The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) announced its 2025 Tourism Accelerator cohort. The initiative, one of the first of its kind in the country, promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the local tourism industry by providing free membership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities to businesses owned by women, veterans, people of color, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Now in its fourth year, 65 percent of Tourism Accelerator graduates report revenue growth, 45 percent have created new jobs and 100 percent say they have more confidence in doing business.
“The Tourism Accelerator program underscores SDTA’s unwavering commitment to DEI as a strategic business imperative for our industry,” said Theresa Cunningham, VP of people, culture and purpose. “By empowering small and diverse-owned businesses to thrive, the program fosters a more inclusive and vibrant tourism sector, strengthens our community, and solidifies San Diego’s reputation as a premier destination for tourism and business.”
In addition, the Tourism Accelerator has formed an active alumni group, who support each other in business development, network together and mentor incoming accelerator members.
The 2025 cohort was selected from nearly 50 applicants, reflecting the diversity of the region and the industry and embracing a range of business types with owners from a variety of backgrounds. This year’s cohort includes Baraka and Bilal, Bloom & Rooted, CatchHer IceCream, Flour Atelier, Movement Matters Collective, Mujeres Brew House, Purpose First, Sunny Bites Food Tours, Surje Coffee Co. and The Old Town Soap Company.
SDGE and The Shipyard have sponsored this year’s program, offering each participant a suite of services valued at over $15,000. These include:
- Free SDTA membership, free admission to select events and special access to SDTA senior staff, board members and program investors
- Business services and coaching from the top providers in San Diego in finance, risk management, commercial real estate, operations and marketing
- A $500 voucher for a course through UC San Diego Extension
- Free advertising in brochure racks at over 450 locations in San Diego from Certified Folder
- A $1,000 credit to use on SDTA’s digital advertising platforms
- Free digital ad in the “San Diego Business Journal”
A diverse panel of business leaders and past graduates selected the cohort, considering the viability of the business model, business needs and commitment to community service. Eligible businesses include San Diego-based non-SDTA members who have operated for at least one year in categories including, but not limited to, restaurants, retail, activities and attractions, museums, transportation, and meeting and event services.
For more information, visit www.sandiego.org/accelerator.
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