Small Business Committee (SBC)

Did you know that 97% of our city’s 60,000 businesses have fewer than 35 employees? And more than half of those have fewer than 10 employees. Small businesses are the soul of San Jose.

They are the cafés that know your order, the service providers who live in your neighborhood, and the innovators building tomorrow’s solutions today. They create jobs, spark ideas, and connect us to one another.

Our small business community reflects the full diversity of San Jose—across industries, cultures, languages and neighborhoods—powering a vibrant and inclusive local economy.

But while small businesses fuel our economy, they often navigate resource limitations, regulatory complexity, and shifting market conditions on their own.

The Small Business Committee (SBC) is a dedicated initiative of the San Jose Chamber of Commerce designed to ensure small businesses have the support they need to succeed, adapt, and grow. With the generous support of the San Francisco Foundation, which helps fuel and expand this work, we are able to serve small businesses in multiple languages and across our 180-square-mile city.

Through the SBC, we provide:

Workshops led by expert practitioners
Networking and peer connections
Growth and business development resources
Policy advocacy on issues that impact small businesses

We are committed to ensuring small business owners are not only heard—but supported and included in the decisions that shape San Jose’s economy.

Our vision: A San Jose where small businesses flourish, reflecting the richness of our community while strengthening economic vitality and creating a more vibrant, inclusive city.

Calling Local Leaders: Guide the Small Business Committee

The Small Business Committee is seeking a Chair — a volunteer leader who will champion the vibrant small business community that powers our local economy. This role is perfect for a strong connector and strategic thinker who’s passionate about supporting entrepreneurs, elevating local business voices, and shaping programs that make a real impact.

As Chair, you’ll guide a diverse committee, help set the vision for key initiatives, and play a key role in strengthening the region’s small business ecosystem. This is more than a leadership position; it’s a chance to help shape the future of business in San Jose. If you're ready to lead, inspire, and build community, we’d love to hear from you.

View Role Description

Committee Goals

SUPPORT

Providing resources, education, and advocacy to empower small businesses.

COLLABORATION

Facilitating cross-industry partnerships and networking opportunities.

GROWTH

Offering tools and insights that promote the long-term success of local businesses.

Small Business Resources

ADA Compliance Toolkit

Ensure your business is accessible to all with this ADA compliance guide and resource list created by the San Jose Chamber of Commerce.

City of San Jose Business Resources

Explore the tools, programs, and services the City of San Jose offers to help local businesses thrive.

Latino Business Foundation Silicon Valley

The Latino Business Foundation of Silicon Valley empowers Latino entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and community connections.

Marketing Toolkit Handout

A practical, action-focused workbook designed to help small business owners quickly identify their ideal customers, define their brand, and attract more clients.

Rapid Response Network (RRN)

A community defense project developed to protect immigrant families from deportation threats and to provide accompaniment support during and after a community member’s arrest or detention. Anyone can call the 24/7 HOTLINE (408) 290-1144 to report ICE activity in our county and receive help in real time!

SCORE Silicon Valley

SCORE is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting small businesses through free mentoring and educational resources. View the calendar of upcoming workshops here.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC)

The SBDC offers free and low-cost programs and trainings for small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in San Jose.