Community Fellows Blog Posts

Time has been flying by during my last year at Santa Clara University, and I am so thankful that I get to spend it working with the San Jose Office of Economic Development as a Business Development Intern. As a Bay Area native, the city of San Jose means a lot to me—from the small businesses that provide quality services to the diverse communities that make up its culture. I’m truly grateful for the chance to give back to a city that has always felt like home.

The first few days in City Hall were a whirlwind of meeting new people, learning the ins and outs of city operations, and understanding what my responsibilities would be for the year. My main focus is within the Small Business Grants program, where I’m helping to make the workflow more efficient and accessible for small business owners. Mom-and-pop shops make up a large portion of San Jose’s storefronts, and being able to support them by improving access to funds that help them grow feels incredibly meaningful. It’s been exciting to see firsthand how much impact these programs can have on the local economy and on the people who keep it thriving. 

San Jose faces a wide range of complex challenges, and it takes many dedicated and passionate people to address them. In my first few weeks at City Hall, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how collaborative and supportive the environment is. Everyone seems genuinely willing to help one another, share insights, and contribute to each other’s projects. I’ve also learned that many of the issues the city tackles are deeply interconnected, requiring flexibility and a readiness to wear many hats. It’s inspiring to see how much teamwork and creativity go into serving a city as large and diverse as San Jose.

I’m excited to use my research and communication skills to help improve outreach and make grant and support programs more efficient and accessible to business owners across San Jose. There is so much to learn within OED and about the city itself, and I’m eager to immerse myself in that process. Over the course of the year, I hope to gain hands-on experience by assisting in a variety of projects, learning about the economic challenges the city faces, and offering my own insights on potential solutions. Looking ahead, I’m especially excited for upcoming field visits with small businesses—to hear their stories, understand their challenges, and learn about the successes that keep them motivated. I hope to play even a small part in helping those businesses continue to thrive, ultimately contributing to the growth and resilience of the San Jose community.

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