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From public works to parks, cities rely on their various departments to serve residents and businesses. While these departments work collaboratively to execute a city’s strategic plan, they also spearhead their own initiatives based on the city’s unique needs. For Escondido’s business economy, the city’s economic development department works extensively on creating the best environment for burgeoning industries that can spark innovation, solve city challenges, create jobs, and nurture future investments. But economic development extends far beyond drawing in new business, it also acts as a core resource for existing businesses to continue to thrive in Escondido. Want to know more? Check out our list below to see what Escondido’s economic development can do for you.

1. Compile and Track Key City Data

The economic development department closely tracks the evolving make-up of Escondido, from resident diversity to average earnings to growing industries. This data plays an important role for businesses operating — or looking to set up shop — in the city. Understanding Escondido’s demographics helps business owners choose the right location, know their hiring capabilities, and estimate their growth potential. The City of Escondido’s economic development department recently made it easier than ever for entrepreneurs to access this data via the data dashboard. Learn more about the data dashboard here.

2. Facilitate Workforce Development

As many companies face looming workforce shortages, Escondido’s economic development department collaborates with several local community colleges and institutions to facilitate an active pipeline of recent graduates to the local economy. Through partnerships with Palomar College, Urban Corps of San Diego County, and California State University San Marcos, Escondido connects employers with these regional colleges and organizations to ensure their hiring needs are met. The City of Escondido is also piloting a regional program called the North County job readiness room that provides a 15 hour online course that guarantees participants a job interview with a local company. Sign-up to take free certification courses in the North County Job Readiness Room today. These collaborations also allow for industry-specific programming to be introduced at colleges, ensuring students always graduate workforce-ready. 

3. Expanding New Business Locations/Relocations

For entrepreneurs looking to open up their business or relocate their headquarters to Escondido, it can help to get the inside scoop from a city expert. The economic development department staff can give just that, and more. While business owners can certainly learn much from the city website and resources like the data dashboard, they can also simply call up the economic development department for more detailed discussions, including:

• Demographics and statistics

• Business expansion, attraction, and retention

• New business siting

• Workforce needs

• Connecting to other local business resources

• Assisting businesses through city processes

Still looking for some one on one advice? Submit a request for an in-person or virtual meeting here.

Conferences and meeting spaces are booking up fast as events are back in full swing. Escondido’s economic development department can recommend locations in Escondido to host events.  Businesses and organizations can book events at  premium venues, such as the California Center for the Arts, Escondido. Tell us about your next event here. 

4. Provide Financial Incentives

Escondido and San Diego County offer small business owners and startups several financial incentives to help them thrive. But understanding and navigating these resources can sometimes be overwhelming. Escondido’s economic development department can reduce the confusion and give you an inside track to incentive requirements and qualification, ensuring business owners don’t chase down the wrong avenues. They also connect entrepreneurs with other nonprofit organizations that will support new businesses, such as The Greater Escondido Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Business Association, and more. Learn more about available financial incentives here. 

5. Promote Tourism

Escondido draws in thousands of tourists and visitors every year, supporting the local economy and fortifying our restaurants, hotels, parks, and other attractions. Escondido’s economic development department currently oversees the local tourism initiative called Visit Escondido. Not only does the department continue to advance Escondido’s attraction to potential visitors, but they also coordinate the events that bring in large amounts of local dollars, such as concerts. Make sure to follow Visit Escondido on Instagram to learn more about what is happening in town!

6. Event Assistance

Hosting an event in the city, especially one that involves public spaces, requires knowing the local policies and requirements. Almost every aspect of your event, from vendor choices to parking, will be regulated by the city. To better understand the process to host your event, Escondido’s economic development department can assist you with each stage to ensure your event goes off without a hitch. Learn more and apply for a special event permit to use a park or close a road here. 

7. Support Struggling Businesses

Even during the most prosperous Escondido environment, some companies may still face hardships, especially during tight times such as the pandemic. The economic development department can assist at-risk businesses by connecting them with critical mentorship and support with programs to ensure they can continue to operate in the city or seek additional aid.  Connect with a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) mentor today and future-proof your business. 

8. Host Pre-Development Meetings

Companies looking to build or renovate in Escondido will need to collaborate with several city entities throughout their development. The economic development department wants these processes to go smoothly, which is why they offer to schedule and host pre-planning meetings between developers and city planners. These early meetings help avoid hiccups along the way that can delay or thwart important infrastructure or new construction projects. Meet with our team and city planners to talk through your idea to see if it is feasible.  Submit a request for an in-person or virtual meeting here.

9. Clarify Codes and Policies

Trying to navigate the various city codes and policies in the City of Escondido can be a headache. For businesses big and small, the economic development department can connect you with the right city department to provide clarity to ensure your company is compliant and ready for success. Reach out with us here. 

10. Share Local Business News and Resources

With a direct line to the happenings of Escondido’s businesses, the economic development department shares regular news and updates on inspiring business owners, booming industries, and stellar members of our workforce. Subscribe to the economic development department newsletter to learn more.

To learn more about your economic development department, drop us a line. We’d love to hear from you!

Email: business@escondido.org  

Phone: 760-839-4880

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.