The bi-annual Business Walk is The SVO’s small business outreach program, specifically targeting businesses in low to moderate-income commercial areas. The goal is to identify opportunities to retain and support the expansion of small businesses in San Jose.
As part of our economic development efforts, our business walks act as a tool for of business retention and expansion. Once a year, teams of volunteers made up of SVO members and the area's stakeholders canvass a commercial corridor.
The volunteers ask businesses three simple questions:
• How is business?
• What do you like about doing business here?
• What could be done to improve business in the area?
This survey provides the opportunity to connect businesses with resources that can help solve some of the identified issues and bring new resources to share within their business community.
usiness Walk volunteers survey local small businesses to collect information and insight into how business is either improving or declining within the area.
At the conclusion of the program, The SVO shares the data through an annual report highlighting the success and/or challenges that small businesses face in the area.
The report helps guide The SVO’s public policy advocacy when we communicate to elected officials and policy makers.
