We are driving economic activity that attracts and retains businesses and talent to support a more inclusive economy for all residents.

The goal is to foster resident-owned businesses that are connected to and profiting from the region’s prosperity. We do this by partnering with organizations and academic institutions to bring start-up and scale-up opportunities for small businesses and local entrepreneurs, especially young entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs of color, as well as job opportunities.

We are intentionally drawing and connecting the assets and resources of the region to Diamond businesses, focusing on building pathways for upward mobility within growing industries.

Through partnerships with academic institutions and community organizations, we are creating systemic changes that provide increased opportunities for local residents who have been largely left out of the economic growth and prosperity seen elsewhere in the city.

Jacobs Center’s media space, opened in May 2023, is available for small business owners and business-serving organizations in the San Diego Promise Zone to use for free.

The Jacobs Center’s Business Accelerator program (formerly CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center) 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, CONNECT w/ San Diego Venture Group, and the Jacobs Center, the Business Accelerator was founded to provide participants with mentors, free co-working space, and guidance on how to scale their businesses.