Empowering Local Businesses, Enhancing Community Development
The Diamond Business Improvement District, managed by the County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce (CSDBCC), represents a significant milestone in our journey towards fostering economic growth and community development. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, CSDBCC is dedicated to enhancing the business landscape in our community through strategic partnerships, impactful initiatives, and relentless advocacy.
For many years, CSDBCC has been at the forefront of empowering San Diego’s underrepresented small business community, offering tailored business advising, facilitating access to critical resources, and spearheading grant programs. Our commitment to serving and uplifting local businesses extends beyond just financial support; we strive to provide a culturally aware, inclusive approach that resonates with the diverse fabric of our community.
Our MISSION
The mission of the Diamond Business Improvement District is to fuel sustainable growth in Southeastern San Diego by boosting and empowering local entrepreneurs and investors through comprehensive support, advocacy, and resources to create a vibrant business district.
Our Vision
As we embark on this exciting journey, CSDBCC remains committed to collaborative efforts that drive economic empowerment and community development. We envision a district where every business, regardless of size, has the opportunity to flourish, contributing to the overall prosperity and vibrancy of San Diego.
Join us in this transformative endeavor as we work together to elevate our community.
Directors Message
The Diamond BID contract was acquired by The County of San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce, in 2024. When we started working on the Diamond BID the list of requirements for the contract was long – but doable. Now a year later it is incredible to think what we have done, as a team with Assistant District Manager Jerome Baldwin Jr. We had a big ask, to create a new advisory board, a new brand, a new logo, a new website and check off the list of items that needs to be done in a Business Improvement District. Like the banner program – banners to motivate, educate and show the beauty of the district. But most importantly get the trust of the district and its business owners, to do the work and have their support in turn. I joined the BID Alliance and its monthly meetings to understand the scope of the work from those who have done this for years and getting the history on the BID and so much more to make this story a success. I was relying on my communication skills and prior business development skills to help me get their step by step. I put a marketing and promotions campaign together for the events in the Diamond BID to brand everything – through radio spots and digital flyers posted in un-intrusive evergreen ads to promote to half a million or more people in San Diego. This helps our business owners, community, board, and non-profit partners. We came across challenges of course, however- we got help and asked questions- a ton of emails later we were on our way.
We created space for events in the community bringing business owners together in the district though Networking mixers, allowing the public to get to know each other and sharing ideas and plans for the future with like-minded individuals. Through Grants form partners like Broadband Master Plan and LISC – We have offered resources, by creating classes to educate small business owners and local residents on Digital Skills, Digital Marketing and Digital Sales, Headshot & Business Card Clinic or how to acquire Food Sellers Permits- a Food Handlers presentation by the City of San Diego. The Chamber offered an incentive – for those that got the permit would receive technical assistance with a new iPad. We also partnered with the many local nonprofits that are there for the community creating events like Multi Cultural Festival with JCNI and sponsoring events, like the Black Art & Cultures Music Festival in Celebration of Juneteenth. Working with UCP to do various community clean-ups to beautify the corridor on Euclid and its local business. We also acquired the EMRA in the contract for Brooks-Huffman Plaza, which we have a vendor taking out the trash on 5 cans along Imperial Ave., and also cleaning up the plaza for space making in the community. For example, we partnered with Urban Collaborative for The Coffee Pop-Up, a great event to connects folks with resources and create community activating Brooks-Huffman Plaza. We just finished up the holiday events like The Bridge Lighting, Turley give aways and Winter Wonderland.
This summer we acquired the new contract for FY26 and have recently received some local grants to help us continue the work. We have just sent out our 60 days-notice to add 3 new Board members to the Diamond BID Advisory Board and will have the annual meeting and finalize the election January. Things are looking great as we continue to think BIG moving forward with the management of The Diamond B.I.D.
Staff
Jacqueline Schliapnik-Garcia
Diamond BID Executive Director
Jerome Baldwin
Assistant District Manager