What is business? At its core, business is possibility in action. From the lemonade stand on the corner to the global boardroom, from Etsy stores to Amazon’s vast marketplace, business is everywhere. It transcends geography, politics, religion and everything in between. Business builds communities. It sparks entrepreneurship. It creates opportunities. And most importantly, it opens doors for those willing to see the present not only for what it is, but for what it could be.
Think about the countless forms business takes. An organic farm in Iowa. A tractor company in Wisconsin. An auto repair shop in Arkansas. Each one is different, yet all share a common thread: they employ people, feed families and drive prosperity. Business is both deeply personal and profoundly communal as it shapes livelihoods, defines neighborhoods and builds the foundation of our shared economy.
Here in San Mateo County we sometimes forget the incredible range of business activity around us. We often think of the big names of the tech companies and life sciences firms that put us on the global map. Those companies are only part of the story. At the request of the SAMCEDA Board of Directors, we recently took a deep dive into our membership, examining who our members are and the industries they represent. What we discovered was illuminating; our membership mirrors the county itself, with no single industry dominating employment or identity.
That balance is one of our greatest strengths. Technology, health care, education, financial services, biotech, hospitality, construction, small business and nonprofits all have a seat at the table. Each contributes to the resiliency of San Mateo County’s economy. Each creates ladders of opportunity for individuals and families. And each brings unique innovation, talent and community connection.
This diversification has helped us weather storms including the dot-com bust, the Great Recession, and the upheaval of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is also what positions us to adapt to future challenges, from federal policy shifts to the rapid pace of technological change. Our region’s economy is not a one-note song. It is a symphony of industries that, together, generate stability and growth.
We must not take this for granted. Supporting business means more than celebrating major wins or spotlighting the biggest employers. It means recognizing that every business, regardless of size, contributes to the larger ecosystem. The small bakery hiring its first employees. The startup testing a new idea in a garage. The established company reinvesting in workforce training. Each of these actions matters. Each strengthens the fabric of San Mateo County.
Business is, ultimately, a promise. It is the promise that ideas can become reality. That hard work can create opportunities. That communities can thrive when innovation and investment go hand in hand. From the smallest ventures to the largest corporations, business is what keeps our county, our state and our nation moving forward.
As we look ahead, the call to action is clear: We must invest in, and advocate for, policies that protect and grow our diverse economy, support entrepreneurs at every stage, and ensure businesses have the resources they need to succeed. Policymakers must understand that economic prosperity is built locally, business leaders must continue to innovate and give back, and community members must champion the businesses that make our neighborhoods vibrant.
Business, in every form, is not just about transactions. It is about transformation. And it is on all of us to ensure that San Mateo County remains a place where business can turn possibility into progress.
Rosanne Foust is the president and CEO of the San Mateo County Economic Development Association.
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