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As the urban center of Silicon Valley, downtown San Jose is home to office workers, high-rise condo dwellers and students. Downtown teems with household tech names, start-ups, shopping and restaurants.
The workforce and population downtown is young, educated and diverse. With lots of dining, after-work entertainment options and retail experiences, there are loads of opportunities downtown.
SJDA’s Business Development and Support team continues to nurture downtown’s storefront economy and help businesses recover from the tribulations of pandemic as quickly as possible.
A parklet is a sidewalk extension that provides more space and amenities for people using the street. Usually parklets are installed on parking lanes and use several parking spaces. Parklets typically extend out from the sidewalk at the level of the sidewalk to the width of the adjacent parking space. Click here to view our San Jose Al Fresco Parklets Schematic Design.
This team works directly with small businesses that are opening or expanding operations. Based out of the Business Coaching Center, they guide you through the permitting and approvals process.
Besides assisting with permitting and approvals with the City, Nate and Omar can also help people with:
• Streamlined Restaurant Program
• County Health Department regulations, permitting and issues
Need help getting started downtown?
Business Development Nate LeBlanc and Business Resiliency Manager Omar Torres can walk you through City Hall permitting processes, help you find a location and more.
This initiative provides financial support to small businesses moving into previously vacant storefronts. Currently the program provides up to $16,000 in waived permitting fees.
During pandemic, the team assisted some businesses gain access to capital and make connections to grants and loans. They are on the lookout for new opportunities and business initiatives. Check SJDA’s weekly message to businesses for leads, and check in with Nate or Omar if you have questions.
28 N. First St., Suite 1000
San Jose, CA 95113
(408) 279-1775