Re-envisioning SJSU’s physical campus - Taking a Look Today at Tomorrow’s Campus

Editor’s note:  A letter from San Jose State to its partners, which include Downtown Businesses

For over 150 years San Jose State University has been a part of the San Jose community. As the downtown skyline is transforming, so is SJSU's physical campus. We are re-envisioning our Campus Master Plan. It’s a process that occurs every few decades, so we invite you to contribute. Join us to explore the options for future campus development through the year 2040. See how community goals and anticipated changes would rebuild and renew the campus and the greater SJSU community. The Campus Master Plan guides a strategy for future growth applicable to campus land use and building, the public realm, mobility, and infrastructure. Changes are already happening with the new Interdisciplinary Science Building under construction and the planned Alquist building project recently featured in the Mercury News. Make sure to check out the amazing 2-minute video on what the campus may look like in 2040.

We value and need your input! SJSU continues to transform with our community as we continue to be Silicon Valley's Public University. We can only do this with your input. Join one of our virtual open houses in October or provide feedback at your own pace through our virtual open house. Learn more about our process and how to get involved by clicking here.

Join us on Friday, Oct. 8 at 8:15 a.m. to hear SJDA's “State of Downtown," financial reports on our assessment districts and the popular lightning-round two-minute committee summaries.

Please participate in the election of SJDA’s Board of Directors for the 2021-2023 term by submitting your ballot online. Members located within the Business Improvement District are eligible to vote. All ballots received by October 7 will be eligible for a drawing for one of three prize packages containing a $25 dining gift certificate and $5 in Downtown San Jose Farmers’ Market “Carrot Cash.”

Please register to attend the meeting. Upon registration, you will receive a link providing you with access to the Zoom webinar. Please note that space is limited. The meeting will also be streamed live on Facebook. 

As of Sept. 8, new COVID EIDL policy changes have taken effect that entail the below updates to the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Program for small business owners, including agricultural businesses, and nonprofit organizations:

• Maximum loan cap increased from $500,000 to $2 million
• Use of funds was expanded to include payment and pre-payment of business non-federal debt incurred at any time (past or future) and payment of federal debt
• Extend the deferment period to 24 months from origination for all loans (existing loans with a less than 24-month deferment will be adjusted)
• Affiliation requirements simplified to an affiliate is a business that you control or in which you have 50% of more ownership
• Developed additional path to meet program size standards for businesses assigned a NAICS code beginning with 61, 71, 72, 213, 3121, 315, 448, 451, 481, 485, 487, 511, 512, 515, 532, or 812
• Exclusivity Period: From September 8, 2021 to October 8, 2021, the above policy changes will be applicable to applications for <$500K while applications for >$500K will not be approved and therefore receive the policy changes until October 8, 2021
• See more details on the COVID-19 September 8, 2021 Policy Changes.

Details and application

Here’s coverage from RestaurantDive.com.

To download the accompanying graphics, go here.

CA Relief Grants for Arts nonprofits extended to Sept. 30
Round 8 for California Relief Grants for Arts and Culture Nonprofits has been extended until Thursday, Sept. 30. 

According to the California Arts Council, about $16 million remains under the Nonprofit Cultural Institutions Program. Eligible nonprofit cultural institutions must complete a new application even if they already applied in Rounds 1, 2, 5, or 6. If funds are not spent, they go back to the general budget and the state loses them for arts and culture recovery. Apply or visit the California Relief Grant website to learn more. 

SJDA continues to help get the message out about your job openings.  Complete this form with your business information and open positions and SJDA will post the opportunities weekly on sjdowntown.com/downtown-jobs/, publicizing the message to our 25,000 social media followers on Facebook and Twitter. We’re getting info about job openings three-to-five times a week.  We’re happy to help.

Make the Downtown Farmers’ Market part of your Friday routine
The weekly San Jose Downtown Farmers’ Market is back Friday at 10 a.m. on South First Street between San Salvador and William streets in SoFA District.  The weather will be great this week, a good reason to make Market visits part of your Friday routine. Also, the best pickings of fresh fruits and vegetables by California growers is happening right now.

The Market will return every Friday through Dec. 17, with the exception of the day after Thanksgiving.