SJ Economy News and Resources: October 2025

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October 2025

News and resources for San José entrepreneurs, small business owners and supporters of the local business and arts community.

Blog: Prepare for Potential I-I Audits, Workplace Raids

Given the increase in federal immigration enforcement, including in San José, the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Resources has published a blog to share resources to assist business owners and Human Resources personnel to prepare their business for potential I-9 audits, workplace raids, and/or worker shortages.

To learn more about how the City supports small businesses, please visit the City’s Small Business Resources page.

We are Hiring!

The Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs is committed to a vital, competitive San José economy that increases prosperity for people and companies, and is the City’s champion of San José’s arts and cultural sector. Join the team! We are hiring for the following positions:

Diridon & Downtown District Coordinator (closes Oct. 3)
Economic Policy Data Analyst (closes Oct. 12)
Data Center Permit Coordinator (closes Oct. 14)
Public Art Director (closes Oct. 19)

Go Green and Save Money!

The Environmental Services Department at the City of San José has launched the Wet Receptacle Assistance Program (WRAP) to provide qualifying San José businesses and institutions with up to $500 worth of FREE indoor receptacles for the sorting of their organic waste, also known as "Wet" waste in San José.

Learn more about WRAP and take advantage of this limited time offer!

Upcoming Small Business Workshops

Develop your business skills with these free or low-cost partner workshops!

Workshops are online unless noted.

Training Programs

My Own Business Institute (MOBI) - Learn how to start your own business through entrepreneur courses and earn a Certificate of Completion from Santa Clara University.
Business Incubator Program / Incubadora de Empresas - This program offers a structured journey to support the creation and development of new businesses.

Saturday, October 4

How to Build Unshakeable Products and Services with the Product Value Blueprint Saturday, October 4, 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Monday, October 6

How to Gain Customers with a LinkedIn Company Page Monday, October 6, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Startup Basics and Business Concepts Monday, October 6, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Wednesday, October 8

Critical Risks to a Business Plan Wednesday, October 8, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Thursday, October 9

Concepts for Successful Importing and Exporting Thursday, October 9, 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

How to Build Unshakeable Products and Services with the Product Value Blueprint Thursday, October 9, 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Friday, October 10

Should I Start a Business? Friday, October 10, 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Monday, October 13

Buying or Selling a Small Business Monday, October 13, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Marketing Plan Monday, October 13, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Wednesday, October 15

Control de Finanzas Para Nuevas Empresas: Crédito, Acceso a Capital, Prevención Fiscal y Control Financiero (Spanish) Wednesday, October 15, 5:29 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. | Martin Luther King Jr. Library | Hosted by: Silicon Valley SBDC

Thursday, October 16

Business Financing: Learn how to Finance Your Business in Today’s Shifting Economy (2 ^nd ) Thursday, October 16, 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: Silicon Valley SBDC

Friday, October 17

Navigating the Emotional Rollercoaster of Entrepreneurship Friday, October 17, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

How to Build Unshakeable Products and Services with the Product Value Blueprint Friday, October 17, 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Saturday, October 18

9th Annual, Latina Emprendedora Conference Saturday, October 18, 8:00 a.m. | In Person (venue shared after registering) | Hosted by: Yacanex Community

Monday, October 20

Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Financial Projections Monday, October 20, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Tuesday, October 21

Nonprofit Seminar: How to Avoid Common Nonprofit Pitfalls Tuesday, October 21, 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Loan Preparation Tuesday, October 21, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: AnewAmerica Women’s Business Center – San Jose

Thursday, October 22

Google Ad Tutorial & Step-by-Step Walk-Through Wednesday, October 22, 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Online |Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Thursday, October 23

So You Want to be The Boss? Is Entrepreneurship Right for You…Right Now?! Thursday, October 23, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: AnewAmerica Women’s Business Center – San Jose

Friday, October 24

Google Workspace (G Suite) by Google: Software Tools for Your Business Friday, October 24, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Monday, October 27

Simple Steps for Starting Your Business: Funding Sources Monday, October 27, 7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Tuesday, October 28

Nonprofit Workshop: Guide to Writing a Nonprofit Business Plan Tuesday, October 28, 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Wednesday, October 29

Website Planning 101: Take your first step to website success! Wednesday, October 29, 3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Thursday, October 30

Nonprofit Seminar: The Art of Grant Writing with AI – Leveraging ChatGPT Thursday, October 30, 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | Online | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley