Tag: small business

Understanding San Diego’s regulatory landscape: Tools and support for businesses

By Lindsey Silvia,

Whether helping a company expand its local operations or assisting a new business looking to call San Diego home, San Diego Regional EDC works with companies to navigate the complex regulatory processes they may face at the local, state, or federal level.

With a highly skilled workforce, collaborative business culture, and unparalleled quality of life, San Diego and California remain among the most desirable places in the world to live and do business. But in a shifting global economy, regional conversations have increasingly centered around the rising costs of doing business, including overcoming regulatory hurdles in permitting.

You’re not alone in facing regulatory challenges

Though specific regulatory experiences and challenges vary by company and sector, we continue to hear a few common themes from regional businesses.

In interviews conducted during EDC’s 2024 study, “Manufacturing in San Diego: Local Impact Global Reach,” multiple San Diego business leaders shared that the time and complexity involved in securing various permits—sometimes requiring multiple signatures and lengthy review processes—can cost their companies thousands of dollars.

Another common concern: Duplication of effort across agencies. Companies report finding their teams submitting the same information to multiple government offices or undergoing repetitive inspections that slow down operations without meaningfully increasing compliance. Streamlining these processes—through improved digital platforms or inter-agency coordination, for instance—could significantly reduce the time and costs incurred.

Finally, manufacturing and innovation-related businesses are grappling with a regional regulatory framework that has not kept pace with modern advancements. Rules designed decades ago often fail to account for new materials, technologies, and production methods now driving growth in advanced manufacturing, clean energy, and life sciences. For example, firms working with sustainable composites or additive manufacturing techniques are frequently required to navigate approval processes built around older, conventional materials. Not only does this mismatch create unnecessary delays, but it can discourage adoption of cutting-edge solutions that might improve efficiency, sustainability, and competitiveness.

Yet: We also hear that businesses are not inherently opposed to regulation. Many San Diego business leaders we speak with emphasize the importance of maintaining high standards for safety, labor, and sustainability. What they ask for, however, is greater consistency and transparency. When rules change frequently or processes differ across jurisdictions, it becomes difficult for companies to plan and make confident investments. Predictability is often just as valuable to both small business owners and multinational corporations as cost savings.

Ultimately, regulatory reform shouldn’t be about weakening protections, but about making them work better. And especially now, San Diego has an opportunity to lead the way in building a modernized regulatory system that emphasizes efficiency and clarity. It’s a chance for us to preserve what makes our region an attractive place to live and work, while also ensuring that businesses—especially small and growing ones—have the flexibility to innovate and expand.

EDC is here to drive solutions

EDC continues to be your partner in strengthening your connections with industry, education, and public institutions, but we can only do it with your partnership. When regional companies like yours take the time to speak candidly with our team about challenges, we’re better able to relay information and work with elected officials and government agencies to build solutions that responsibly ease the time and cost burdens of doing business.

We invite companies across the region to participate in our ongoing survey and share their experiences with regulatory barriers. Your input will help us communicate the need for smarter, more streamlined regulatory processes and ensure that San Diego remains a place where both businesses and people can thrive.

sHARE YOUR INSIGHT →

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Inclusive Growth Spotlight: SDG&E

By San Diego Regional EDC,

EDC’s Inclusive Growth blog series highlights and celebrates local companies and organizations helping drive economic growth and progress toward San Diego’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals.

Among the regional goals, EDC identifies increasing quality* small business jobs in San Diego as an economic imperative, with small businesses representing 99 percent of all firms in the region and accounting for 60 percent of total employment—outpacing the national average. Despite significant contributions, small businesses struggle to keep up in an increasingly expensive market.

Small, localized investments can drive quality job growth in small businesses

With a goal to add 50,000 new quality jobs in small businesses by the end of the decade, the latest data shows a surge in progress after years of steady recovery. In 2024, the region added 43,449 new quality small business jobs, marking an increase of about 3,000 jobs since 2023 and the closest we have ever been to reaching the goal.

While the significant rise in quality jobs is reassuring, employer-led efforts to support small businesses remain critical to the future of the region’s economy, and San Diego Gas & Electric (SDG&E) is among the local institutions contributing to the progress.

Read the latest Update

SDG&E’s commitment to supplier diversity in procurement spending

SDG&E has been proudly powering the regional economy for more than 140 years. The company was founded in 1881 to supply gas for streetlights when the City of San Diego had a population of just over 3,000. Today, SDG&E serves 3.7 million consumers spanning 25 communities in San Diego and southern Orange counties. As an anchor institution in the region, SDG&E is committed to delivering clean, safe, and reliable energy while fostering inclusive economic growth through its supply chain.

In 2024 alone, SDG&E had nearly $3 billion in procurement spending and billions more in economic impact, fueling local businesses, creating jobs, and strengthening the regional economy. Nearly 45 percent of the utility’s total procurement spend in 2024 was with diverse suppliers, including enterprises owned by minorities, women, veterans, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ individuals. Notably, $632 million of SDG&E’s spend in 2024 was in San Diego County.

Every year, SDG&E works with hundreds of suppliers of all sizes, with a wide range of offerings to meet the needs of its diverse customer base and achieve local and statewide goals for clean energy, safety, and reliability. SDG&E’s impact extends beyond energy infrastructure; its employees give back to the community through thousands of hours of volunteerism, and donations to local nonprofits to advance economic prosperity, STEM education, and other causes. Interested in doing business with SDG&E? Fill out the Supplier Interest Form here.

How SDG&E supports job creation and growth in the region

Recognizing that local, small, and/or diverse businesses face challenges in navigating procurement processes and requirements in the energy world—including prerequisites such as insurance and safety certifications—SDG&E has a dedicated responsible sourcing team to support suppliers through that process. The team focuses on supplier engagement and development, supply chain sustainability, and supplier risk management, with the goal of creating a more competitive, innovative, and resilient supply chain.

Supplier diversity from multiple lenses

Having a diverse set of local firms varying in size and location brings different ideas to the table, which helps mitigate risks associated with group think, supplier over-consolidation, and over-concentration. SDG&E’s responsible sourcing team has contacts in industries beyond energy—so even if the utility doesn’t need your good or service, the team may know someone else who does.

“As much as possible, we try to buy local to help create jobs and support our regional economy. Our team has long prioritized an inclusive and diverse supply chain, including spending more than $1 billion last year with certified diverse businesses,” said Dan Skopec, SDG&E Senior Vice President and Chief Regulatory Officer, and EDC Board Member. “Growing our local supplier base has also become more important because of global supply chain disruptions stemming from geopolitical events and tariffs.”

Direct outreach, programs, and local partnerships support small businesses

SDG&E conducts extensive outreach to local small and/or diverse suppliers and provides technical support, often on a one-on-one basis. The team also connects suppliers with resources provided by other partner organizations to develop and support suppliers, including the Small Business Development Center (housed at Southwestern College), The Veterans In Business (VIB) Network, Women’s Business Enterprise Council (WBEC)-West, Building, and DisabilityIN, to name a few. These organizations help address challenges such as insurance barriers, access to capital, and cybersecurity requirements.

As an active participant in the company’s competitive solicitations, the responsible sourcing team conducts research to identify qualified small and diverse suppliers for consideration by primes and SDG&E business units. The effort also makes procurement opportunities more accessible to smaller suppliers, working with project teams which break large projects into smaller segments to bid them out.

Outside of its responsible sourcing program, the utility also offers support to small businesses looking to electrify their fleet or seeking energy management coaching.

SDG&E small business support:

Continued investment in EDC is an investment in our community

SDG&E has been a supporter of EDC for the past 25 years. This long-standing collaboration is the result of a shared commitment to advancing economic prosperity and inclusive growth in the region. SDG&E supports EDC’s mission to mobilize business, government, and civic leaders around strategies that enhance San Diego’s global competitiveness and economic resilience. The utility proudly engages with EDC as an investor and member of the board of directors, and involves senior officers in various programs and initiatives, bringing SDG&E’s top talent to the table.

EDC’s standout programs/services for SDG&E include the Anchor Collaborative, Advancing San Diego, Community Explorer data tools, and the MetroConnect export accelerator, which provide critical infrastructure for regional growth.

Join the movement

Progress on EDC’s 2030 Inclusive Growth goals is only achievable with and through the region’s employers scaling innovative and intentional solutions. Anchor institutions like SDG&E are helping to collectively pave the way toward a more inclusive regional economy. Join us:

*A quality small business job is defined as one provided by a company with fewer than 100 employees and that pays at least $24.48 per hour and provides healthcare benefits.

To learn more and get involved in EDC’s work, contact:

Bree Burris
Bree Burris

Sr. Director, Communications & Community Engagement

Aquacycl wins $25K MetroConnect export grand prize

By Bree Burris,

World Trade Center San Diego and 150+ voting audience award $25K for international expansion

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD)—home of the region’s Export Small Business Development Center—named Aquacycl, which provides industrial wastewater treatment as a service to reduce costs and environmental impact, as the winner of the MetroConnect export accelerator program, now in its seventh year. Made possible through a grant from JPMorgan Chase & Co., Booz Allen Hamilton, and Deloitte, Aquacycl will use the $25,000 award to expand its presence in Europe and Mexico with its patented BETT system and micro-aeration solutions.

“In a volatile time for global trade, the results of MetroConnect’s seventh cohort are impressive and proof of the importance of international expansion for small- and mid-sized companies,” said Lucas Coleman, director of WTCSD. 

“Our Grand Prize winner Aquacycl embodies the strength of San Diego’s innovation economy, leveraging our excellence in clean technology on an international stage. Whether it’s streamlining customs processes, identifying, and securing reliable distributors, or cultivating leads in India, Turkey, and the UK amid economic uncertainty, we know that connectivity to international markets grows jobs and business resilience here at home.”

Escondido-based Aquacycl beat out three other finalists in MetroConnect VII, Epitope Diagnostics, Sunday Golf, and Surf Loch. The grand prize-winning company was decided via real-time audience vote during the Grand Prize PitchFest event June 5 at The Alexandria. Prior to this, a committee of senior international business leaders in San Diego helped the WTCSD team nominate these top performers, out of the initial 15-company cohort.

ABOUT THE PROGRAM

In seven years, MetroConnect has helped 110 local, small and mid-sized businesses generate a net increase of $106 million in international sales, 552 international contracts, and 28 overseas facilities. Cohort companies have seen on average 66 percent export growth and 45 percent revenue growth. This international growth has coincided with 357 new hires here in the San Diego region.

Each cohort year, WTCSD selects 15 export-ready small businesses to receive $5,000 export grants, access to executive workshops, translation software, travel perks with international airlines flying out of SAN, and a chance to win a $25,000 grand prize to aid in further international market expansion. Applications for year eight of the MetroConnect program are now open through August 1, 2025. Interested small- and medium-sized companies that are looking to pursue international sales as a near-term priority or already exporting its goods or services may apply here.

apply at MetroconnectSD.org

GLOBAL CONNECTION IN CHANGING TIMES

Changes at the federal level have drastically shifted the rhetoric around global trade, but the truth remains. According to The World Bank, countries that trade internationally enjoy more economic growth, are more innovative and productive, and can provide more opportunities to citizens. San Diego is no exception—regional small businesses that export tend to have a larger and more diversified customer base, pick up best practices from global competitors, build up economies of scale, and ultimately pay their employees more. Access to international customers and markets is essential in helping San Diego boost resilience, as small businesses employ nearly 60 percent of San Diegans.

”We’re incredibly honored to be named this year’s MetroConnect Grand Prize Winner,” said Orianna Bretschger, CEO and Founder at Aquacycl. “The program has been instrumental in accelerating our international growth strategy, helping us expand into new markets while navigating complex export logistics and regulations. This recognition validates the critical role water reuse and decentralized wastewater solutions play in building a more sustainable future.”

“For over a decade, JPMorgan Chase and MetroConnect have partnered to help San Diego businesses grow globally and innovate boldly,” said Aaron Ryan, Managing Director for San Diego Middle Market Banking at program underwriter JPMorgan Chase. “We’re living in a new era of uncertainty, and navigating complex global markets takes the right support. San Diego’s businesses are rising to the challenge, and we’re proud to help them seize opportunities on the world stage.”

WTCSD hosted its MetroConnect Grand Prize PitchFest on June 5, with remarks by Nikia Clarke, Executive Director, WTCSD; Mayor Todd Gloria, City of San Diego; Andy Laats and Chad DiNenna, Co-founders, Nixon; and program underwriter Michael Monroe, Principal, Director of Data Science, Booz Allen, among others.

WTCSD maintains year-round support for global expansion through its Export Specialty Small Business Development Center and international trade missions.

learn more

MetroConnect Spotlight: Surf Loch

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s 150+ private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 110 San Diego companies in turning $1 million in export grants into $106 million in new international sales, 552 new international contracts, and 28 new offices around the world.

We sat down with Ranney Lochtefeld, a partner at MetroConnect VII finalist Surf Loch, to discuss the company’s artificial wave pools and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.

Tell us about Surf Loch and its mission.

Surf Loch is a company based in San Diego, 

California that specializes in designing and building surf pools and wave-generating technology for surfing. We are utilize highly-controllable pneumatic wave generating technology (compressed air and vacuum) to create quality surfing waves, just like the ocean and design and engineer the underlying technology that makes man-made surfing lagoons possible, offering controlled and repeatable waves for surfers of all levels, anywhere away from the ocean. 

Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?

We applied to be in MetroConnect to optimize our international exporting. Being able to competitively export our products to minimize customs duties has proven difficult, as we utilize many original equipment manufacturer (OEM) parts that can be purchased in-country, but our specialty expertise is assembling them together and providing our software to connect everything.  

Determining the mix between ‘services’ exports and ‘durable goods’ exports with our integrated systems adds a layer of complexity to our export process but also opens opportunities to minimize taxable duty. 

How did MetroConnect help your company?

Our company was unaware of all the support, grant, and mentorship opportunities that were available to us before our introduction to the MetroConnect program. The program has been an invaluable resource for us to help navigate the complex world of international exports.  

We appreciate the resources they have put together and the way they make it easy for us to have a one-stop shop to find the resources we need to effectively sell our products and services abroad. We intend on using the contacts made and resources made available in the future as we continue to expand our global footprint.

What is on the horizon for Surf Loch’s international growth?

The international expansion of the surf pool market is growing rapidly. We believe that there is a strong market for our products and services abroad and we are actively expanding our business in Europe, MENA, and Brazil. We intend on continuing to utilize the resources made available to us from the MetroConnect program for years to come.

What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?

Ensure that you understand the regulatory compliance requirements of where you are exporting to, and whether you will be subject to domestic licensing or reporting requirements.  

Before starting the program, we were unaware that there were so many potential export requirements we could be subject to, so the MetroConnect program was very helpful in providing information on these topics. 

Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!

Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Plus: Learn how 110 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 66 percent average export growth and 45 percent average revenue growth.

MetroConnect Spotlight: Aquacycl

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s 150+ private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 110 San Diego companies in turning $1 million in export grants into $106 million in new international sales, 552 new international contracts, and 28 new offices around the world.

We sat down with Orianna Bretschger, CEO of MetroConnect VII finalist Aquacycl, to discuss the company’s industrial wastewater treatment and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.

Tell us about Aquacycl and its mission.

Aquacycl provides industrial wastewater treatment as a service to help companies reduce operational costs, mitigate climate impacts, and support healthy watersheds and communities worldwide. Our products and services guarantee permit compliance, greenhouse gas mitigation, reliable performance in variable production environments, and operational savings.

Aquacycl is revolutionizing the treatment of challenging industrial wastes generated from food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, and petrochemical facilities, with a total serviceable market opportunity approaching $100 billion, and our existing clients include PepsiCo and other global enterprises in food, beverage, and chemical production.

Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?

Aquacycl applied to be in MetroConnect for the wide variety of business resources and export support the program provides. We hoped to expand our international presence, particularly in Mexico and Europe, where industrial water challenges are rapidly growing and sustainability regulations are tightening.

How did MetroConnect help your company?

As a growing company, the support and resources MetroConnect has provided have been invaluable. For example, we were able to use the program’s grant in order to cover some of the broker fees associated with the export of our system into Mexico.

We also leveraged MetroConnect to access valuable international business resources that helped us strengthen our export readiness and better navigate the complexities of international shipping and compliance.

What is on the horizon for Aquacycl’s international growth?

Aquacycl intends to accelerate sales in the EU due to the region’s increasingly strict regulatory framework and emphasis on circular economic initiatives. We will also continue to grow sales within the tequila and mezcal distilling regions of Mexico to help customers avoid business risk through water reuse initiatives.

What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?

The advice we would give other companies beginning to grow internationally is to understand and take advantage of the suite of great resources MetroConnect offers. We also recommend companies keep export manifests short and simple to speed up inspections and avoid extra shipping or border fees.

Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!

Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Plus: Learn how 110 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 66 percent average export growth and 45 percent average revenue growth.

MetroConnect Spotlight: Sunday Golf

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s 150+ private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 110 San Diego companies in turning $1 million in export grants into $106 million in new international sales, 552 new international contracts, and 28 new offices around the world.

We sat down with Ronan Galvin, co-owner of MetroConnect VII finalist Sunday Golf, to discuss the company’s modern golf gear and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.

Tell us about Sunday Golf and its mission.

Sunday Golf operates in the golf industry with a mission to remind the world that life is meant to be enjoyed. Our core focus is designing the best golf bags that match any style of play—whether you’re heading to a par 3 course, the driving range, a simulator, or a full course. We also offer options tailored for kids.

Our brand stands out by being more relatable than aspirational, connecting with the everyday golfer in a fun and approachable way.

Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?

We applied to be in the MetroConnect program for support exporting internationally. Sunday Golf currently exports to the UK, Western Europe, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand—markets chosen for their robust golf culture and demand.

Exporting is critical for us as it dramatically expands our opportunity to share our products and mission worldwide, but it can come with challenges such as gaining access to new markets and identifying reliable distributors. Our goal in applying for the MetroConnect program was to leverage their resources and advice as we continued to grow.

How did MetroConnect help your company?

The MetroConnect program has played a pivotal role in our international expansion. It enabled us to exhibit at the PGA Show, where we connected with key distributors. We also hosted our Australian distributor in San Diego, further strengthening our relationship. And we are strongly considering exhibiting or visiting the Japan Golf show next March.

Through the U.S. Commercial Service, a key MetroConnect partner, we were introduced to valuable contacts in new foreign markets. As a result, we secured international distribution agreements with Grand Trading (Canada), Vin Distribution (Southeast Asia), and Second Chance (UK/Western Europe).

The foundational export strategy and mentorship provided by WTCSD have been game-changing.

What is on the horizon for Sunday Golf’s international growth?

Over the next year, Sunday Golf will continue strengthening relationships and growing sales in our current international markets. A key focus will be identifying and securing distribution partners in untapped regions such as Japan, South Korea, the Middle East, and potentially Latin America. We also plan to increase participation in international trade shows and further invest in our digital marketing efforts to support global growth.

What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?

For companies looking to expand internationally, we strongly recommend leveraging WTCSD and its mentorship programs. As a small, bootstrapped company, WTCSD has been invaluable in helping us to grow our business internationally and create more jobs in San Diego.

With MetroConnect’s support, Sunday Golf was able to go from $0 in international revenue to $1M in forecasted international revenue in just one year. We would not be where we are today without the program.

Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!

Like Sunday Golf, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Plus: Learn how 110 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 66 percent average export growth and 45 percent average revenue growth.

MetroConnect Spotlight: Epitope Diagnostics

By Sophia Antonopoulos,

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s 150+ private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 110 San Diego companies in turning $1 million in export grants into $106 million in new international sales, 552 new international contracts, and 28 new offices around the world.

We sat down with Laura Mendez, Customer Service Representative at MetroConnect VII finalist Epitope Diagnostics Inc., to discuss the company’s in-vitro diagnostic products and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.

Tell us about Epitope and its mission.

Epitope is dedicated to the development, manufacturing, and marketing of high-quality, innovative in-vitro diagnostic products. We serve the global research, pharmaceutical, and healthcare sectors, with a strong commitment to addressing the world’s unmet medical needs. Our goal is to be a leading contributor in advancing healthcare solutions worldwide.

Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?

We applied to be in MetroConnect for support as we began our international exporting journey.

The global medical diagnostics market is growing rapidly and competitive, and as a manufacturer of clinical laboratory diagnostic products, Epitope benefits from working across multiple regions. However, the process can be challenging for growing companies like ours, so the resources and support MetroConnect offers are invaluable to promote products of San Diego.

How did MetroConnect help your company?

Thanks to the support provided by the MetroConnect program and the Export SBDC team at WTCSD, Epitope successfully applied for the STEP program and was awarded a grant. This funding has partially covered our participation in trade shows in Dubai and Germany, significantly contributing to our efforts to expand into global markets.

Most importantly, we have continued to receive valuable counseling and mentorship from WTCSD, MetroConnect, and the U.S. Commercial Service. They have been instrumental in assisting us, from connecting with key contacts outside the U.S. for our current registration, to helping us apply for grants through the STEP program to offset trade show costs. With the help, Epitope was able to grow from two shows in 2023 to six shows in 2025.

What is on the horizon for Epitope’s international growth?

Epitope has plans for expansion, and with all our new partnerships, we are confident about the trajectory of our international sales growth. We are moving to a new building in San Diego to accommodate three times more space.

Additionally, we plan to continue exhibiting at trade shows and are likely to attend new ones. This year, we have added four more international shows to our list for promoting our products. Our ongoing strategy focuses on targeting more partners with our innovative products with six patents in Europe, India, the Middle East, and South America.

What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?

Our advice would be to evaluate and understand your market thoroughly. Select the right partners, such as distributors, freight forwarders, or customs brokers, ensuring they are reliable and experienced. Look for partners with local knowledge and expertise in navigating the complexities of the target market. Familiarize yourself with the local regulations as well as those in the export destination.

Thanks to MetroConnect we have been connected with excellent partners and received support throughout this process.

Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!

Like Epitope Diagnostics, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Plus: Learn how 110 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 66 percent average export growth and 45 percent average revenue growth.

Apply now: California Competes Tax Credit

By San Diego Regional EDC,

APPLY for up to $215M in Tax Credits

Is your business considering expanding outside of the state or in need of assistance relocating or retaining jobs in California over the next five years?

You may be eligible for up to $215 million in Cal Competes Tax Credit from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Applications for this last round will be accepted from now through March 10.*

GO-Biz bases awards on several factors relative to the State of California, including:

  • Number of jobs created or retained
  • Anticipated amount of new capital investments
  • Overall economic benefit
  • Opportunities for future growth and expansion
  • The extent to which the tax credit influences the applicant’s decision to relocate jobs from states that have enacted laws that permit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression; or deny or interfere with women’s reproductive rights

For more information on eligibility and assistance, visit the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) website.

*Note: This is the final application period for the California Competes Tax Credit for fiscal year 2024-2025.

need help applying?

Since 2015, EDC’s expert team has supported 39 companies in winning more than $86 million in Cal Competes Tax Credits. EDC also offers San Diego companies access to services including permitting, site selection, and consulting for economic incentives like Cal Competes—available at no cost.

CONTACT EDC NOW FOR APPLICATION sUpport

Cal Competes applications open February 24 and close March 10, 2025.

“EDC was an integral resource for our redevelopment. They were able to strategically bring key partners together and secure incentives that best positioned us to redevelop our headquarters in the Kearny Mesa area.”
–Anshooman Aga, EVP & CFO, Cubic Corporation, which secured a California Competes Tax Credit of $8 million

MetroConnect Spotlight: Solecta

By Javier De Leon,

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s nearly 200 private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 95 San Diego companies in turning $890,000 in export grants into $97 million in new international sales, 543 new international contracts, and 32 new offices around the world.

We sat down with Melinda Burn, vice president of strategic marketing for MetroConnect VI finalist Solecta, to discuss the company’s membrane separation technologies and recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.

Tell us about Solecta and its mission.

Solecta Inc., based in Oceanside, California, is a leader in membrane separation technologies with a unique go-to-market strategy focused on rapid customer-centric innovation, deep domain process expertise, and value delivery. With our proprietary membrane and element design and manufacturing capabilities, we develop and deploy novel and critical separation products and technologies that help our clients optimize yield, improve purification, and reduce water and energy usage.

Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?

Solecta applied to be in MetroConnect to leverage the program’s resources and expertise in international trade to enable global expansion, tap into new markets, and increase revenue opportunities. Through the program, we hoped to establish valuable networking connections and gain insights into navigating the complexities of international export compliance and regulations.

How did MetroConnect help your company?

MetroConnect helped Solecta by providing grants that assisted with increasing and improving digital marketing activities and advancing our global commercial go-to-market strategy. In addition, through MetroConnect and its partners, we were able to apply for and be awarded a grant from the California State Trade Expansion Program (STEP). Since joining the MetroConnect program, Solecta has grown its international presence, resulting in increased revenue and brand recognition. We have expanded our workforce in Europe, allowing us to better serve our clients in the region.

What is on the horizon for Solecta’s international growth?

Through MetroConnect’s extensive network and resources, such as the STEP grant, we have been able to reach prospective clients in new regions and navigate the complexities of the global regulatory landscapes to enter new geographic markets. Our ultimate goal is to create more connections and grow our strategic partnerships in various regions through the MetroConnect network to enable the expansion of our international business and grow our manufacturing and R&D footprint in the greater San Diego area. The comprehensive resources provided by the MetroConnect program will help us deliver even more value to our clients as a top industry leader.

What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?

To successfully expand globally, a company must conduct thorough market research to comprehend the target markets, cultural nuances and competitive landscape. Developing a solid market entry strategy that considers local regulations, distribution channels and customer preferences is essential. Moreover, utilizing established networks like MetroConnect can provide valuable resources, connections, and insights to ensure successful expansion efforts.

Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!

Like Solecta, apply to join MetroConnect VII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Plus: Learn how five cohorts of 80 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 63 percent average export growth and 40 percent average revenue growth.

MetroConnect Spotlight: Novo Brazil Brewing

By Javier De Leon,

World Trade Center San Diego (WTCSD) works directly with companies free of charge to help them expand internationally and grow in San Diego, supported by San Diego Regional EDC’s nearly 200 private company and public agency investors. Since 2015, WTCSD’s MetroConnect export accelerator has assisted 95 San Diego companies in turning $890,000 in export grants into $97 million in new international sales, 543 new international contracts, and 32 new offices around the world.

We sat down with Tiago Carneiro, owner and founder of MetroConnect VI finalist Novo Brazil Brewing, to discuss the company’s Brazilian-inspired beverages and its recent international growth through its time in MetroConnect.

Tell us about Novo Brazil Brewing and its mission.

Novo Brazil Brewing is an international, award-winning beverage company based in Chula Vista, California. Our company thrives on producing high quality beer, seltzers, spritz and kombuchas with exotic flavors, which are all represented in our brand’s colorful packages. Our main production facility is located in Eastlake, Chula Vista, and includes a taproom to serve the community. In addition to the wholesale part of our business, Novo Brazil Brewing has opened four taprooms and restaurants in San Diego County.

Why did you apply to be in MetroConnect?

We applied to be in the MetroConnect program for a few reasons:

  • To develop our export program: Logistics, international regulations, compliance, networking, etc.
  • To grow our business network in San Diego
  • To grow our brand exposure domestically and internationally

How did MetroConnect help your company?

The main benefit we experienced joining MetroConnect was definitely access to San Diego’s expansive business network through EDC’s staff. A few outcomes of this partnership included sponsorships and events, deeper connections with City of Chula Vista and SDG&E, and introductions to freight forwarder companies, San Diego Airport’s Terminal 1 concessions groups, and the San Diego Convention Center.

Additionally, the program’s executive workshops always provided our team with essential information for doing business internationally, and put us in direct contact with experienced mentors.

Finally, for quite a while, we were not sure how to best utilize the program’s $5,000 export grant—and we ended up using it to lower the high shipping costs for our distributors in Europe.

What is on the horizon for Novo Brazil Brewing’s international growth?

MetroConnect made us realize that exporting is a great source of business and income for our company. We already have established sales in Europe and Japan, and the goal now is to increase volume. We are positive that our beverages now being shelf stable will open more doors for export expansion, and we want to take advantage of this.

What advice would you give to companies interested in growing internationally and participating in MetroConnect?

It is essential to fully understand your products, your processes, and your business goals before growing internationally. Having a strong presence and an established brand in your local market are key for targeting international markets.

Your turn: Grow your international sales with MetroConnect, too!

Like Novo Brazil Brewing, apply to join MetroConnect VIII, and receive an export grant, expert advising, workshops, regional mentors, and more.

APPLY NOW →

The application takes approximately 30 minutes to complete.

Plus: Learn how five cohorts of 80 MetroConnect alumni, including Dr. Bronner’s, Blue Sky Network, EDDY Pump, and White Labs, leveraged the program to drive 63 percent average export growth and 40 percent average revenue growth.