Small Business Symposium

Interested in starting your own business, but don't know how?  Then come to Cupertino's Small Business Symposium on Friday, July 19th at the Quinlan Community Center.  This event is designed to meet your needs whether you're just getting started or have been in business for years.  Workshops provide both prospective and established small business owners with the training and resources needed to grow and sustain their businesses in Cupertino.   Cupertino Economic Development Manager Angela Tsui says many people are interested in owning their own business, but need guidance in getting started.  Tsui says, “Many people find the idea of owning a business attractive, but many do not have the background or experience.  [Therefore,] presenters and speakers of the nine different workshops will provide attendees with proven ways in which to enhance business skills and operational practices.”

Workshops are divided into three tracks based upon your business’ stage of development.  Track one addresses issues for start-ups with one year or less of operation.  Workshops include the Basics of Starting Your Own Business and Accessing Capital and Other Funding presented by the Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center.  

Track two focuses on young businesses, which have been operating between one and three years.  The Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center will lead workshops addressing legal issues that impact small businesses as well as how to market one’s business through social media and conventional means. 

Track three is tailored for mature businesses that have been operating for at least three years.  Workshops include How to Hire and Grow Your Workforce presented by NOVA and Growing Greener to Grow Your Business presented by the City of Cupertino and the Green Biz Team.  

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, 3.5 million California small businesses account for 99% of the state's employers and employ 52% of the workforce.  While these numbers are significant, small businesses in the Golden State still face obstacles to success.  Tsui says, “The top three challenges faced by small businesses throughout California are the cost of running a business, new and/or unfamiliar regulations, and an overall decline in sales.”  However, Tsui adds that Cupertino’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley, as well its high average household income give it economic advantages over other cities.  In order to benefit from these advantages, Tsui says that “business owners need to get into the habit of staying current on regulations and laws affecting their business sector and learn new ways to improve their business skills.” 

This free event is open to the public, but interested parties must register in advance to attend.  Register online by July 18th at http://cupertinosmallbizsymposium.eventbrite.com/# . The symposium begins at 9:00 AM with registration, networking and refreshments.  Workshops are scheduled to begin at       10:00 AM.  The Quinlan Community Center is located at 10185 N. Stelling Road, Cupertino 95014. This event is sponsored by the City of Cupertino, the Cupertino Chamber of Commerce, the Silicon Valley Small Business development Center and NOVA Workforce Development.  Visit for more information http://bit.ly/12uIXFm.