CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center Business Accelerator Accepting Applications for Fall 2019
Southeastern San Diego-based Program Boosts Local Startups, Especially for Low-to-Moderate-Income, Diverse Entrepreneurs

SAN DIEGO – CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center (CAJC), the region’s first low-to-moderate income- and diversity-focused business accelerator program, has announced applications for the fall 2019 cohort of local entrepreneurs. Applications will be accepted through August 26.

A strategic partnership between the City of San Diego, the Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation and CONNECT w/ San Diego Venture Group, CAJC opened in May 2019 in a renovated 4,300-square-foot business accelerator space at the Joe and Vi Jacobs Center in Southeastern San Diego. CAJC is geared specifically for low-to-moderate income and diverse founders of San Diego-based, early-stage startups that are poised for growth and job creation.

The first CAJC group of 13 local startups included businesses in retail, technology, food, and health and beauty. The founders come from various ethnic backgrounds, including African-American, Asian, Caucasian, Hispanic and Pacific Islander.

“This business accelerator is providing unprecedented access to free resources and support that will help entrepreneurs transform their ideas into thriving businesses,” said Mayor Kevin L. Faulconer. “We’re eager to welcome this second round of go-getters and support them as they work to fulfill their dreams.”

Entrepreneurs accepted into the CAJC business accelerator will participate in a six-month program tailored to support their various needs, including expert mentors, opportunities to learn how to access capital and free co-working space. All components of the program are free to participants; no equity stake is required.

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. The space features 32 open co-working stations, five conference rooms/private spaces, a training room, a fully equipped kitchen and communal lounge seating, along with high-speed internet and printers.

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.

“The second group of CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center business accelerator participants will be announced in mid-October, with the program set to start at the end of October,” said Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation President and CEO Reginald Jones. “We are so pleased with how our current cohort has embraced innovation and grown during their time in the accelerator and look forward to watching their business grow to benefit Southeastern San Diego and the region as a whole.”

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. on Monday, August 26. Applicants are highly encouraged to apply in advance of the deadline.

To learn more or apply for the business accelerator program and Business Resource Center, visit connectallsd.org. The website will also list webinars for potential participants soon.

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, free co-working space 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 connectallsd.org.