These 15 San Diego companies are going global
In February 2026, with Mayor Todd Gloria and underwriters Booz Allen Hamilton, JPMorganChase, and Qualcomm, World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) and San Diego and Imperial SBDC Network unveiled the eighth cohort of 15 companies selected to participate in MetroConnect, the region’s comprehensive international sales accelerator.
Since the program’s debut in 2015, 110 MetroConnect alumni have collectively added 357 new jobs to the region, signed more than 552 new contracts, and set up 28 new overseas facilities. Cohort companies grow their exports by an average of 66 percent and revenues by 45 percent as part of the program.
Alumni include Novo Brazil Brewing Co., Access Trax, Aquacycl, White Labs, Dr. Bronner’s, Scientist.com, Cloudbeds, Cypher Genomics (acquired by Human Longevity Inc.), and many more.
Meet the MetroConnect VIII companies:
- Activbody
- AquaPoro
- BlueNalu
- Commonlands
- FoxFury
- Gear Hugger
- Honest Medical
- HyperKelp
- MAKESafe Tools
- Mission Brewery
- Neet Sheets
- OPOTEK
- Precision Measurement Engineering
- Sipwell Wine Co.
- Tag-N-Trac
The MetroConnect program is highly competitive, with just 15 companies selected based on a variety of criteria, including interest in new foreign markets, assessed impact of funds, current international traction and more. Applicants were assessed by a panel of senior level representatives from Biocom, Booz Allen, JPMorganChase, SDSU’s Wendy Gillespie Center for Advancing Global Business, U.S. Commercial Service, and WTCSD.
Why go global?
Amid economic uncertainty, it is more important than ever to help local SMEs build resilience by facilitating increased sales in global markets.
In 2024 alone, San Diego exported $34.5 billion in goods overseas, as well as billions more in services like software, cybersecurity, engineering and research. SMEs produce 92 percent of those goods—driving home the importance of programs like MetroConnect.
“JPMorganChase is proud to support San Diego businesses and their global growth,” said Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager, JPMorganChase. “MetroConnect has a strong track record of helping local companies drive increased revenue through effective export strategies, making them more competitive, efficient, and successful here at home. We’re proud to continue our commitment to supporting San Diego’s business community.”
Next up for MetroConnect VIII
The cohort will gain access to a suite of resources to support expansion into international markets, including executive workshops, mentorship and complimentary consulting from multinational corporations, and up to $30,000 in grant funding.
“The next few years present a key opportunity for San Diego businesses looking to build resilience in a shifting economic and trade landscape,” said Nikia Clarke, executive director of WTCSD. “The MetroConnect program remains a dedicated partner to these businesses, equipping San Diego’s growing firms to compete in global markets, help our region’s innovation change lives around the world, and create quality jobs here at home.”
Looking to grow your business internationally?
World Trade Center San Diego works directly with companies—free of charge—to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego. Whether your small company is interested in learning about exporting and international growth, or your growing company is ready to export and expand internationally, WTCSD is here to help.
Register your interest for the next cohort: MetroConnectSD.org
Interested in sponsoring MetroConnect? Contact Lucas Coleman at lc@sandiegobusiness.org.
WTCSD and San Diego and Imperial SBDC Network unveiled the new cohort at a community event at BCG San Diego. WTCSD is the Export Specialty SBDC for San Diego and Imperial Valley and works to cultivate a regional pipeline of export-ready firms.