ads or social posts (hint: avoid trademarked terms like “Super Bowl” or “World Cup” in your promos)
Broadcasting rights — when a standard commercial TV package is fine, and when you need something more
Do’s and don’ts for event marketing, including flyer and social media examples you can copy

Why you should care: The 2026 mega-sports events are a huge opportunity for businesses in Campbell: We've got great dining and hospitality options, a clean and safe environment, and easy access to the region’s transit network. But both the NFL and FIFA will be watching for unauthorized promotional branding during these events. This guide helps you sidestep potential legal headaches while still making the most of game-day business.

Download the Playbook Here

New Program Can Help Campbell Businesses Find (and Pay) for Workers

If you’re looking to bring on new workers, work2future, the county’s workforce development board, has a program that can help -- and even cover 100% of payroll expenses for up to five months while you train them on the job.

Participants are pre-screened and ready to work, and work2future matches you with candidates based on your business needs. It’s a low-risk way to fill entry-level or hard-to-staff positions, boost productivity, and build a reliable workforce -- all without the initial payroll burden.

To learn more or get connected, contact Work2future’s Business Services team at daniel.nguyen@sanjoseca.gov or 408-794-1167, or email work2future@sanjoseca.gov.

Cash for Clean Energy Upgrades

Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) offers a range of incentives to help businesses, property owners, and contractors save money while going electric. Current programs include:

Up to $40,000 for energy-efficient induction cooktops and heat pumps (plus $15,000 more for nonprofits).
Up to $100,000 for installing EV chargers at apartments and condos.
Free technical assistance for building electrification projects.
Cash for contractor training and promoting electric appliances.
Payments for reducing energy use during grid emergencies.

📄 Learn more: svcleanenergy.org/business

Need Business Funding? Learn to Get It Right

Learn the pros and cons of debt, equity, and capital investment, how to match lenders to your needs, and the difference between working capital and startup capital. This free SCORE webinar, sponsored by Star One Credit Union, also covers cash-flow forecasting, business plans, and understanding all costs before you launch. Register here.

📅 Date & Time: 10 a.m. Thursday, August 14

💵 Cost: Free

⏱ Duration: 2 hours

Upcoming Events

Summer Concert Series: Three chances remain to catch Campbell’s free outdoor concerts at Orchard City Green -- 6:30-8 p.m. on Aug. 14, 21, and 28. Bring a chair, relax, and enjoy live music with friends and neighbors, then head to Campbell Avenue for drinks and dinner.

State of the City: Mayor Sergio Lopez delivers the 2025 State of the City Address at 6:30 p.m. on Aug. 20 in Orchard City Banquet Hall. Hear updates on housing, homelessness, local business support, public safety, and more. RSVP here.

Chamber Foundation Golf Tournament: Now in its 60th year, the Campbell Chamber Community Foundation’s annual golf tournament tees off at Cinnabar Hills Golf Club on Aug. 27, supporting the Campbell Toy Program and Foundation Scholarship Program. Registration and sponsorships are open.

Campbell Chamber Turns 100: Celebrate Chamber’s 100th birthday with a vintage Hawaiian bash, 4-7 p.m. Sept. 10 at Merrill Gardens. Expect Hawaiian dancers, music, tropical bites, plus a special shout-out to South Bay centenarians and near-centenarians. Free.

Downtown Campbell Wine Walk: Sip your way through Downtown Campbell on Sept. 18 from 6-9 p.m. at Silicon Valley's BEST wine walk, with about 25 wineries partnering with local businesses. Proceeds benefit the Downtown Campbell Business Association. More information.

Ainsley House Centennial Celebration: The Ainsley House turns 100 and is marking the milestone with a Roaring ‘20s party on Sept. 27 from 5-10 p.m. Proceeds support the Campbell Museum Foundation.

Heritage Theatre Fall Season Emerges: The first events of the Heritage Theatre have been announced. They include The Legendary Wailers (featuring Junior Marvin), Easton Corbin, and Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy and the Celtic All Stars. More information. (Don't forget, the beautifully restored 800-seat theatre is available for corporate rentals.)

Campbell Oktoberfest: Celebrate the 30th annual Campbell Oktoberfest on Oct. 18-19 with German food, beer, and live entertainment -- one of the West Valley’s biggest annual events. Sponsorships still available.

Campbell Business Spotlight

After 80 Years, A Tool Shed Keeps Campbell Working

When A Tool Shed started 80 years ago, it was a small Army surplus store in Sunnyvale, selling generators, hardware, and other postwar leftovers. Their first rental? A homemade towable concrete mixer. A Gibson tractor came next.

Fast forward to today, and A Tool Shed is one of the longest-running equipment rental companies in the Bay Area -- and still family-owned. On July 20, the business celebrated its 80th anniversary with live music, BBQ, and games at its Campbell location off of Dell Avenue, drawing customers, neighbors, and generations of the Pedersen family (pictured).

Under the leadership of son-in-law Larry Pedersen, A Tool Shed grew to multiple locations, expanded into event rentals, and became a fixture in the region’s building ecosystem. Along the way, the business picked up honors including Campbell Citizen of the Year (1992) and Business of the Year (1998 and 2024). In addition to rentals of cherry pickers, tractors, and forklifts, A Tool Shed also offers equipment sales.

Now run by the fourth generation, A Tool Shed continues to modernize while staying rooted in Campbell. With eight locations, the company is a critical part of the region's industrial backbone, supporting everything from weekend DIY projects to major construction jobs for the biggest corporate and utility customers.

Did You Know: Construction is Campbell's fourth-largest industry sector, with roughly 2,900 jobs located inside the city's borders. That represents roughly 11% of all jobs in the city.

The BIG Number

Each newsletter, we'll take a look at a different economic indicator in Campbell. This month’s BIG Number: 74%. That’s the average occupancy rate for Campbell hotels over the past fiscal year, up 2% from the year before.

Our hotels also averaged $185 per night (up $5 YoY) and $134 in revenue per available room (RevPAR). While profitability still hasn’t fully returned to 2019 levels, the trend line is heading in the right direction -- bringing more visitors to our restaurants, shops, and events, and keeping Campbell’s local economy buzzing.

Data source: City of Campbell data and CoStar

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