04 Feb Construction Starts for New Business Accelerator at Jacobs Center
CONNECT ALL @ the Jacobs Center (CAJC) is the San Diego region’s first diversity focused business accelerator program for diverse and financially disadvantaged founders of San Diego-based, early-stage startups poised for growth and job creation. As part of the new program, KCM Group is leading the renovation project of existing Jacobs Center facilities to serve as the onsite business resource center.
CAJC’s main goal is to provide opportunity for diversity and LMI focused entrepreneurship to spur economic development in historically underserved communities. The program is funded by a $2.5-million Community Development Block Grant secured by the City of San Diego Economic Development Department through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and private funding from partners, such as MUFG Union Bank N.A. and bkm OfficeWorks.
“We are extremely excited to form our first group and kick off the business accelerator program that will provide the tools and resources local entrepreneurs and business owners need to survive and thrive in today’s hyper-competitive market,” said Jacobs Center for Neighborhood Innovation President and CEO Reginald Jones. “Together, we will be working to expand and strengthen our local economy by making it more diverse and inclusive.”
Companies accepted into the CAJC business accelerator will participate in a six-month program tailored to support their various needs, including expert mentors, opportunities to access capital, and free co-working space complete with office equipment, such as high-speed internet and printers. All components of the program will be free to participants; no equity stake required.
Located in a specially designed 4,300-square-foot business accelerator space in Joe and Vi Jacobs Center in Southeastern San Diego, CAJC also offers a no-cost Business Resource Center where entrepreneurs “not quite ready for the accelerator” and others can learn about local services and support programs to help move their ideas and businesses forward.
“KCM Group is a certified Small Local Business Enterprise, so we value the opportunity to work on a project that will drive entrepreneurship in underserved communities,” said KCM Group Principal Gordon Kovtun. “I know the Jacobs Center is going to see success when we all look back on this project a year from now and I’m excited to see what new businesses grow from this outstanding resource.”To learn more about the business accelerator program, please visit connectallsd.org.