San Diego (County), in partnership with Founders First Community Development Corporation (Founders First CDC), announced the launch of  two new pilot programs designed to expand economic mobility opportunities for local small businesses and small nonprofits. The Compliance, Operations, and Readiness Education (CORE) and Bonding and Underwriting Insurance for Local Development (BUILD) programs aim to support more than 100 underinvested small businesses and nonprofits over the next year by reducing barriers to government contracting, expanding access to critical financial and compliance resources, and promoting long-term business growth.

Community engagement conducted by the County highlighted the need for expanded technical assistance, including bookkeeping support, compliance guidance, and bonding and insurance resources to help small businesses successfully compete for County contracts. “Small businesses and nonprofits are the backbone of our communities, and I’ve been proud to champion efforts that uplift and empower them,” said San Diego County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Monica Montgomery Steppe. “The development of pilot programs like CORE and BUILD is a direct result of our commitment to creating a more equitable, accessible, and inclusive procurement process. These initiatives are significant investments in the future of our regional economy. I’m proud to have played a key role in launching these programs, and I look forward to seeing them grow and thrive.”

The launch of these programs comes on the heels of a significant action by the San Diego County Board of Supervisors to approve and update the County’s policies to reduce barriers, increase access and make it easier for small and local businesses to successfully work with the County. The County set a goal to direct 25% of its $2.2 billion annual contract spending toward small businesses. Reaching this goal would boost the overall local economy by potentially keeping about $550 million per year in the region.

Through these programs, local small businesses and nonprofits will have access to targeted support. CORE delivers expert guidance in bookkeeping and compliance to promote fair labor practices and strengthen operations, while BUILD addresses barriers around bonding and insurance that often limit access to government contracting. “By leveling the playing field through hands-on support with compliance, operations, and bonding, we are enabling local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses, create jobs, and compete for new opportunities,” said Steve Lockett, Deputy Director with the Office of Economic Development Economic Development and Prosperity, County of San Diego. 

Founders First CDC has been addressing these very challenges for more than 10 years, working alongside diverse-led and underinvested businesses in San Diego to strengthen operations and prepare them for growth. “At Founders First, given our expertise supporting underinvested small businesses, we know firsthand the challenges these business owners face when trying to scale,” said Founders First CDC Founder and Board Chair Kim Folsom. “With the right support and resources, San Diego’s small businesses can build capacity, compete for larger opportunities, and drive sustainable growth.”

Together, these programs will strengthen the capacity and sustainability of small businesses and nonprofits, promote compliance with labor and ethical standards, expand access to County contracting opportunities, and generate insights to inform future initiatives.“Small businesses are the backbone of San Diego’s economy; ensuring they have the tools to grow and compete is critical for our region’s long-term success and competitiveness,” said Mark Cafferty, President and CEO of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation. “This pilot reflects our shared commitment to advancing inclusive growth by breaking down barriers in the procurement process.”

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusion and resilience in the regional economy while ensuring that small businesses have the tools they need to thrive. 

For more information on CORE and BUILD, please go to https://www.sandiegocounty.gov/content/sdc/cao/edga/small-business.html or https://foundersfirstcdc.org/sd-county-program

About Founders First CDC

Founders First CDC is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Its mission is to drive economic mobility by providing innovative training , access to funding , and resources to accelerate service – based businesses to the mid – market. Through a mix of training, coaching, capital access, and strategic partnerships, Founders First CDC works to foster inclusive economic prosperity.

About the County of San Diego

The County of San Diego is committed to fostering economic development, community well-being, and equitable access to resources for residents and businesses across the region. Through programs, partnerships, and initiatives, the County supports opportunities for all communities to thrive.

About the San Diego Economic Development Council 

San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation – EDC for short – is an independently-funded economic development organization that mobilizes business, government, and civic leaders around an inclusive economic development strategy in order to connect data to decision making, maximize regional prosperity, enhance global competitiveness, and position San Diego effectively for investment and talent.

About San Diego Regional EDC

San Diego Regional EDC mobilizes business, government, and civic leaders around an inclusive economic development strategy in order to connect data to decision making, maximize regional prosperity, enhance global competitiveness, and position San Diego effectively for investment and talent. sandiegobusiness.org