2026 Business Toolkit
Welcome to the 2026 Downtown
Business Toolkit!
Your central hub for resources, guidance, and inspiration to help downtown businesses thrive during San Jose’s big events in 2026.
Where to List Your Events
Public event calendars are a great place to share your events with a larger audience. Check out our selection of local calendars here.
Parking in Downtown San Jose
This handy guide provides language for spreading the word about available and affordable parking near your downtown events, including which garages offer 90 minutes free! Use this to include parking information on your event and business marketing.
Reach SJSU Students, Faculty & Staff
Want to get your business in front of the SJSU community? Join the 50+ downtown businesses already offering exclusive specials to San José State University students, faculty and staff.
Reach Hillbrook & Notre Dame Students, Faculty & Staff
Connect with students, faculty and staff at Hillbrook School and Notre Dame High School by offering a special at your downtown business.
Join the San Jose Downtown Community Gift Card Program
Want to attract new customers and be part of a program that keeps spending local?
The San Jose Downtown Community Gift Card can be used at 50+ participating businesses throughout San Jose. By joining the program, your business can be featured as a participating location and accept Downtown Community Gift Cards from customers looking to shop, dine and experience local businesses.
Resources for Planning Events
Whether you need help navigating the rules for San Jose’s new entertainment zones, understanding your staffing needs, or keeping your events clean and safe, these resources will help.
Keeping Events Clean & Safe
The following resources are available to all downtown businesses and organizations within the San Jose Downtown Association’s
PBID boundaries.
Ask Groundwerx to Help
San Jose Downtown’s PBID operates the Groundwerx program, which provides enhanced cleaning services to the downtown 7 days a week. It also manages the Safety Ambassadors, who offer information and concierge services for visitors downtown and can provide free safety escorts.
Address Concerns Related to
Unhoused Individuals
The Social Impact Team (SIT) operates 7 days a week from 8am to 5pm. Call the Groundwerx dispatch line at (408) 287-1520 to report unhoused related concerns and request wellness checks.
City of San Jose - Downtown Resource Guide
The City of San Jose has provided this easy guide to help connect businesses, organizations and individuals to the best resources for any safety or cleanliness concern in the downtown area. It’s a helpful handout to have available for visitors or staff during large events, or in general.
Business Resources from SJ Economy
The City is working with partners to help San Jose’s small business owners prepare for the major sporting events coming to the region in 2026. Get help with hiring, access to capital, and inventory management.
Understanding Entertainment Zones
The City of San Jose has established new entertainment zones and guidelines for how to leverage them during special events.
Resources for Your Business & Employees
The City of San José offers a Discounted Downtown Employee Parking Permit for eligible downtown employees who earn less than 30% above the current minimum wage.
Eligibility:
- Fast Food Workers: Earn less than $26.00/hour
- All Other Workers: Earn less than $23.99/hour
Employment and wage information will be verified during the application process.
Plan Ahead for 2026
2026 Street Closures & Traffic Updates
Stay informed about planned street closures and construction impacts throughout 2026. Visit our Traffic & Construction Updates page for the latest schedules, maps, and updates that may affect your business.The playbook provides tips for event management, information on broadcast and trademark regulations, and marketing advice while staying compliant with FIFA rules.
Resources for Additional Support
Small Business Support and Technical Assistance
SJDA Economic Development Director Nate LeBlanc is available to assist you with non-event-related City or County permitting processes. He provides technical assistance on a wide variety of small business issues including:
Location Assistance, Building or Health, Department Permitting, Outdoor Sidewalk Seating, Parklets and Pop-up Retail
Location Assistance, Building or Health, Department Permitting, Outdoor Sidewalk Seating, Parklets and Pop-up Retail
Monthly Webinars
Monthly live webinars will help businesses leverage events, with recordings available in the online library.