Small Business
About Small Business Programs
Chula Vista has grown significantly over the past several years, and the small business community has been a solid contributor to this growth. This business sector accounts for the vast majority of Chula Vista’s business population and is growing. These small businesses stabilize our employment base and have contributed to the City’s economic engine for decades. Because of these factors, the City of Chula Vista is committed to creating a “business-friendly” environment that encourages small business development and success. Click here for market-related information about Chula Vista.
Redevelopment & Housing plays a significant role in the City’s ability to promote this “business-friendly” message to small business owners. Several new business retention, expansion, and attraction programs have been spearheaded by the City over the past two years. These programs have been implemented to support and promote the economic stability and growth of the small business community. These programs also assist with the revitalization of older commercial districts located within the City’s Redevelopment Project Areas. To learn more about these programs, please contact Lynette Jones, Business Services Coordinator, at (619) 409-5888, or click on the links below.
Smart Business Links (SBL)
A proactive Business Retention and Expansion program that consists of a collaboration of 10 public and private agencies that are committed to helping Chula Vista’s business community grow in today’s economy. SBL is designed to increase communication, build trust, assess business needs, and facilitate a strategic and rapid approach to assisting the business community.
SBL partner agencies include: San Diego Gas & Electric Co., South County Economic Development Council, South Bay Business Services, Chula Vista Chamber of Commerce, Third Avenue Village Association, CDC Small Business Finance Corporation, San Diego Capital Collaborative, Small Business Development & International Trade Center at Southwestern College, and the County of San Diego.
Early Assistance Program
A business retention, expansion and attraction program designed to provide pertinent information on zoning, permit and other regulatory requirements, time frames and estimated costs, to assist the business owner with making informed decisions. Activities also include troubleshooting and permit expediting for key businesses.
Third Avenue Dollars for Dining
A marketing and promotion campaign designed to encourage patronage for restaurants and shops located in the downtown Third Avenue Village district. This collaborative marketing campaign was supported by the City and the Third Avenue Village Association, and included the participation of 10 restaurants offering promotional discounts to patrons. This successful marketing campaign was the first of its kind in Chula Vista.
Broadway Economic Revitalization Study (BERS)
A collaborative effort of the Redevelopment Agency, SDSU Research Foundation and SDSU Aztec Business Alliance – Professional MBA Consulting Program. BERS is a two-phase program designed to identify strengths and opportunities for the Broadway commercial district within the boundaries of “D” Street to Naples. Redevelopment & Housing will manage Phase One of the project with the SDSU Research Foundation. A report of the BERS findings and recommendations will be completed. Phase two effort will involve Redevelopment & Housing and the SDSU Aztec Business Alliance and result in the creation of business support programs that lead to economic growth within the targeted Broadway commercial district boundaries.
The ABCs of Starting a Business
An in-depth business resource guide that identifies several important steps to starting a business in the City of Chula Vista. Click here to view and/or download a PDF of the guide.
San Diego Regional Enterprise Zone (SDREZ)
The State of California Enterprise Zone Program was created to encourage business investment and job creation in economically disadvantaged geographic areas. The City of San Diego administers the SDREZ on behalf of the cities of Chula Vista, San Diego and National City and the Port of San Diego. The primary benefits for businesses within the EZ are state income tax credits for hiring qualified employees and sales tax credits on purchases of qualified machinery and equipment. Employees hired through the EZ program also receive tax benefits on their State income taxes. The cities received a temporary designation for a new EZ in October 2007. We anticipate final designation in the summer of 2008. Click here to view and/or download a PDF of the SDREZ map.
Expert Insights
A new small business development series designed to equip Chula Vista's business community with expert resources and tools needed for success. This exciting new program kicked off in April 2008.