Entrepreneurial spirit, access to capital and an educated workforce are the prime reasons that business people opt to do business in Silicon Valley. They select Mountain View based on streamlined governmental process, quality of life, proximity to other local industry including biotechnical, software and multimedia.

With continued new developments in technology, increased demand in commercial and residential development, and a thriving Downtown, now is the time to start a business in Mountain View. Mountain View is the center of the Silicon Valley and a critical hub for the digital community. The Chamber of Commerce Mountain View works with companies to supply opportunities for growth. For those who are considering locating your business to Mountain View, consider this pitch from the Chamber as reasons to be our latest neighbor:

Smart Permits

It is estimated that Mountain View issues 5,000 building permits annually. With the online process taking place of trips to City hall, the process has become streamlined, hassle free and cost effective. Hosted by Gov Partner, Mountain View's online permit system allows the public to purchase permits directly from the Mountain View City Website, www.mountainview.gov.

Mountain View's AAA Credit Rating

The City of Mountain View achieves its high standards of excellence, as evidenced by the city's 2006 AAA credit rating by Standard & Poor's, one of the nation's top credit rating agencies. The reason for the credit rating is clear: Mountain View's track record of strong financial operations enhanced by sound financial policies, a solid and diversified local tax base and Mountain View's low debt burden, high property values and personal income levels.

Business Real Estate

By mid 2006, business office rental rates have been reduced to an average of $2.26 a square foot for full service, thereby increasing the number of opportunities for businesses to find great locations. For net rents, R&D space is currently as low as 50 cents. Currently there is 260,000 square feet of office space and 40,000 square feet of retail space available for businesses and business developers. Mountain View has over 5,000 business--from sole proprietorships to large corporations. (source: Naibt Commercial)

Business Incubator/Life Sciences

Mountain View has been and continues to be an incubator for businesses. In 2006, the city has had $202 million of funding, representing 4% of the nation's total venture capital funding ($5.3 billion nationwide). Mountain View is also seeing one of the biggest increases in Life Science companies--from 40+ to 67 in the past year. Companies such as Boston Scientific, Neuropace, and ChemoCentryx have added to Mountain View's cachet as one of the country's largest Life Science backbones. (source: the city's Economic Development's periodic review, Volume 1 Issue 2)

Downtown Mountain View

The Chamber has also seen a significant business change in our downtown. On the business side, two newer office buildings--Fenwick & West LLP and Nuasis--have given downtown Mountain View the anchor it needs to create the latest Silicon Valley high-tech hub. The new development of a parking garage and pharmacy will add even more valuable services to our Downtown area. Additionally, the Chamber's annual Art & Wine Festival every September draws over 200,000 visitors to downtown Mountain View. Many Mountain View businesses volunteer, sponsor, or donate to the festival, which in turn benefits the community.

Mountain View's Housing and Transit Oriented Development

Referred to as Smart Growth, Mountain View concentrates housing and jobs near transit while achieving design excellence and creating livable neighborhoods and parks. The City of Mountain View achieved such a development: the Efficiency Studio project at San Antonio loop area, offering 120 units of affordable housing for those who want to live and work in Mountain View. The site is 500 yards from the Caltrain station and within a quarter mile of four bus routes.

Chamber of Commerce

Lastly, where would Mountain View be without its Chamber of Commerce? Founded in 1922, Chamber of Commerce Mountain View is a Silicon Valley-based public benefit corporation dedicated to enhancing the economic viability of the community. On many projects, for example, we work with the City of Mountain View, including the Chamber's annual State of the City Address, Business Forums and economic summits. Market Place - the Business and Technology Showcase provides a forum for both Sole Proprietors and Fortune 500 companies to showcase their business while garnering precious face-to-face conversations. The Chamber's monthly business mixers and Women in Business luncheons - as well as New Member Breakfasts - are also fantastic (and delicious) opportunities to network and increase business. The Chamber also serves as the visitors & information bureau for the city, for both members and non-members alike.