Economic Development Funding Programs support the City of San Diego’s Mission, Vision, Strategic Plan and Economic Development Strategy to foster economic prosperity throughout the City. Funding opportunities are available to local nonprofits that launch, expand, attract, or retain businesses in the City and advance San Diego as a leading innovation hub and a visitor destination.

The Economic Development Funding Program covers economic development, tourism and small business support. The Economic Development Funding Program allocates two sources of revenue: Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) and Small Business Enhancement Program (SBEP). The TOT funding promotes San Diego as a place for business and tourism; and the SBEP supports small business efforts Citywide and in Microdistricts. These recommendations are developed through a combined competitive process for TOT and SBEP funds. Annually, recommendations are provided to the City Council for the award of TOT and SBEP funding to nonprofit Economic Development organizations that provide services or benefits to targeted businesses through specific programs. 

The Economic Development Funding Programs are a competitive process. Funding amounts are not known until the City's Budget is adopted by City Council. These funding amounts are refined based on the applications received and as part of the budget process. 

Eligibility

Proposals submitted must be consistent with the intent of the funding sources. An eligible nonprofit organization has a mission that closely aligns with one or more of the following four Goals: 

• Goal A: Creates, retains and/or expands small businesses with a neighborhood-based focus, excluding Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). 
• Goal B: Creates, retains and/or expands non-base-sector small businesses by offering a program to small businesses Citywide, not focusing on specific commercial neighborhoods with BIDs or Microdistricts. 
• Goal C: Promotes the City of San Diego as a visitor destination, enhancing the Tourism base sector. 
• Goal D: Enhances San Diego's economic standing and reputation as a Smart City and a center for innovation, entrepreneurship and technology development for base sector businesses (Manufacturing and Innovation, International Trade and Logistics, or Defense). 

The funding, if approved, will apply to proposed Program/Project budgets for each applicable fiscal year, which is from July 1 through June 30. Recommended TOT funding amounts are provided to the City Council. Recommended SBEP funding amounts are provided to the Mayor’s office. However, all funding amounts are not final until authorized by the Mayor and City Council during the City’s annual budget process.

The Economic Development Funding Program is currently not accepting applications.

Additional Resources:

Stay Updated

Please contact us through sdbusiness@sandiego.gov if you have any questions.

Previous Economic Development Funding

The City of San Diego supports local nonprofits that foster the City’s economic prosperity and quality of life. Funding opportunities are available to local nonprofits that launch, expand, attract or retain businesses in the City, advancing San Diego as a leading innovation hub and tourist destination. Explore past Economic Development Funding Recipients in the interactive map below to see the variety of valuable organizations we support.

Home page feature card photo credit: Biocom Institute

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