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Monday 8am - 5pm Tuesday 8am - 5pm Wednesday 8am - 5pm Thursday 8am - 5pm Friday 8am - 4pm

East County EDC

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East County EDC

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The mission of the San Diego East County EDC is to foster economic prosperity and enhance the quality of life in San Diego’s East County.

The San Diego East County Economic Development Council is a dynamic, award-winning, non-profit organization of leaders committed to a healthy, vital economic climate and quality of life in the East County region. Founded in 1984, the East County EDC is an alliance of key representatives from business, government, and education working together to promote successful business activity in the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa, Lemon Grove and Santee, and in the unincorporated communities of Alpine, Lakeside and Spring Valley.

10/29/2026

Compete. Build. Grow. ⚓

Thank you to everyone who joined us for U.S. Navy Supplier Industry Day on October 27 at Grossmont College!

Local suppliers spent the morning connecting with prime shipbuilders and the organizations that support San Diego's maritime industrial base:

Event Highlights
🔹 A CalSEA overview from Jose Anaya, Dean of Community Advancement at El Camino College
🔹 A Prime Ship Builder panel with Austal USA, BAE Systems, General Dynamics NASSCO and Vigor, moderated by Gordon Rutherford of the Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association
🔹 Workforce / Supplier Matchmaking with one-on-one time at 18 facilitator tables

A special thank-you to our host sponsor, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District; LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network for sponsoring lunch; CalSEA for hosting; and the Port of San Diego Ship Repair Association for their partnership.

What's next: Join CalSEA's monthly briefing, The Situation Room, starting November 12 → bit.ly/calsea-situation-room

10/27/2026

We have an amazing workshop coming up for anyone who's been dreaming of starting their own business — and we don't want you to miss it! 🎉

Starting Your Business: A Step-by-Step Guide is a beginner-friendly workshop designed to take you from idea to launch with confidence. No experience needed — just bring your dream and we'll help you build the plan!

Here's what you'll walk away with:

✅ A validated business concept and the right legal structure for your needs
📋 A clear understanding of licenses, permits, and required business documentation
💰 Essential financial systems set up and ready to go
🚀 A simple, actionable launch plan

Topics covered:
✔ Overview of required forms and documentation
✔ Common mistakes and how to avoid them
✔ How to correctly submit verification documents
✔ Step-by-step guidance on completing each section of the forms
✔ Next steps for program approval and follow-up

This workshop is packed with practical tools and clear guidance to help new business owners start strong and build for long-term success.

Spots are limited — register now and share with someone who's been waiting to take that first step! 👇

🔗 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/starting-your-business-a-step-by-step-guide-tickets-1991146392460?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/26/2026

¡Tenemos noticias emocionantes para todos los emprendedores de nuestra comunidad! 🙌🎉

¿Tienes un sueño de negocio pero no sabes cómo empezar? ¡Este taller es exactamente lo que necesitas! Únete a nuestro Taller para Emprendedores — diseñado para darte toda la información y las herramientas necesarias para abrir tu empresa con confianza.

En este taller cubriremos:

💼 Tipos de entidades legales — LLC, corporación, propietario único: ¿cuál es la mejor para ti?
📋 Cómo solicitar licencias y permisos locales y estatales.
🏦 Requisitos y mejores prácticas para abrir tu cuenta bancaria empresarial.
📌 Consejos básicos para organizar tu negocio desde el principio.

📅 Lunes, 9 de noviembre de 2026 | 5:00 PM

Ya sea que estés comenzando desde cero o quieras formalizar tu negocio actual, este taller te ayudará a dar ese primer gran paso.

¡Los cupos son limitados — regístrate ahora y comparte con alguien que necesite esto! 👇
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/comenzando-tu-negocio-una-guia-paso-a-paso-tickets-1991239285305

10/23/2026

Yesterday we held the first convening of the Healthcare Career Pathways Initiative, hosted by the Grossmont Healthcare District!

More than 25 representatives from healthcare employers, schools, and colleges joined us for an open dialogue about the challenges facing East County's healthcare workforce and how we can strengthen the pathway into healthcare careers. With more than 3,700 openings expected each year for nursing assistants, medical assistants, and LVNs across San Diego County, the need is clear.

Thank you to the Grossmont Healthcare District for funding this initiative and hosting us, and to every partner who joined the conversation. We look forward to our next convening in early 2027!

10/22/2026

Protect what you've built with our "Cybersecurity Awareness: A Guide to Safeguarding Your Business" workshop—learn simple, jargon-free steps to keep your business safe from cyber threats.

Date: November 5, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cost: Free | Online Event

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cybersecurity-awareness-a-guide-to-safeguarding-your-business-tickets-1991143973224

What You'll Learn:
✔️ Common cyber threats like phishing, malware, and ransomware
✔️ Best practices for protecting your business data
✔️ How to use collaboration tools securely

Don't miss out—register today!

10/20/2026

Join AMI-SD in celebrating the Advanced Manufacturing Institute San Diego, powered by The Grande Foundation, at the AMI-SD Academy Reunion!

Meet AMI-SD graduates who are building careers in advanced manufacturing, connect with the employers who hire them, and hear how the program is helping build a skilled local workforce right here in East County. Business partners, community leaders, and public officials are all welcome.

Date: Friday, October 23, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: Cuyamaca College, Student Center (I Building), Rooms I-207–209, 2nd Floor, 900 Rancho San Diego Pkwy, El Cajon
Parking: Free in Student Lots 1 and 4

RSVP: [email protected]

Come celebrate these graduates and the partnerships that make their success possible!

10/20/2026

Curious about a career in the skilled trades? Bring the whole family to ABC San Diego's Local Craft Championships and Open House!

Watch electrical, plumbing, pipefitting, and sheet metal apprentices and trainees go head-to-head in a live, timed competition, then tour the training facility and learn more about ABC San Diego's apprenticeship programs. Kids can enjoy face painting, games, and raffle prizes, and everyone can grab a free In-N-Out burger, ice cream, and more.

Date: Saturday, November 7, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
Location: ABC San Diego, 13825 Kirkham Way, Poway
Cost: Free admission and parking
Questions? Email [email protected]

RSVP Here: https://workforce.flashpoint.xyz/Lite/Event/Profile/1332212000

Students, families, and anyone exploring a career in construction are welcome. Share with someone who'd love to check it out!

10/19/2026

Calling all women business owners! Join our hands-on "Women In Business AI Workshop"—in partnership with the East County Chamber of Commerce and Santee Chamber of Commerce—and leave with your own custom AI assistant built for your business. No technical background required!

Date: November 9, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Cost: Free | In-Person Event
Location: Santee Chamber of Commerce, 278 Town Center Parkway, Suite 202, Santee, CA 92071

Register Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/women-in-business-ai-workshop-tickets-1992506415325

What You'll Learn:
✔️ How to spot business tasks you can streamline or automate with AI
✔️ Hands-on use of Google's AI tools, including Gemini and NotebookLM
✔️ How to build a custom AI assistant to solve a real business challenge

Don't miss out—register today!

10/15/2026

Sell with confidence. Build a strategy that works.
Join this four-part series to find your best customers, build a clear sales plan, set smart goals, and turn good ideas into action.
Each session gives you tools you can use right away. Each one builds on the last.
Register now. Take your sales strategy further.
East County EDC
👉Scan the QR Code or Follow this link to register:
https://na2.hubs.ly/H08gbQN0

We’re here to help. Get the guidance, resources, and support you need to move your business forward.
Visit https://na2.hubs.ly/H08gbPt0 to schedule an appointment with an advisor today.
Visit https://na2.hubs.ly/H08gbQR0 to see our full training schedule.

10/15/2026

We were thrilled to welcome Tony Davis, AVP of Program Scaling and National Director of FAME USA at The Manufacturing Institute, to East County!

Today, local manufacturers gathered at Taylor Guitars to discuss launching a FAME San Diego Chapter. Tony shared what makes a FAME region successful, and employers stepped up with commitments to help build the chapter.

Tony then toured Taylor Guitars, Zenix Katema, GKN Aerospace, and Precision Metals Products. Thank you to each company for opening your doors! And thank you, Tony and The Manufacturing Institute, for helping us build a stronger pipeline of skilled manufacturing talent right here in East County.

Address

127 East Lexington Avenue
El Cajon, CA
92020

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 4pm

Telephone

+16192583670

Website

https://www.eastcountyedc.org/

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