Diverse local business owners can apply now for the 12-month Tourism Accelerator, valued at more than $15,000
SAN DIEGO, CA – Now entering its fourth year, the San Diego Tourism Authority’s Tourism Accelerator is an award-winning, first-of-its kind education and networking program that helps diverse local businesses tap into San Diego’s $22 billion local tourism industry. Applications for the class of 2025 are open now through Nov. 8, 2024.
The program is open to businesses owned by women, veterans, people of color, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
After experiencing the program, 65% of graduates reported increased revenue, 45% reported creating new jobs, and 100% reported more confidence in doing business.
Ten participants will receive $15,000 in complementary benefits and services, including:
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, sales, 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 and discounts with the San Diego Business Journal.
Access to ongoing alumni events and opportunities.
“When we appeared on CBS news, we posted it to our social media and got the most likes and shares ever,” said 2023 graduate Shannon Salhany, owner of Kebab Craft. “It helped our business with brand awareness. Since then, we’ve been able to expand our business with a second location and make connections that will help us continue to grow. The SDTA Tourism Accelerator gave us access to resources we would not have on our own."
The award-winning Tourism Accelerator is the first destination marketing organization program of its kind, designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the tourism industry.
“Our Tourism Accelerator Program is designed to support diverse business owners by providing the tools, mentorship, and connections essential for growth in the tourism industry,” said Theresa Cunningham, director of diversity, equity, inclusion and community engagement at SDTA. “Together with our dedicated partners and sponsors, we've witnessed how the Tourism Accelerator program not only contributes to the success of our participating businesses, but also creates a ripple effect that extends their positive impact throughout the community. SDTA remains committed to building a more inclusive tourism sector that values and represents all who live, work, and visit in San Diego.”
Tourism is the second-largest industry in San Diego, generating $22 billion for the region and employing 1 in 8 San Diegans. Last year, San Diego welcomed 31.8 million visitors who spent $14.3 billion in the region, generating more than $417 million in Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) for the county and additional $1 billion in sales, property, and other taxes revenues, which helps fund police and fire safety, infrastructure, and other public benefits.
Learn more about the Tourism Accelerator and apply here.
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ABOUT THE SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY
The San Diego Tourism Authority is a private, non-profit, mutual benefit corporation composed of approximately 1,000 member organizations, businesses, local governments, and individuals seeking a better community through the visitor industry. San Diego Tourism Authority members include tourism-related entities in such categories as lodging, dining, arts, attractions, shopping, and transportation, among others, as well as other companies indirectly involved in tourism. As a sales and marketing organization, the main objective of the San Diego Tourism Authority is to promote and market the San Diego region as a preferred vacation and meeting destination. Learn more at www.sandiego.org.
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