CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center (CAJC), the region’s first business accelerator program focused on low-to-moderate income- and diverse entrepreneurs, is here to help local startups through the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. CAJC has announced 14 new businesses that will be part of its third cohort, receiving six-months of free programming and support. Applications are now also open for the next group of businesses, which will start in winter 2020 for a four-month program. Applications are available at bit.ly/cohort4application and due by October 18.
A strategic partnership between the City of San Diego, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and CONNECT w/ San Diego Venture Group, CAJC launched in May 2019 and has since jumpstarted 24 local businesses through the business accelerator program, as well as assisted multiple entrepreneurs through its free Business Resource Center. CAJC is geared specifically for San Diego-based, early-stage startups that are poised for growth and job creation. All components of the program are free to participants, with no equity stake required.
“Supporting our local business community is vital to getting us through this pandemic. CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center is just what our city needs to help foster the talent and innovation our city is known for,” said City of San Diego Director, Economic Development, Christina Bibler. “These businesses are dedicated to hiring San Diegans today, tomorrow and far into the future not only aiding in the city’s recovery efforts but strengthening our local economy.”
Businesses in the current program this summer are: Aline Design + Drafting, Best Way Construction Services, Best Vibes Family Tribes, Blue Robin Kitchen, Los Brothers, Meri Consulting Services, Moon Garden, Meals in Motion, Nakamura, San Diego Black Professionals, San Diego International Birthing Project, The STEAM Collaborative, Welfie and Worthy Picks. To learn more about each business, visit www.angelhearth.com/cohort-summer-2020.
Entrepreneurs accepted into the CAJC business accelerator participate in a free four-month program tailored to support their various needs, including:
- Expert mentors
- Weekly workshops with topics varying from small business finance to basic marketing
- Opportunities to learn how to access capital
- Daily opportunities to grow partnerships with other businesses in the program
- Intern and employee connections through the City of San Diego
Entrepreneurs and their businesses must be located within the City of San Diego to qualify for the program. Due October 18, applicants are highly encouraged to apply in advance of the deadline. For more information, contact info@angelhearth.com.
CAJC also offers a no-cost Business Resource Center where entrepreneurs, mentors and others can connect and learn about local services and support programs to help move their ideas and businesses forward. Community partners include Accion, Asian Business Association of San Diego, CDC Small Business Finance, Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, Council for Supplier Diversity, San Diego Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and South San Diego Small Business Development Center. For virtual Business Resource Center help, contact Selena Ellis-Vizcarra at sellisvizcarra@jacobscenter.org.
This program is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant program funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the City of San Diego, and private funding from partners, such as MUFG Union Bank N.A. and bkm OfficeWorks.
To learn more or apply for the business accelerator program and Business Resource Center, visit angelhearth.com.
About CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center
CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center (CAJC) is the region’s first low to moderate income and diversity-focused business accelerator program, guiding startups that want to grow rapidly with all the support they need to be successful. A partnership between the City of San Diego, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and CONNECT, the program provides participants with mentors, weekly workshops and guidance on how to scale their businesses.
CAJC also includes a Business Resource Center, so that all entrepreneurs and small businesses can learn about local services and support to move their ideas and businesses forward. This program is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant program funds provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to the City of San Diego, and private funding from partners, such as MUFG Union Bank N.A. and bkm OfficeWorks.
To learn more or get involved, visit angelhearth.com.