ICYMI: Protecting Small Businesses from Predatory Lawsuits

Chamber President & CEO Leah Toeniskoetter recently joined NBC Bay Area to speak about SB 84, a bill that would give small businesses 120 days to fix ADA accessibility gaps before they can be sued—helping business owners focus on compliance instead of facing immediate legal action.

Unfortunately, the bill didn’t move forward this year and has become a “two-year bill,” meaning it could still come back for a vote next year—but only if there’s strong community support.

We’re gathering a list of businesses and community members who support SB 84 and want to see it revived. If you believe in giving businesses a chance to fix problems before being sued, we need your voice.

Please email our Policy Manager, Kat Angelov, at KatA@SJChamber.com to be added to our list of supporters.

Downtown San Jose Transformation

July 16, 2025 | Silicon Valley Business Journal | ARTICLE LINK

Leadership San Jose 2025-2026 Applications Open Through August 15

Leadership San Jose (LSJ) is the region’s premier civic leadership program, bringing together 30 emerging and established professionals each year for a dynamic 10-session experience. Participants gain deep insight into the key issues shaping San Jose’s economic prosperity and quality of life, with the goal of inspiring greater civic, political, and community engagement.

Ready to lead, serve, and make an impact? Apply today and help shape the future of San Jose. Applications for the next LSJ cohort are now open through August 15.

Partner with SJSU Honors Students to Elevate Your Business

Small businesses and nonprofits are invited to join a free, year-long practicum with top SJSU business students to tackle real-world challenges. Presented in collaboration with the San Jose Chamber. Only 2–3 organizations will be selected—submit interest by July 28 at the link below.

Questions? Contact Laura Perez Ehrheart at laura@ecsadvisor.com.

Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with great food, local flavors, and lively connections as we come together to honor San Jose’s rich heritage, dynamic culture, and pioneering spirit in business and technology. You won't want to miss it!

Tickets are on sale now through August 14, and sponsorship opportunities are still available.

7/29 "Wait, How Do I Market This?" Marketing for Small Businesses Seminar

Are you a small business owner, entrepreneur, or solopreneur trying to figure out how to attract your very first customers — and keep them coming back? Learn how to define your brand, connect with the right audience, and build lasting customer relationships in this hands-on, practical session.

8/5 Coffee & Connections

Join us for Coffee and Connections, where you can network with local professionals, enjoy fresh coffee, and chat with our CEO and staff about Chamber benefits and services in a relaxed setting.

8/6 End of Summer Mixer & Ribbon Cutting

Join us for a festive afternoon at the newly renovated Sonesta ES Suites San Jose Airport hotel for a networking mixer, open house and ribbon cutting. This networking mixer includes lite bites, refreshments, and good conversations. We'll cap off the celebration with a ribbon cutting to celebrate the renovation.

8/12 SEO Workshop - Keep Your Presence Visible Online

The San Jose Chamber of Commerce Small Business Committee is pleased to present a virtual workshop focused on search engine optimization. The presentation will discuss how the search engine information is organized including local services searches, product searches, and informational searches. We'll also discuss the increasingly visible role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in search engine results.

Free Online Business Program from Cornell University

Bank of America’s Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University invites all Chamber members to enroll in a free online, multi-course program focused on gaining the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to build, manage and scale a successful business. 

Click below for more information and to register for one of three mandatory virtual information sessions, offered in English and Spanish and hosted by Bank of America. The information sessions will take place on July 23, August 12 and August 21.

Get Paid to Save Energy: Join the Peak Rewards for Business Webinar

San José Clean Energy’s Peak Rewards for Business program pays your business to reduce energy use during high-demand hours. By cutting back on electricity when it matters most, you can lower your utility bill and support a more sustainable future.

Want to learn more? Join us for the Peak Rewards for Business live webinar and discover how your business can earn incentives, cut energy costs, and help build a cleaner energy future.

📅 Thursday, July 24, 2025

🕚 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Apply to be Recognized in the CO––100

Applications are open for the 2025 U.S. Chamber of Commerce CO—100: America’s Top 100 Small Businesses, an exclusive list of the 100 best and brightest small and mid-sized businesses in America, chosen by the world’s largest business organization and network. Applications close this Friday, July 25.

PG&E 2025 Innovation Pitch Fest Applications Close Friday

PG&E is launching its 2025 Innovation Pitch Fest, offering up to $25 million in funding to support creative solutions that address electric grid challenges. Innovators are invited to submit proposals aligned with 13 key problem areas, with selected applicants pitching their ideas to PG&E leaders this September in Oakland. Applications are open through this Friday, July 25.

San Pedro Block Party July 31

Join us on July 31 for another Urban Vibrancy Institute's Block Party with an event the city will never forget!

Get ready for an unforgettable evening with delicious food and drinks, exciting tours of new businesses, and a live performance by Danny V. Don't miss out on the fun & RSVP to attend!

Beautify Discovery Meadow with Team Mahan August 2

Join your community and fellow neighbors to revitalize and beautify a beloved San Jose landmark, the Discovery Meadow Park! We'll be painting walls, revitalizing the Guinness World Record holding Monopoly Board, beautifying our Sister Cities sites, and shining a light on our Children's Discovery Museum. We are so fortunate to be partnering with the Children's Discovery Museum, our PRNS department, and The Trash Punx to make this event successful! Please join us on August 2nd from 9:00 AM to 11:30 AM!  

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