Anticipating a budget surplus, Cupertino prioritizes growing its business community

CUPERTINO’S DECISION TO draw in new businesses and support longtime merchants has the commerce community cheering.

The Cupertino City Council voted 3-2 last month to prioritize economic development and small business support for the next two fiscal years as part of a citywide work program. Councilmembers J.R. Fruen and Sheila Mohan supported the effort, but voted no because of separate, unrelated items listed in the work program. Cupertino’s goals include streamlining the small business permitting process, supporting legacy businesses, attracting new businesses and creating a small business council. The city plans to explore filling vacant storefronts and themed events such as a restaurant week.