It's the Economy...
For SDSI members in the wholesale consumer products sector, January and February should be the high points for the year…we have fresh new products ready to go, enthusiasm on high…then we remember that's its the dreaded January and February. Instead of the fun months, it's the tax months, the rainy time and a slow time at retail. The Holiday blush is gone, dry January is a reset…but its March..in like a lion, out like a lamb! What we hear from the membership that 2024 will be the Year to Right Size…everything! Trimming expenses, lowering inventory, deciding on office space, not fun, but it's the right time to make hard decisions. This is a great time to be a part of a business community like we have here at SDSI, Getting consumer insights, listening to other exec’s approach to the year, sharing resources, makes it easier to know what the right size looks like, and maybe some tips about how to go about it. We have a membership drive on going…if you are interested, click here. Love to have you in our ‘hood.
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Win a Surftech Surfboard at the SDSI Happy Hour - March 7- Will You Be There?!?!
Join the next SDSI Happy Hour, Sponsored by Insperity, on Thursday, March 7 @5:00pm, at the SDSI HQ here in Solana Beach for a chance to win a Surftech Surfboard!! SDSI Happy Hours are true “mixers” with SDSI members, mentors, and guest and a great opportunity to showcase the value of the SDSI community.  Help us expand our membership and bring new voices and experiences to our conversations for a chance to win a Surfboard that will be raffled off that night. Click here to RSVP and for details on how to be entered to win the surfboard! great networking, tacos, cold drinks and a free surfboard…not to be missed! A big thank you to Insperity for sponsoring this Happy Hour and for being a business owners best friend!

Come Support the Freedom Dogs Golf Tournament, March 18th 
Join SDSI on Monday, March 18th at Fairbanks Country Club for the Freedom Dogs Golf Tournament! Freedom Dogs is a nonprofit dedicated to serving wounded military members with PTSD, TBI, and other impairments, they provide these veterans with specialty service dogs for physical and emotional support. Come try and knock off the SDSI team that has placed 2nd in back-to-back years! For more info on the tournament and how to support them, click here.

Edge Theory Profile in San Diego Business Journal 
Both Edge Theory Labs and the SDSI Accelerator program received a recent spotlight in the San Diego Business Journal. The article highlights Co-founders Joshua and Rob Church's story of their innovative portable ice bath and journey through the SDSI accelerator. With revenue skyrocketing from $1 million in 2022 to over $10 million in 2023, Edge Theory Labs has quickly become a leader in wellness. Endorsed by elite athletes and sports leagues their commitment to optimizing human performance sets them apart. Click here to read the article. 

All Blacks Rugby Coming to San Diego on July 19th
A once in a lifetime experience is coming to SD, as the SD Legion and Snapdragon Stadium host the legendary All Blacks Rugby as they take on Fiji Rugby Union! Tickets are now on sale for their match on Friday, July 19th. Don't miss this rare opportunity to witness one of the world's most iconic rugby teams in action, right here in San Diego. Secure your seats here and be part of history in the making!

From the Gaslamp Hub to Beachside Serenity
Exciting news from Dana Shertz and RMD Group, their beloved Gaslamp restaurant the Rustic Root is adding a new location in Solana Beach opening this July. It will be a part of the new Sand Box development just a few blocks from the Fletchers Cove and the SDSI office! Stay tuned for updates and prepare to indulge in Rustic Root's renowned cuisine and hospitality. Check out the article here. 

Sun Bum's Impromptu Surf Contest 
Sun Bum had their epic Bum Rush event at the Ehukai Beach Park, Hawaii the epicenter of the Surfing world! In its 11th year, the surf showdown brought together top judges to the North Shore to see what locals could entertain them the most in the one-hour session to bring home the $5000 prize. From nonstop carnage to heroics and laughter, it was a spectacle not to be missed. Check out the Bum Rush Tour here.

First Ever Seaweed Surfboard!
Surfboards aren't just about catching waves—they're a gateway to ocean advocacy. Choosing a sustainable surfboard isn't just about eco-consciousness; it's a catalyst for ocean stewardship. Check out this awesome video of SeaTree supporters pushing the boundaries of surfboard manufacturing with the first ever Seaweed Surfboard and a look into the sustainability of surfing today. Watch the video here. 

Golf Tournament to Help Support Free Basketball Clinics for San Diego
Join us on the greens for the San Diego Sharks Foundation's Golf Tournament on March 25th at the Fairbanks Country Club. The tournament enables the Foundation to put on our Free Kids' Clinics and give away free tickets and popcorn to every Shark's game! Tyler Sickmeyer and the Sharks Foundation's aim is to bring accessible basketball programs to all in San Diego. Let's tee up for a cause and make a slam dunk in promoting active lifestyles and nurturing local talent. Register now to be part of the game-changing mission!" 

TaylorMade 2024 Golf Internship Program is Open
Attention college students passionate about golf! TaylorMade is now accepting applications for their 2024 Internship Program. This is the perfect opportunity to kickstart your career in the golf industry. Share this with any aspiring individuals you know and encourage them to apply, as there is no better place to start your career in golf! Learn more and apply here!

Padres Baseball is Officially Back 
As spring approaches, baseball season kicks off with the Padres facing the Dodgers in their first Spring Training game today. Excitement mounts as top prospect Jackson Merrill and local talent Cal Mitchell join the starting lineup. Ace pitcher Joe Musgrove takes the mound, with the game airing on ESPN at 12:10pm. Don't miss a moment of Padres action this season—subscribe to stream all games live. Click here to learn more about the Padres' streaming package.

Beyond the Break: Exploring Surf Parks and the Future of Surfing
Explore the evolving surf industry and the rise of surf parks with Surk Park Central's insightful podcast series. Host Chris Kluesener engages with tech innovators, investors, operators, and surfing icons to delve into the intersection of technology and surfing's future. Tune in to the latest episode featuring Sean Young, or dive into the archives with SDSI legends Tony Finn and Guy Kawasaki. Don't miss out—click here to listen in


The SDSI Accelerator is in its 13th year. It's a 20-week, twice-a-year, mentor-led development program that targets in-market companies serious about growth and scale. SDSI has matriculated 140 plus companies (35% founded or led by female entrepreneurs) which have raised $91M in start-up capital and have generated over 650 jobs. Since graduation, 78% of graduates are still in business or have been acquired. Applications are accepted year-round here. 

Accelerator Class 22 Graduates! 
Congratulations to the latest graduates from the SDSI Accelerator program: ActivBody, Trail Magik, and Flexible Warehouse Solutions!  You can learn more about Class 22 here. Class 23 is gearing up now, so keep an eye out for the next batch of companies who will build a stronger, better business thanks to the knowledge around SDSI!


Is There a Better Deal Out There??? 
Guy Kawasaki is offering an incredible opportunity for those who order 25 copies of his new book, 'Think Remarkable'. Guy will review a pitch, plan, or proposal plus spend thirty minutes in a virtual session with anyone who orders 25 copies. Don't miss out on this extraordinary offer—order your copies today by reaching out to Guykawasaki@gmail.com and unlock a world of possibilities with the one and only Guy Kawasaki! Also, if you missed it check out the "View From the Bus" podcast episode with Guy interviewing our Executive Director Bob Rief!

CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup at Snapdragon!
Snapdragon Stadium is hosting the CONCACAF Women's Gold Cup, Group Stage, Semi-Finals, and Final. Be prepared for an exhilarating showcase of top-tier soccer talent of the Americas. The Semis are set for Wednesday, March 6th, and the Final is set for Sunday, March 10th. For more details and to get your tickets, click here!