City Seeks Input from Small Business At Annual Public Outreach Meeting

SAN DIEGO – Small business owners took center stage to address concerns affecting their ability to do business in San Diego at an annual public outreach meeting hosted by the City of San Diego’s Small Business Advisory Board on Friday, February 7^th. 

The City is stepping up its efforts to better understand key business issues.  Businesses were encouraged to address the barriers they encounter, from fees and regulations to permits and availability of assistance programs.  Feedback from small businesses will help refine City policies and programs.

“Small Businesses are vital to the creation of jobs and to the City’s economic well-being,” said Councilwoman Toni Atkins.  “ San Diego is a great place to do business because we are committed to ensuring a cooperative and supportive atmosphere in which small businesses can thrive.” 

Advocating regulatory relief and policy reform are key roles of the Small Business Advisory Board.  The board works with the City to reduce regulations, streamline the permit process and reduce taxes for small businesses.  Recent successes for the small business community, facilitated by the Board, include the establishment of relaxed sign code enforcement during major construction projects and the development of an equitable ordinance to deal with the City’s staggering number of false alarms.

Board members, appointed by the Mayor, include leaders in the business community and representatives of key small business organizations, such as the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce. 

The annual public outreach meeting is not the only opportunity businesses have to express concerns.   The City of San Diego offers a myriad of support programs for small business owners.   One example is the Small Business Advocate, a direct line troubleshooting assistance program in which businesses can find help and get results.

For more information about the Small Business Advisory Board and other business assistance programs contact the City of San Diego’s Office of Small Business at (619) 685-1390 or visit the City’s web site at www.sandiego.gov.

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With an emphasis on the City’s urban core neighborhoods and low and moderate income residents, the Community and Economic Development Department strives to improve the quality of life and ensure a healthy economy in San Diego through job development, business development, neighborhood revitalization, public improvements, redevelopment, social services, and revenue enhancement.