September 16, 2026 – San Diego, CA – More business owners across San Diego County will be equipped with the skills, resources and support needed to build stronger businesses through more than $610,000 in El Camino Fund grants awarded by San Diego Foundation (SDF) to nine nonprofit organizations.

The grants will help entrepreneurs at every stage of business ownership—from launching licensed childcare businesses and preparing government contracts to accessing financial resources, business coaching and other tools needed to grow.

“Behind every small business is a person, a family and a vision for the future, a legacy. By investing in organizations that support entrepreneurs, we’re investing in stronger neighborhoods and a more resilient regional economy,” said Miguel Lopez, senior manager of development at San Diego Foundation. “Our nonprofit partners understand the opportunities before entrepreneurs and are well positioned to help them turn ideas into thriving businesses.”

The announcement comes during Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the many contributions of San Diego’s Latino community to the region’s culture and economy. San Diego Foundation’s 2024 State of San Diego Latinos Report  highlights entrepreneurship as an important way for Latino San Diegans to build successful businesses, create opportunities for their families and contribute to a stronger local economy.

The 2026 El Camino Fund grantees include:

  • Chicano Federation of San Diego County – $100,000: To support the Small Business Development Program, helping childcare providers launch and grow home-based businesses.
  • Logan Heights Community Development Corporation – $100,000: To support the Small Business Development Program, providing coaching and mentorship for entrepreneurs.
  • MiraCosta College Foundation – $100,000: To support its Entrepreneur Advancement & Contracting Initiative, preparing business owners for lending and contracting opportunities.

A full list of the grantees can be found here.

That investment is already making a difference for entrepreneurs like Juana Ruiz, who is cooking up a business of her own with support from the North San Diego Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Hosted by MiraCosta College and supported by an El Camino Fund grant to MiraCosta College Foundation, the SBDC provides business counseling, training and resources to local entrepreneurs.

“The support I received helped me see that I could turn my lifelong love of cooking into a real business and become a stronger leader,” Juana Ruiz said. “Having guidance in Spanish, my preferred language, and from people who understood my culture made me feel welcomed, supported, and more confident. I am building a future for my family while sharing the Oaxacan food and traditions that have been part of my life since childhood.”

Since its inception, El Camino Fund at San Diego Foundation has awarded $1.7 million to nonprofit organizations helping San Diegans, like Juana, build stronger businesses and stronger communities.

The fund was seeded with a $2.5 million endowment from SDF and designed in partnership with community leaders, supports and celebrates community giving and targets critical needs in the community.

About San Diego Foundation

San Diego Foundation believes in just, equitable, and resilient communities where every San Diegan can prosper, thrive and feel like they belong. We partner with donors, nonprofits and regional leaders to advance solutions that respond to community needs and strengthen San Diego. Since 1975, SDF has granted more than $2 billion to nonprofits to improve quality of life in San Diego County and beyond. Learn more at SDFoundation.org.

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Nancy Ives Schroeder, Intesa Communications
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