News/Blog

News and thoughts from our staff

Filtered by Category: small business

July 14, 2026

Does your business qualify for a tax credit?

By Brittney Sherman

For the 2026-2027 fiscal year, a total of $819.8M in California Competes Tax Credits are available for allocation to businesses of all sizes and industry. For this upcoming round, opening on July 20, 2026, $350M in tax credits will be available and businesses within the “strengthen” and “accelerate” sector categories as outlined in the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint will be given special consideration. To learn more, register to attend one of the live webinars on July 22 or July 30. The deadline to submit applications is Monday, August 10, 2026, at 11:59 p.m.

The California Competes Tax Credit (CCTC) is an income tax credit available to businesses that want to locate in California or stay and grow in California. Businesses of any industry, size, or location compete for over $180 million available in tax credits by applying in one of the three application periods each year. Applicants will be analyzed based on fourteen different factors of evaluation, including number of full-time jobs being created, amount of investment, and strategic importance to the state or region. Learn more and start your online application.

July 07, 2026

Maintaining and growing your business

By Brittney Sherman

Wondering how you can leverage AI, SEO, and social media to grow your business? Have questions about implementing Quickbooks? The Silicon Valley Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers FREE monthly virtual and in-person trainings and workshops around key business topics. Visit the SBDC upcoming events page to scroll through the list of upcoming classes and pick the topics most relevant to you.

June 04, 2026

Retailer receives Senate District 15 award

By Brittney Sherman

For decades Royal Clothiers has served as a retail landmark in Downtown Morgan Hill. From outfitting high schoolers for prom, to tailoring custom suits, to displaying the newest Tommy Bahama products, Royal Clothiers has excelled at pairing high-quality menswear with top-notch customer service. Owner Carlos Perez recently announced his impending retirement and hopes to sell the store to someone who will keep the legacy alive. In recognition of his contributions and community support, he was awarded the 2026 Senate District 15 Small Business of the Year award.

May 14, 2026

Fill Vacancies and Connect with Business Owners

By Brittney Sherman

Does your company currently have employment opportunities? Would you like to connect with other Morgan Hill business owners? You can do all that and more at the Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce Business Expo on May 20th. Build connections, unlock career opportunities, mingle with other local business owners, and get a tour of the Shoe Palace Headquarters!

Register for a booth HERE.

May 08, 2026

Youth Entrepreneurship Program is the Newest Economic Mobility Effort

By Brittney Sherman

New programs continue to be developed in support of economic mobility, most recently a youth entrepreneurship course called the Morgan Hill Junior Biz Bash. The 6-week summer program, offered as part of the Small Business Support Services contract with Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center, won’t just teach kids about business it will have them experience it firsthand by launching their very own startup. The program culminates in a one-day business fair where kids and teens sell their product to the community. THIS EVENT IS AN ADVENTURE into youth entrepreneurship!

For more information on the program go HERE.

July 25, 2025

2025 Opens with positive sales tax results

By Brittney Sherman

The first quarter of 2025 marks the first time in two years that the state of California received a positive year-over-year sales tax result. During that same timeframe Santa Clara County sales tax was down 2.2%, Bay Area sales tax was up 0.5% and City of Morgan Hill sales tax was up 0.1%. Much of the City’s positivity can be attributed to a statewide audit on online sales, leading to reallocations in the County pool which resulted in Morgan Hill’s share increasing 2.1% when compared to this same quarter last year.

The City’s Auto and Transportation category declined in alignment with nationwide industry results, the Fuel and Service Station category decreased due to a reduction in the price of crude oil, and the General Consumer Goods category declined signaling a shift from instore to online shopping. The first quarter of the year historically yields the lowest sales tax generation. Starting the year with a positive sales tax report is hopefully an indicator of additional positive results to come.

Read the full first quarter 2025 sales tax report HERE.

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