Today the San Diego Tourism Authority (SDTA) announced its 2024-2025 Tourism Accelerator cohort. The initiative, one of the first of its kind in the country, promotes diversity, equity and inclusion in the local tourism industry by providing free membership, mentoring, education and networking opportunities to businesses owned by women, veterans, people of color, people with disabilities and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

"At a time when diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just buzzwords but a business imperative, it's critical for San Diego's tourism industry to reflect the diversity of our destination and the world at large," SDTA President and CEO Julie Coker said. "By fostering a diverse array of businesses, we are not only enhancing the vibrancy and richness of our local tourism, but creating an environment where everyone feels welcomed and valued."

The cohort was selected from nearly 50 applicants, reflecting the diversity of the region and the industry and embracing a wide range of business types with owners from a variety of backgrounds.

BluLite Bonfires
Owner: Rene Contreras | Hispanic/Latino-owned business
BluLite Bonfires is a family-owned and operated service dedicated to curating unforgettable beach experiences that leave lasting memories and contribute to the improvement and sustainability of our beach community.

Danielle Monique Designs
Owner: Danielle Rainey | Black, woman-owned business
Danielle Monique Designs is a full-service event design company specializing in elevated floral and balloon decor.

McClean Photography
Owner: Brian McClean | Veteran, Service-disabled, Black-owned business
McClean Photography provides exceptional Commercial and Health Care Art that promotes healing and well-being. All artwork is created by Coast Guard Veteran, Brian McClean. Brian is a passionate photographer with a unique vision for capturing beauty and inspiration in the world.

Mya's Catering Company
Owner: Amaya Ford | Black, woman-owned business
Mya's Catering Company is a baking company that bakes nostalgic desserts with love in every bite. We offer pickup, delivery, personal orders and services for events.

Neet Sheets
Owner: Ruth Young-Loaeza | Hispanic/Latino, woman-owned business
Neet Sheets are ergonomic, patented, and innovative bed linen that addresses the stressful and challenging task of bed-making. Our sheets decrease bed-making time by 47% and reduce mattress lifting efforts by 75%.

Point Loma Tea
Owner: Sherryann Stevenson | Veteran, Black, woman-owned business
Point Loma Tea is a specialty loose leaf tea shop, tea bar and tea room and gift boutique.

Ringer's Roller Rink
Owner: Nili Goldfarb | Middle Eastern, woman-owned business
Ringer's Roller Rink is San Diego's premier outdoor roller-skating experience, offering a vibrant atmosphere for people of all ages to enjoy.

S&S Friendly Ranch
Owner: Diamond Brandon | Black, woman-owned business
S&S Friendly Ranch serves as a premiere venue and agricultural host in the Tijuana River Valley for events and local partnerships that foster an environment of learning, financial empowerment, and collective work. As a Black-owned and operated neighborhood ranch, our story began in 1980 and we're three generations into stewarding the land.

The Mental Bar
Owner: Daneyel Walker | Black, woman-owned business
The Mental Bar is your own personal source for the highest quality coffee and tea. Our emphasis on serving our therapeutic and restorative refreshments is what sets us apart.

The Studio Door
Owner: Patric Stillman | LGBTQ+ owned business
The Studio Door is Hillcrest's premier art gallery, showcasing an array of contemporary masterpieces alongside of artist studios.

Now in its third year, past Tourism Accelerator participants reported an increase in business opportunities, with 65% experiencing an increase in revenue and 45% creating new jobs.

"On behalf of SDTA and our program sponsors, we are thrilled to welcome our newest cohort to the Accelerator program and to support their growth and impact in our community," said Theresa Cunningham, director of diversity, equity, inclusion and community engagement at SDTA. "Past graduates have not only experienced an increase in business opportunities but have also cultivated enduring connections within the program alumni and the extensive SDTA network. We look forward to continued partnership to attract more visitors to our destination and to advance inclusive economic growth in San Diego."

This year's program is sponsored by SDGE, The Shipyard, and MyPoint Credit Union and will offer participants a suite of services valued at over $15,000 per participant, including:

• Free SDTA membership, free admission to select events and special access to SDTA senior staff, board members and program investors.
• Business services and coaching from the top providers in San Diego in finance, risk management, commercial real estate, operations and marketing.
• A $500 voucher for a course through UC San Diego Extension.
• Free advertising in brochure racks at over 450 locations in San Diego from Certified Folder.
• A $1,000 credit to use on SDTA's digital advertising platforms.
• Free quarter-page ad in the San Diego Business Journal.

A diverse panel reviewed the applications while also considering the viability of the business model, business needs and commitment to community service as part of the selection process. A look at the selection criteria:

• Applicants needed to be tourism and hospitality businesses owned by people of color, women, veterans or those who identify as LGBTQ+, and based in the San Diego region.
• Organizations must have operated for at least one year to qualify.
• Business categories included, but were not limited to, restaurants, retail, activities and attractions, museums, transportation, and meeting and event services.
• Excluded businesses included any type of accommodation, airline or cruise line.
• Current or former Members of the San Diego Tourism Authority (and all affiliated organizations) were not eligible.

For more information, visit sandiego.org/accelerator