Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
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For the week of August 7, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
EDC awarded grant to connect classrooms to careers in an AI-enabled workforce
EDC has been selected as one of five organizations nationwide to receive a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation grant focused on career-connected learning. Building on EDC’s Advancing San Diego initiative, the grant will support employer-driven efforts to develop AI-focused, industry-informed curriculum, work-based learning experiences, and classroom resources that better prepare students for the evolving workforce.
With artificial intelligence becoming increasingly involved in how work gets done across industries, workplace tasks and the skills employers value are changing. As those changes accelerate, helping students connect classroom learning to real career opportunities has never been more important.
To address these challenges for San Diego, EDC is proud to announce we have been selected as one of five organizations nationwide—chosen from nearly 200 applicants—to participate in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s (USCCF) Pathways with Purpose Through Career-Connected Learning Initiative. Through this grant, EDC will lead an employer-driven effort to strengthen connections between education and workforce opportunities, helping students explore careers, build relevant skills, and prepare for in-demand jobs.
For EDC, this project represents an important milestone. While we have long partnered with educators through Advancing San Diego (ASD) to align post-secondary education with regional workforce needs, this marks ASD’s first initiative focused specifically on career-connected learning in high school education in San Diego County.
Preparing students for the jobs of the future
At EDC, workforce development begins with employers. By understanding how work is changing and what skills businesses need, we can help education partners align learning experiences with workforce demand and better prepare students for future careers.
National research suggests that as artificial intelligence becomes more integrated into the workplace, employers increasingly seek workers with both technical skills—AI engineering, technological literacy, data analysis—and human skills—analytical thinking, communication, flexibility. We’re hearing the same message from employers across San Diego who have participated in EDC’s employer working groups. While AI and digital tools are becoming more common in the workplace, employers consistently emphasize that technical knowledge must be paired with critical thinking, communication, adaptability, and problem solving. These foundational human skills help workers adapt as technology and jobs continue to evolve.
EDC will bring employers to the table to help shape career-connected learning – informing and validating curriculum, engaging directly with students in the classroom, and offering work-based learning experiences at employer sites. By connecting classroom learning with real careers and workplace expectations, these experiences will help students build relevant technical and durable skills and gain confidence navigating a changing workplace.
Putting employer insights into action
Using the employer-led Talent Pipeline Management® process, EDC will use the USCCF grant to engage employers in identifying how AI is influencing entry-level work, and work with education partners to translate those insights into meaningful learning experiences for students.
By keeping employers at the center of the process, the partnership will help ensure students gain the knowledge, skills, and experiences employers value while strengthening the region’s future talent pipeline.
Help us shape the future workforce
As AI continues to influence how work gets done, EDC is looking for employers to help answer how AI is changing their workforce, particularly entry-level roles, and what knowledge and skills future employees will need to succeed.
Through employer interviews, advisory groups, and regional convenings, EDC will explore how work is evolving and use those insights to inform curriculum and work-based learning opportunities through the project.
We would be eager to involve your company in employer interviews, advisory groups, or other project activities. Please contact our team to participate:
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of July 31, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
Join us for our seventh annual Summer Bash on September 23. Enjoy a short inspiring program, meaningful networking with more than 250 of our closest friends, plus live music, and local food and drinks—all at Casa at Campus Point by Alexandria. Sponsorship packages for the party of the summer are available; contact Bree Burris for more info.
Each year, EDC organizes a leadership trip to another metro in our country to learn about their economic development challenges and draw inspiration for tackling our own as we strive toward a more competitive, and inclusive San Diego.
Earlier this summer, we traveled to Chicago with a 40-person executive delegation where we learned about the City’s network of corporate philanthropic partners focused on systemic change and a university-led, multi-state collaborative competing for the jobs of the future through its Quantum and Microelectronics Park that has drawn $100M+ in federal funding—all culminating with a moving preview visit to the Obama Center and Presidential Library.
Yet, among all the exciting efforts we learned about and all the amazing speakers we heard from, the thing that has continued to resonate with me most nearly three months later is the simple but powerful statement from former U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker: “Building a business and growing jobs, in and of itself, is a noble cause.”
As someone who has spent the past decade working to support businesses that want to grow and expand in our region, these were words that I needed to hear. Building a business…is a noble cause.
Doing business today is hard
Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of our regional economy. Those with fewer than 100 employees represent 99% of businesses in our region and they collectively employ 60% of our regional workforce, which is nearly double the national average. Since the pandemic, we have seen a steady rise in new business formation while the job market has remained weak, and our economic engines have sputtered. Brave individuals have decided to take on the noble pursuit of forming their own enterprise with all the risk that it brings.
Choosing to start a business is a major endeavor. Building that business, while running that business, is a 24-hour job. Operating a business in the state of California is no easy task (insert your favorite scoff here). And with all the uncertainty that business owners face today, from tariffs to AI, growing a business has never been nobler.
Celebrating business impact
That is why last week we hosted the second annual San Diego Business Impact Awards. With more than 300 people in attendance, EDC and JPMorganChase celebrated businesses, and their owners, for continuing to persevere and for choosing to invest in growing here in San Diego.
But the Business Impact Awards go even further. We aim to not only honor businesses for growing, but also for how that growth is landing in our region.
We wanted to know: Is a business hiring local? Sourcing locally? Training the next generation of workers? Building something that draws on all the great assets that our region has to offer?
In just our second year, we received twice as many nominations as in 2025—and the quality of the submissions was remarkable.
What that tells me is that the San Diego’s business community is eager to be seen notjust as growing companies (noble as it is) but also as good stewards of our region.
The ripple effects
Collectively, this year’s honorees employ more than 13,000 people. They generated more than $9 billion in combined revenue. They paid out more than $1.5 billion in wages and salaries in FY 2024-25. And year-over-year, they added more than 1,500 net new jobs to this region. Through their supply chains and labor income, these 100 businesses added more than $6 billion to the regional economy; that’s more than our Cyber industry, our RNA industry—and the equivalent of 38 Comic-Cons.
These are not just abstract statistics.
That’s 13,000 households with paychecks that contribute to local schools, dine at local restaurants—and in many cases, 13,000 people who chose to plant their careers here because one of those companies gave them a reason to.
When EDC talks about building a more competitive San Diego, a more inclusive San Diego economy, this is what we mean.
These companies represent every corner of our county—spanning life sciences, clean energy, technology, consumer brands, food and beverage, defense, and professional services. They are young companies and companies that have been around for more than six decades. But they all share a common thread: a genuine commitment to San Diego.
To our honorees, and to all the 100,000+ businesses across our region, thank you. Please keep striving, please keep investing in our region—your efforts are both noble and impactful. And we have your back.
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of July 24, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
EDC joins inaugural AI Readiness Lab cohort by Opportunity@Work, Brookings
San Diego Regional EDC has been named one of six economic development organizations in the inaugural AI Readiness Lab cohort, launched by Opportunity@Work and the Brookings Institution. Through labor market data and collaboration, the nation-wide cohort aims to prepare workers and employers for AI’s impact on career pathways. EDC’s VP Eduardo Velasquez shared, “Getting this transition right is critical to our region’s prosperity and competitiveness, and we’re excited to learn alongside five peer regions working to turn AI from a threat to an engine of opportunity.”
From clean energy and biotech, to beach bags and events, these San Diego companies are driving the region’s next wave of growth
Originally published in San Diego Magazine, authored by Kai Oliver-Kurtin
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Building the infrastructure behind clean energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Developing medicine one patient at a time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
Powering San Diego’s special celebrations
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Growing a beach-town brand into a national business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Picture credits: Matt Furman, San Diego Magazine
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
Does your company need support growing in San Diego?Contact the EDC team to access our free suite of economic development services.
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of July 17, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
Celebrate the San Diego companies making waves in 2026
Join us and JPMorganChase this Thursday, July 23 for our San Diego Business Impact Awards and celebrate the companies driving meaningful impact in the region. We’ll enjoy an evening of networking with 200+ middle market leaders, remarks by Jimbo’s Founder and President Jimbo Someck, as well as live music, delicious bites, and drinks. Plus, find out which companies will be named as our top four category winners!
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Ace Parking.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of July 10, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
EDC, WTCSD kick off BIO 2026 spotlighting San Diego to international delegations
Kicking off BIO 2026, EDC and World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) hosted our second biennial Invest in San Diego Breakfast spotlighting the region’s world-class life sciences ecosystem. Welcoming more than 200 attendees at IQHQ’s Research and Development District, attendees heard from EDC’s Nikia Clarke, government officials, and life sciences executives on the region’s competitive advantages.
Home to renowned universities and research institutions, life-changing breakthroughs, and a highly-skilled talent pool, San Diego is a global leader in innovation and a pillar of California’s world-leading life sciences sector. Kicking off BIO 2026, San Diego Regional EDC and World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) hosted our second biennial Invest in San Diego Breakfast spotlighting our region’s world-class life sciences ecosystem.
In partnership with the California Governor’s Office for Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz), IQHQ, and San Diego County Water Authority, with support from ITJ and Biocom, we welcomed more than 200 attendees representing international delegations including Japan, Singapore, the UK, Australia, Denmark, and South Korea. Alongside stunning waterfront views at IQHQ’s Research and Development District, City of San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria welcomed delegates and highlighted life sciences’ driving role in San Diego’s global economic impact, and GO-Biz Associate Deputy Director for Industry Engagement and Development Maria Onorato spoke to California’s collaborative spirit and business support.
Following EDC’s Chief Strategy Officer and WTCSD Executive Director Nikia Clarke’s spotlight on San Diego’s competitive advantages, attendees heard industry insights from an expert panel moderated by Miguel Motta, Senior Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and San Diego Head at Biocom.
Representing some of the biggest brands and most exciting startups in life sciences, panelists Kevin Pegels, chief of global operations at Illumina, Sabrina Martucci Johnson, president and CEO at Daré Bioscience, Tamar Grossman, co-founder and CEO at La Jolla Labs, and Thierry Diagana, head of global health and California sites head at Novartis shared why they call San Diego home—and why you should, too.
What sets San Diego apart
San Diego is a top three life sciences market.
San Diego’s competitive advantages make it a world-class innovation hub—100 research institutions, 2,000 companies, 57,000 jobs, $1 billion in 2025 NIH and NSF funding, and a legacy as a global R&D powerhouse, bolstered by homegrown companies like Illumina, La Jolla Labs, and Daré Bioscience.
San Diego’s proximity to Mexico provides dynamic binational business opportunities.
Just 20 minutes south of downtown San Diego, innovative businesses can easily access additional skilled talent and Baja California’s manufacturing expertise in medical devices, manufacturing, and software. The Cali Baja region offers R&D and advanced manufacturing at scale in a single time zone.
Every week, ‘Good News of the Week’ features a curation of positive headlines from San Diego, delivered straight to your inbox. A blend of aggregated stories from San Diego’s most trusted news sources and original EDC-created content, GNOTW provides a comprehensive recap of the region’s best stories from the past week. GNOTW is sponsored by Manpower.
Get Good News of the Week in your inbox every Friday.→ Sign up
For the week of June 26, 2026, here’s what we’re reading:
Join us July 23 for our second annual San Diego Business Impact Awards, in partnership with JPMorganChase. The event will feature a keynote from Jimbo Someck, Founder and President of Jimbo’s—an iconic local organic grocer and 2025 honoree driving meaningful economic growth in the region. Enjoy a night of meaningful networking, live music, and awards unveiling this year’s top innovators, rising stars, established heavyweights, and disruptive startups.
Yet, among all the exciting efforts we learned about and all the amazing speakers we heard from, the thing that has continued to resonate with me most nearly three months later is the simple but powerful statement from former U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker: “Building a business and growing jobs, in and of itself, is a noble cause.”
