Congratulations to our 2023 cohort: FeMAVEN LLC, Hey Sugar, JA Cooley Museum / Frank the Trainman, Kebab Craft, Négociant Winery, Ocean Connectors , Ortega’s, A Mexican Bistro, Selfie Station Events, Sip Wine & Beer, and Valdes Language Services.
In 2023, the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) announced its next Tourism Accelerator cohort. The initiative, one of the first of its kind in the country, is designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the local tourism industry by providing free membership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities to businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
The second-ever cohort, which was selected from nearly 50 applicants, reflects the diversity of the region and the industry, embracing a wide range of business types with owners from a variety of backgrounds. They include:
Négociant is an urban winery located in Hillcrest’s Uptown District.
Owners – John Rinaldi and Mike Baker
Veteran, LGBTQ+-owned business
Hey Sugar is a Southern Comfort dessert shop that provides nostalgic treats that remind you of the good old days.
Owner – Chantanaya Buie
Black, veteran, woman-owned business
Supporting local, women, Black, Indigenous and people of color-owned brands, SIP Wine & Beer makes beer and wine fun, engaging and accessible.
Owner – Cassandra Schaeg
Black, woman-owned business
Educates, inspires, and connects youth living in underserved Pacific coastal communities through the study of migratory marine life.
Owner – Janaira Quigley
Woman-owned business
Kebab Craft is a fast-casual Mediterranean eatery with a California flair.
Owner – Shannon Salhany
Black, woman-owned business
Valdes Language Services provides top quality translation and interpretation services with the goal of bridging the English-Spanish language gap in San Diego.
Owner – Laura Valdes
Hispanic/LatinX, woman-owned business
JA Cooley Museum / Frank the Trainman
JA Cooley Museum was founded by Jim & Carmen Cooley in 1997. Jim passed away in 2019 and Carmen, an immigrant from Mexico, continues to operate the museum with the help of her daughter, Carmen.
Owner – Carmen Cooley Graham
Hispanic/LatinX, woman-owned business
A photo booth business offering two options for events: a PRO and a MINI. One is a printing photo booth (PRO), and one is a digital booth (MINI).
Owner – Lucy Yates
Hispanic/LatinX, woman-owned business
FeMAVEN Getaways is a modern approach to travel, with curated getaways, allowing female travelers to discover the world with like-minded women while indulging in new experiences.
Owner – Jazmin Cornejo
Hispanic/LatinX, Indigenous/Native American, woman-owned business
Ortega's is a full service upscale casual Mexican restaurant with dine in, take out, a private banquet room, and a full bar.
Owner – John Haugland
LGBTQ+, Guamanian-owned business
Congratulations to our 2022 cohort: Access Trax LLC, Alternative Strategies, Common Theory Public House, Fargo's BBQ/Jamaican Cuisine, Finest City Improv, Game Face Video SD, Gossip Grill, It's In the Details, Pop Up Picnic Co., Social Artistry LLC
In 2022, The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) announced the first participants selected for its Tourism Accelerator pilot program. The initiative, one of the first of its kind in the country, is designed to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the local tourism industry by providing free membership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities to businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans and those who identify as LGBTQ+.
The first cohort, which was selected from nearly 50 applicants, reflects the diversity of the region and the industry, embracing a wide range of business types with owners from a variety of backgrounds. They include:
Provider of portable access mats that ensure stable surfaces for mobility device users to easily access outdoor recreation over sand, grass, gravel and snow.
Owner - Kelly Twichel
Female-owned business
A full-service marketing and PR agency focused exclusively on the hospitality industry.
Owner – William Lopez
Hispanic/Latinx, LGBTQ+-owned business
Bar and restaurant.
Owner – Cristian Liang
Asian-owned business
Jamaican cuisine caterer and food truck.
Owner - Jacinth (Elaine) Williams
Black, Jamaican, female-owned business
Improvisational comedy shows and classes.
Owner - Amy Lisewski
LGBTQ+, female-owned business
Creative-youth developer and technical training company in the field of video and photography.
Owner – Regina V. Greenlee
Black, veteran-owned business
Lesbian/LGBTQ+bar.
Owner – Moe Girton
LGBTQ+, woman-owned business
A boutique travel and event company with concierge-style services.
Owner – Nita Cintron
Black, woman-owned business
Luxury picnic event company.
Owner – Lauren Kimmons
Woman-owned business
Event company with a focus on empowering diverse communities.
Owner – Lauren Garces
Asian, African-American, woman-owned business
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