The San Diego Tourism Authority selects 10 companies for the accelerator to reflect the diversity of the region

The San Diego Tourism Authority announced its first cohort of business owners for the Tourism Accelerator pilot program on Tuesday. This initiative will provide networking, mentoring, and education opportunities to support businesses owned by blacks, women, veterans, and those who identify as LGBTQ +.

Julie Coker, president and CEO of the San Diego Tourism Authority, said the accelerator program is about ensuring that the local tourism industry reflects the diversity of the San Diego community. The aim is to make this an annual program that will include more participants and create an inclusive tourism industry.

“We hope this program will help provide people with knowledge that will help their businesses thrive, while also giving them a bigger voice in shaping the direction of our tourism industry,” she said in an email.

Lauren Balcita Garces, founder of Social Artistry, one of the companies selected for the program, said she looks forward to building connections in San Diego’s local industries. She started her event planning company in 2020 to promote diverse communities and cultures in our region.

“We have thousands upon thousands of events in the city of San Diego all the time, and for me to be able to provide an additional platform with (the San Diego Tourism Authority) support for communities that are not often recognized, that’s what I’m really excited to be working with working with them, learning with them and growing with them, ”she said.

The 10 local companies selected for the program were selected by a jury from almost 50 applicants. The full list of participating companies in the opening class are:

• Access Trax LLC: Supplier of portable access mats that provide stable surfaces for mobility device users to easily access outdoor recreational activities over sand, grass, gravel, and snow.
• Alternative strategies: A full-service marketing and PR agency that focuses exclusively on the hotel industry.
• Common Theory Public House: bar and restaurant.
• Fargo’s BBQ / Jamaican Cuisine: Caterer and food truck for Jamaican cuisine.
• Finest City Improv: Improvisational comedy shows and courses.
• Game Face Video SD: Creative youth developer and technical training company in the field of video and photography.
• Gossip Grill: Lesbian / LGBTQ + bar.
• It’s in the details: a boutique travel and events company with concierge service.
• Pop Up Picnic Co .: Luxury Picnic Event Company.
• Social Artistry LLC: Event company focused on empowering diverse communities.

The program starts in the New Year and Bank of America and SDG&E are the financial sponsors of the pilot program. Business owner benefits include financial coaching, a $ 500 voucher for a class on the UC San Diego Extension, and $ 1,000 credit for use on the tourism agency’s digital advertising platforms.