In a move to bolster local small businesses, the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce announced its first-ever Small Business Resource Fair, taking place on Thursday, October 5. Collaborating with the Small Business Administration and the San Diego and Imperial Small Business Development Center (SBDC), this event will offer free and low-cost resources and assistance crucial to the growth and success of local businesses, according to the San Diego News Desk.

The fair, to be held at MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus, is designed to showcase more than 40 representatives from different organizations, including SCORE, Women's Business Center, County of San Diego, North County Transit District, State of California, Veterans Business Outreach Center, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and Black Chamber of Commerce, among others, per the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce event details. 

Neilsberg Research has reported that there are currently over 379,704 small businesses in San Diego County, comprising nearly 99.95% of all businesses operating in the area. As a testament to the impact of small businesses on the local economy, the SDBC has notably helped launch 240 new local businesses, supported 13,093 jobs, increased sales by over $118 million, secured over $811 million in financing, and acquired over $55 million in Government Contracts–all within the past 12 months.

Complementing this monumental event is the opening of the newly established Business Outreach & Resource Center at MiraCosta College San Elijo Campus. Scheduled to begin at 8:15 a.m., the ribbon-cutting ceremony is set to take place shortly before the startup of the Small Business Resource Fair. This center is home to the Small Business Development Center, the Veterans Business Outreach Center, and the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence. It will provide supportive services to the business community at no cost, funding these services through grants.

Sherry Yardley, CEO of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce, highlights the significance of small businesses for the community: "Small businesses are the backbone of our community and economy. They create jobs, foster innovation, and contribute to the unique character of our city. Supporting small businesses means investing in the growth and prosperity of our community as a whole".