SJ Economy News and Resources: September 2025

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September 2025

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

Thursday, September 4: San José Small Business Advisory Committee Meeting

San José's Small Business Advisory Committee will hold its next quarterly meeting this Thursday, September 4 at 5 p.m..

The mission of the committee is to advocate for small businesses, promote entrepreneurship, and continue to make San José an ideal place to do business.

Agenda items include a presentation of the new strategic operating plan for the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs and updates on the future of Silicon Valley SCORE and small business grant programs.

Watch the meeting via Zoom here (pass code 157462). For more information about the committee, contact Vic Farlie at victor.farlie@sanjoseca.gov.

Apply to be a Creative Ambassador

What is YOUR dream creative project for your San José community? Make your project happen as a City of San José Creative Ambassador!

Applications for the 2026 San José Creative  Ambassador program are open through September 21. Learn more and apply at  www.bit.ly/CreativeApplication.

Bay Area Public Screening Playbook: Super Bowl LX & FIFA World Cup 26

The Bay Area Host Committee has published the first version of the Public Screening Playbook, providing small businesses with key information needed to host public screenings for 2026's biggest events.

Whether you're planning a lively block party, turning your restaurant into a fan zone, or organizing a community gathering, this is the place to start. Non-English versions of the playbook are also avaialable.

Disability Access Improvement Grants for Small Businesses

San José Small Business Owners: The City's Disability Access Improvement Grants program will support your responsibility to comply with the federal Americans with Disability Act and the California Building Code. The grant will help you pay for a Certified Access Specialist (CASp) report and to hire professionals to design and remove ADA barriers.

Upcoming Small Business Workshops

Develop your business skills with these FREE 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.
Bronco Entrepreneurs' Applied Collaboration Hub - BEACH - BEACH provides an Advisory Service for startups and small businesses to benefit from no cost legal and business information and resources. Deadline is September 16 to apply.

Thursday September 4

So You Want to to be The Boss? Is Entrepreneurship Right for You...Right Now?! Thursday, September 4, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Hosted by: AnewAmerica Women's Business Center - San José

Saturday, September 6

Lessons Learned Starting & Running Restaurants Saturday, September 6, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Wednesday, September 10

The Financial Facts that Women Entrepreneurs Need to Know Wednesday, September 10, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Hosted by: AnewAmerica Women's Business Center - San José

Thursday, September 11

Legal Issues for the Small Business Startup Thursday, September 11, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Small Business Accounting, Thursday September 11, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

REALFEST 2025 Thursday, September 11, 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. in-person event, Blanco Urban Venue, 12 North San Pedro St. in Downtown San José Use code MORECOMMUNITY for free entry | Hosted by: TMC Community Capital

Friday, September 12

Should I Start a Business Friday, September12, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Monday, September 15

Tips on Building Your LinkedIn Brand Monday, September 15, 11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

AI: Workforce Transformation for Small Businesses Monday, September 15, 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. In-Person event at Dr. Martin Luther King Library, 150 E. San Fernando St. | Hosted by: Silicon Valley SBDC

Tuesday, September 16

Succession Planning Through Employee Ownership Tuesday, September 16, 3:00 p.m. | Hosted by: Project Equity

How to Develop Your Business Idea Before You Start Your Business Plan Tuesday September 16, 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Wednesday, September 17

Business Accounting Wednesday September 17, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Boost Your Business - Attract and Retain Customers Wednesday September 17, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Thursday, September 18

Increase Your Website Sales & Leads Using SEO Thursday, September 18, 9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Nonprofit Seminar: Becoming Grant-Ready! Thursday, September 18, 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Wednesday, September 24

Plan Your Website for Online Success Wednesday, September 24, 3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Friday, September 26

Follow up Strategies That Will Get More Clients and Close More Sales Friday, September 26, 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Monday, September 29

Building a Business That Works Monday, September 29, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley

Tuesday, September 30

Smart Social Media Strategies for Entrepreneurs & Small Businesses Tuesday, September 30, 9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. | Hosted by: SCORE Silicon Valley