Goal ED-3: Grow the local economy and employment base by supporting efforts to expand and retain local businesses.
According to “Building on our Assets: Economic Development & Job Creation in the East Bay”, over 39 percent of the annual job creation in the East Bay is attributed to the expansion of existing business establishments that are already located within the region. The City of Hayward recognizes the value of existing businesses and their potential to expand and grow local employment opportunities. This goal and its supporting policies are designed to retain existing businesses and support their local expansion efforts.
The City shall develop, maintain, and implement a Business Expansion and Retention (BEAR) program that that helps businesses stay, grow, and become more committed to the Hayward community. The City shall primarily focus its BEAR efforts on small businesses with high growth potential and other local companies that have a demonstrated commitment to the Hayward community.
The City shall monitor industry and market trends to identify fast-growing industries, and coordinate with local businesses within those industries to proactively assist with potential business expansion plans.
The City shall encourage residents, local businesses, colleges, trade schools, and community organizations to purchase goods and services from other local businesses to support local jobs and to recirculate money within the local economy.
The City shall coordinate with business networks and organizations (such as East Bay SCORE, the Alameda County Small Business Development Center, and the US Small Business Administration) that help local business owners and operators sustain and expand their business within the Hayward community.
The City shall coordinate with organizations that provide loans and financing programs for businesses expansion efforts.
The City shall coordinate with local business organizations and college business programs to create retail, restaurant, and business advisory groups (groups of trained volunteers that visit stores, restaurants, and businesses to provide constructive advice to business owners).