Booming startups & small businesses

Carlsbad and North San Diego County host many startup and small business support events which will get you connected to fellow entrepreneurs. Here are a few:

• Startup78 Quarterly Meetup: This is a quarterly event for all startup communities along the 78 Corridor to encourage collaboration. Join a community of startups, venture capitalists, accelerators, local industry and cities that are part of developing the startup ecosystem in North County.
• San Diego Tech Hub: This group meets monthly and connects businesses, organizations, and individuals, and leverages their resources and talents to build a stronger San Diego tech community through collaboration.
• San Diego Startup Week: This is a must-attend event that gathers thousands of entrepreneurs, developers, designers, investors, students and community leaders from around the region. Each year Carlsbad hosts an event or a full day of activities as part of SD Startup Week.
• Bio, Tech & Beyond Meetup Group: DIYbio San Diego aims to gather like-minded science fans from the Greater San Diego area.
• San Diego Tech Talks: This Meetup group is for anyone who is interested in or actively working in technology. The group connects tech startup entrepreneurs with talent looking for jobs in the field.

Early stage businesses can find needed support from a host of local spaces and organizations.

Below are a few great options in Carlsbad and North County:

• Bio, Tech and Beyond: Provides low-cost lab space and shared resources that make it easy to start a life science company.
• Ad Astra: A female-focused accelerator and fund that concludes with a guaranteed investment. The accelerator’s mission is to equip female entrepreneurs to build, run, and scale investable businesses.
• CONNECT Springboard Program: CONNECT is a regional program that catalyzes the creation of innovative technology and life sciences products in San Diego County by linking inventors and entrepreneurs with the resources they need for success.
• San Diego Sport Innovators: Provides mentoring, networking and other resources for sports-related companies across the region.

You don’t have to trek to the Bay Area to get funding for your new venture. These super local organizations are here to give you that needed boost for your company’s expansion.

• TL Foundation: a regional accelerator investment fund and nonprofit 501(c)3 that recently invested $100,000 each in four local startups
• Startup San Diego: a 501(c)3 with a mission to connect, educate, and inspire founders and local talent to grow an equitable San Diego startup ecosystem and entrepreneurial community
• Prebys Foundation: launched a $50 million impact investment fund in early 2025, dedicated to driving growth and technological advancement in San Diego through venture capital
• SDSU San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC):a series of workshops, training sessions, and events culminate in a pitch competition where high-potential startups can win $200,000
• Interlock Capital: a community of founders, investors and subject-matter experts supporting entrepreneurs

UC San Diego, University of San Diego, Cal State San Marcos, and San Diego State University are the region’s largest universities graduating bright young talent. Here are a few additional North County institutions that train future skilled workers and innovative leaders:

• Technology Career Institute: Part of MiraCosta College’s Community Education & Workforce Development department. The institute offers local community members the opportunity to enhance their lives and their careers with low cost, hassle-free classes, workshops, and programs.
• The California Community College Workforce and Economic Development Initiative: The community colleges along the 78 Corridor partner with industry to customize curriculum and career pathways so that the students of today are prepared for the workforce of the future.

• Palomar College: A public two-year community college that offers 200 associate degree and certificate programs.
• MiraCosta College: Public community college serving coastal North San Diego County. Offers over 50 AA degrees and bachelor’s in biotechnology.
• San Diego Code School: This specialized school provides its students with a 16-week program that prepares them for careers as developers.

North County San Diego is full of small business and entrepreneurship advocates:

• San Diego North Economic Development Council: Offers business resources and assistance, markets economic development opportunities and amplifies positive news about North County’s economy.
• San Diego & Imperial Valley Small Business Development Center: Provides a vast array of no-cost and low-cost support to entrepreneurs and small businesses through its four locations, including one in Carlsbad.
• San Diego Entrepreneurs Exchange: Nonprofit run by local entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs interested in life sciences, biotech, pharma, medical devices, tech and alternative energy.