October 4, 2011 > Program to help local businesses Program to help local businesses Submitted By Steven Blomquist The President of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, Dave Cortese, announced on September 27, 2011, Santa Clara County's support for a new initiative that will streamline the permitting processes for local businesses. "Any obstacle to business and job generation must be reviewed for efficiencies so that we can work together to revitalize the economy," said Supervisor Dave Cortese. "Local governments should support new business ventures, not hinder them." When developed, it will allow local businesses to input their information into a web application which will automatically create hard copy or electronic applications to be submitted to various agencies. This application will create efficiencies for business owners by allowing them to enter their information only once instead of multiple times for each application. It will also create efficiencies for local governments by creating applications in standard formats. This initiative is part of the Code for America's City Fellowship Program that tackles issues such as public engagement, open data, open government and increased service delivery to at-risk youth. It is being developed in conjunction with the City of Santa Cruz to create an "open source code" that other jurisdictions can also readily use thereby creating further efficiencies for local businesses across many jurisdictions and agencies. For more information, contact Steven Blomquist at (408) 299-5030.