Two hundred volunteers joined us to beautify University Avenue in City Heights. In partnership with the City Heights Business Improvement District and Maintenance Assessment District, Beautify the Block revitalized one of our neighborhood’s busiest corridors. 

Applications are now open for our CHOPPED Food Business Training Program! Whether you're looking to start a new food business or grow your existing one, this is your chance to elevate your culinary career.

The UABRF is a one-time grant for businesses along University Avenue in City Heights that endured the prolonged and financially exhausting construction project lasting over two years and resulting in significant revenue loss.

Congratulations to our CEO, Alexis Villanueva, for her nomination as a finalist for the San Diego Business Journal’s 2024 CEO of the Year.

As part of their outreach efforts, our Economic Development team participates in business walks throughout City Heights.  During their latest business walk, the Economic Development team partnered with the City of San Diego’s Economic Development Department.

Cohort 4 successfully saw 47 business owners complete the program walking away with key skills for business success.

We hope you can join us for the Sidewalk Vending Community Townhall Thursday, July 27th, from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm at the Tierra Central (4058 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105).

¡Llamando a todos los vendedores ambulantes y al público en general! Esperamos que pueda unirse con nosotros para el ayuntamiento de la comunidad de venta ambulante el jueves 27 de julio

Thanks to all who made this historically under celebrated holiday such a fun success, we are so grateful, and we’ll see you next year!

Congratulations to the second cohort of San Diego Food Justice Project students! Last week, our Economic Development team joined business owners and partners to commemorate students’ completion of the course.

“It’s not just selling food, like a frozen bag of croquettes. It's about families gathering at their table having our cheese breads. It's an honor, families getting together and enjoying something we made.”

Inspired by the Cambodian food scene in Long Beach, Somnang, a Cambodian-American raised in City Heights, shares her inspiration which led to the opening of her micro-kitchen, Lucky Sahn Flavors of Cambodia. 

As we reflect on the past year, we also pause to celebrate what this community has achieved. Our work with business owners in the region calls for a profound expression of gratitude.

Osob Omar, owner and creator of Meliora Essence, forms part of the community of business owners we support.

“I found that I love cooking, I'm good at it, and people like it.” Luz, owner of Las Tias food truck

For the next eight weeks, business owners will receive in-person training, resources, communal feedback, and grant funding for their business upon completion as they work to take their business to another level.

“People across all cultures seek our food. That's when you see food goes beyond borders. Over one dish you gain friends or meet people you've never met.” Daniel, Co-Owner of The Birria Truck

They are called The Birria Truck (@thebirriatruck) and Las Tias (@las_tiasfoodtruck) and they sell delicious Mexican food!

The Mid Autumn Festival is Sept 17 at Tierra Central and we'd LOVE to celebrate with you! There will be food trucks and carts, live music, and plenty to enjoy for the whole family.

Juan Pablo thinks current attitudes around parking are changing among both customers and businesses owners who are now enjoying the benefits brought by additional outdoor seating: eyes on the street, crime reduction, and a safer inviting space.

Friends, meet Lizeth Soto!

In 2013, Lizeth went all in on a day spa business right in the heart of downtown San Diego.