In San Diego, small businesses are the engines that drive our local economy. Supporting these small businesses is a priority, and one of the ways the City of San Diego’s Economic Development Department is investing in our communities. 

Teams are frequently out walking commercial corridors alongside Councilmembers, the Mayor’s Office and dedicated local partners to conduct business walks. These regular business walks create meaningful, face-to-face connections with small business owners, helping identify challenges, share resources and strengthen relationships. 

By listening directly to local entrepreneurs and working together on solutions, the City helps keep San Diego’s business districts vibrant and resilient. In this fiscal year alone, the team has reached more than 950 businesses across nine neighborhoods and provided time-sensitive information for businesses on Know Your Rights in light of immigration enforcement actions. Staff also shares information on its more than half a dozen business support programs, including the Fee Payment Incentive Program, the San Diego Regional Revolving Loan Fund, the Storefront Improvement Program and the Outdoor Business Grant.  

When small businesses thrive, our neighborhoods grow stronger, and the City is committed to supporting that success every step of the way.