San Diego Tourism Authority's Accelerator Program Marks 5-Year Milestone

The initiative celebrates half a decade of providing mentorship and resources to more than 50 San Diego entrepreneurs, connecting local businesses directly to the region’s second-largest industry

Jul 21, 2026

The San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) is proud to celebrate the fifth anniversary of its Tourism Accelerator  program, which helps San Diego County business owners tap into the tourism industry by offering mentorship, networking, advertising and business coaching, with notable results. Launched in 2021, the program was an ambitious, first-of-its-kind effort to expand opportunity and representation within San Diego’s tourism and hospitality community. To date, the program has served more than 50 local businesses across a wide range of industries, including restaurants, wellness brands, accessibility innovators and event services. As part of the anniversary, the program released a five-year impact report.

One of the program’s graduates is Nili "Ringer” Goldfarb, founder of Ringer’s Roller Rink, a popular outdoor roller-skating rink in Encanto. Goldfarb is celebrating the grand opening of the second Ringer’s Roller Rink location in Seaport Village today at 4 p.m.

“I joined the Accelerator program because I wanted to figure out how to connect what we provide locally to San Diegans into the tourist economy,” Goldfarb said. “As a small business owner, we don't always have access to things outside of our world, and joining the Accelerator really opened the floodgates to access and people.”

Sixty-five percent of  Tourism Accelerator graduates report increased revenue, 45% created jobs, and 100% report increased confidence in doing business. The Tourism Accelerator focuses support to businesses led by women, veterans, people of color, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. In 2026, the program expanded to include small businesses with a focus on sustainability and the launch of the inaugural Small Business Summit, which brought together more than 150 entrepreneurs. This year's cohort is the largest one to date.

“From the beginning, SDTA emphasized that this work is not simply a ‘nice to have,’ but a crucial business imperative,” said Daniel Kuperschmid, president and CEO of SDTA. “When we broaden representation and elevate more voices, we strengthen our industry, enrich the visitor experience and position San Diego as a destination that welcomes all.”

The Tourism Accelerator, and the success stories it has made possible, laid the groundwork for San Diego Tourism Foundation, the official 501(c)(3) affiliate of SDTA. The Foundation is investing in the local tourism community and has begun to create impactful programs by hosting San Diego Tourism Day at San Diego State University and partnering with the San Diego Workforce Partnership on a career fair at San Diego City College.

“Here in San Diego, tourism is our region’s second-largest industry, supporting one in eight local jobs and generating critical economic impact that benefits residents and visitors alike,” said Marilyn Hannes, inaugural board chair of the San Diego Tourism Foundation. “It’s an engine for opportunity and a powerful force for community good.”

The 2026 Tourism Accelerator is sponsored by The Shipyard, SDG&E, US Bank, Cox Communications and Alaska Airlines. Visit here to learn more about the program.