For nearly three decades, the Logan Heights Community Development Corporation (Logan Heights CDC) has been at the forefront of revitalizing one of San Diego’s historically underserved neighborhoods.
Established in 1995, Logan Heights CDC is deeply rooted in its mission to provide pathways to economic prosperity, education and community empowerment for a diverse population—72% Latino/a, 12% Black and 6% Asian. Through a variety of programs, the organization uplifts individuals, families and small businesses, creating ripple effects across the entire community.
An example of its innovative approach to economic development is the Logan Heights Emergent Entrepreneurship Program (LEEP). This initiative is transforming the entrepreneurial aspirations of local residents into sustainable businesses, helping to build a thriving commercial ecosystem in Logan Heights and beyond.
The program is now reaching new heights with the support of the San Diego Foundation (SDF) El Camino Fund, which is sponsoring the first-ever Spanish-language LEEP cohorts in fall 2024 and fall 2025.
LEEP: A Catalyst for Small Business Success
LEEP is more than a training program—it’s a comprehensive journey tailored to budding entrepreneurs. Participants engage in 10 sessions that cover essential business topics such as accessing capital, conducting market research and understanding legal and accounting fundamentals.
Beyond the classroom, they receive one-on-one coaching to create business plans, navigate licensing and permitting and identify target markets.
Graduates also participate in a business pitch competition similar to the “Shark Tank” TV program, where they can win start-up funding to propel their businesses forward. From sidewalk vendors to micro-entrepreneurs, LEEP empowers residents to transform their ideas into viable ventures, fostering economic growth and self-sufficiency.
“I’m incredibly proud of all the graduates of [LEEP’s fall 2025 cohort],” says Monte Jones, President and CEO, Logan Heights CDC.
“We’ve heard from several returning judges and guests that this was our best LEEP cohort yet, and that’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of these entrepreneurs. We’re especially grateful to the San Diego Foundation El Camino Fund for supporting our first-ever Spanish language cohort. We can’t wait to see what these entrepreneurs do next, and we’re excited to help them every step of the way on their journey.”
Breaking Barriers with Spanish-Language Cohorts
While more than 60% of past LEEP participants are native Spanish speakers, previous cohorts were conducted in English with some translation support. The new format will foster deeper engagement, inclusivity, and understanding, particularly for immigrants and those unfamiliar with starting a business in the U.S.
This accessibility was crucial for Yadira Salazar, who is working to establish a home-based childcare business. Despite juggling responsibilities as a mother, wife and housewife, she found the program both inspiring and practical.
“El escuchar que personas que ya lo habían hecho han salido adelante y continúan creciendo en su negocio me dije a si misma ‘si otras persona pueden porque yo no puedo?’” (“Hearing that people who had already done it have succeeded and continue to grow in their business, I said to myself, ‘if other people can do it, why can’t I?’”), she shared in Spanish.
Stories of Impact
LEEP’s success is best illustrated through its graduates. Participants bring unique ideas and aspirations, and LEEP provides the tools to help those ideas flourish.
Take Mathiarira Valerio, founder of OctoClean, a residential and commercial green cleaning business. Mathiarira, who won the pitch competition and received a $2,500 prize to jump-start her business, was inspired by a commitment to the environment and the health of both her clients and employees.
“Lo que aprendí en este taller para OctoClean es la importancia de la contabilidad, el marketin, y asegunzas en realidad implementare todo lo que aprendí en el taller poco a poco a medida que mi negocio valla creciendo,” (“What I learned in this workshop for OctoClean is the importance of accounting, marketing, and I will actually implement everything I learned in the workshop little by little as my business grows,”) Mathiarira shared in Spanish.
Graduates like Mathiarira and Yadira demonstrate the tangible impact of Logan Heights CDC’s work in empowering entrepreneurs to pursue their dreams and build businesses that benefit the entire community.
Yadira credits the program with helping her lay the foundation for her business and boosting her confidence in moving forward.
“La parte más valiosa fue poder darme cuenta que aun con mis responsabilidades diarias pude hacerlo. Y eso me incita a continuar para adelante hasta terminar lo que ya comencé. Por supuesto saber que cuento con un equipo de apoyo que son [Logan Heights CDC] para facilitar mi progreso,” (“The most valuable part was being able to realize that even with my daily responsibilities, I was able to do it. That encourages me to continue forward until I finish what I started. And of course, knowing that I have a support team like [Logan Heights CDC] to facilitate my progress,”) Yadira shared in Spanish.
Community-Centered Economic Development
The success of Logan Heights CDC’s economic initiatives is rooted in its holistic approach. The organization recognizes that thriving small businesses are the backbone of community development.
With limited employment options in the area, entrepreneurship is often the best path to financial stability and generational wealth for residents. This focus on entrepreneurship demonstrates its alignment with El Camino Fund and its focus on economic mobility and wealth development in San Diego’s Latino/a communities.
In addition to LEEP, Logan Heights CDC offers a wide range of economic development services, networking opportunities and access to basic needs like food and housing. These programs are tailored to the neighborhood’s unique challenges and opportunities, particularly its designation as a Promise and Opportunity Zone.
By focusing on the specific needs of its residents, Logan Heights CDC is cultivating an ecosystem of support that empowers individuals and strengthens the local economy.
The organization’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility and long-term impact sets it apart as a leader in community-driven economic development.
