San Diego Tourism Authority stands by DEI program, announces 2025 cohort
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — The San Diego Tourism Authority stood by its commitment to foster a more diverse and inclusive tourism industry by announcing the newest cohort of its business mentorship program.
The Tourism Accelerator program, now in its fourth year, is aimed at boosting local businesses owned by women, veterans, people of color and other minority groups.
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The businesses chosen for the 2025 cohort spanned a wide array of industries ranging from food and beverage to event design and wellness. Each participant in this year's program were offered services with a total value over $15,000, which include business and risk management coaching plus a voucher for a course through the University of California, San Diego Extension.
The 2025 Tourism Accelerator cohort is listed below:
Baraka and Bilal, 6553 University Ave.
Bloom & Rooted, 1835 Imperial Ave.
CatchHer IceCream, 9932 Mesa Rim Rd., Ste. A
Flour Atelier, 4240 Kearny Mesa Rd. 116
Movement Matters Collective, 3014 C St., Unit E
Mujeres Brew House, 1983 Julian Ave.
Purpose First, 960 Sapphire St.
Sunny Bites Food Tours, 4102 Ohio St.
Surje Coffee Co., 124 E. Main St. – El Cajon
The Old Town Soap Company, 2820 Historic Decatur Rd.
According to SDTA, past participants have experienced success through the program, with 65% demonstrating an increase in revenue and 45% creating new jobs.
Meanwhile, across the U.S., a number of large companies have either scaled back or pulled their diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives entirely, many of which were put in place in 2020.
'The Tourism Accelerator program underscores SDTA's unwavering commitment to DEI as a strategic business imperative for our industry,' said Theresa Cunningham, the vice-president of people, culture and purpose. 'By empowering small and diverse-owned businesses to thrive, the program fosters a more inclusive and vibrant tourism sector, strengthens our community, and solidifies San Diego's reputation as a premier destination for tourism and business.'
This year's program was sponsored by San Diego Gas & Electric and The Shipyard advertising agency.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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