Here’s to the trailblazers, the innovators, the rising stars, and the industry icons. From breweries to biotech and healthcare to hospitality, San Diego is infused with dynamic companies making their mark in their respective industries and in the local business ecosystem.
“Small and medium-sized companies are driving the economy and growth here in San Diego, and this is the time for us to celebrate these companies,” says Jennifer Henry Storm, executive director of EDC’s Foundation. “We’re looking for the best in class in a broad set of industries and categories—early-stage companies with deep local commitments, companies that have exceptional creativity in product development, disruptive startups that are changing the world, and tried and true companies that have weathered the economic ebbs and flows.”
Though San Diego is home to many large businesses and household names, small and medium-sized companies are the backbone of the region’s economy. Small businesses that employ fewer than 100 people make up 99 percent of total business in San Diego County, and represent 60 percent of total employment, according to EDC.
The goal is to also highlight high-growth companies—the types of companies that are on their way to being major employers in the region, says Aaron Ryan, San Diego region manager of middle market banking at JPMorganChase.
“This is a good opportunity to shine a spotlight on that segment of the business community,” he says. “When businesses start to become successful and reach that mid-size, high-growth part of their evolution is when they begin to be able to make a major impact in terms of meaningful employment which enables all of San Diego to grow. It resonated with EDC and also with JPMorganChase because we serve companies of all sizes.”
Nominations in the following categories are being accepted through September 24. Applicants must be headquartered in San Diego and have been in business for at least two years.
Early-stage companies with revenues of at least $5 million with year-over-year growth
Rising stars demonstrating staying power within the marketplace with revenues of higher than $20 million with year-over-year growth
Established heavyweights with revenues of approximately $100 million or more that are growing and committed to staying in San Diego
Pre-revenue companies on the cusp of changing the marketplace
“While one of the benchmarks we are looking for is growth, there are other companies that are pre-revenue and doing really interesting things in the innovation economy,” says Ryan. “We also want to create a space to recognize these firms. Sometimes they’re not seeking recognition or only have an awareness with their client base. But these pre-revenue companies eventually gain traction and become high-growth, revenue-generating businesses. We want to shine the spotlight on San Diego’s economic growth and future and that means recognizing companies at different stages of their lifecycle.”
Honorees will be selected by a panel of industry experts, with awards presented at a cocktail event at Scripps Research Auditorium. More than 200 people are expected to attend.
“We want to hear the cool stories. We want to hear about companies that are thriving here. We want to hear about companies that you might not hear about every day that are really changing the way something is delivered to the marketplace,” says Storm. “With so much economic uncertainty and noise at the national level, this is the time for us to celebrate San Diego, and we have thriving companies here that are driving our competitiveness.”
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”
Courtesy of Milan Design
Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.
At any given time, there are roughly 200 research investigations and clinical trials being conducted at Scripps Health in as many as 25 medical specialties. Research and patient care go hand-in-hand at Scripps. Those studies can be categorized as clinical trials of a medication or device that are conducted by Scripps physicians and studies designed by Scripps’ physicians and clinicians. Click here to learn about three exciting studies underway at Scripps and the benefits to patients.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Scripps has recently unveiled new features in the MyScripps patient portal and mobile app to help patients connect with their primary care team and simplify the payment process. Among the recent updates is the addition of primary care E-visits for minor conditions. Patients who have an established primary care physician can schedule an E-visit, complete an online questionnaire and, if needed, send a photo. Their doctor can then advise and prescribe medication, when appropriate. Autopay is also now available through MyScripps. Patients can enable or disable autopay, allowing them to more easily manage payments. Learn more about MyScripps and how it helps patients stay connected here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Farrah Adams had a persistent dull ache in her lower back that her massage therapist suggested might be caused by the way she sat or drove. That explanation seemed reasonable, but when coupled with heavy, painful periods led the then 46-year-old to seek answers. When she looks back on it now, she’s beyond grateful she trusted her gut. She made an appointment with a Scripps OB-GYN, who determined she had Stage 3 cervical cancer that had spread to several lymph nodes. Farrah was overwhelmed, but immediately found a “champion” in Scripps Clinic gynecologic oncologist Jo Marie Tran Janco, MD. After undergoing successful treatment at Scripps Cancer Center, Farrah is now using her story to inspire other women to make time for care. Read more of her story here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
In the last several years, there’s been a surge in FDA approvals for what’s known as oral oncolytics. Oral oncolytics are targeted cancer therapies that come in tablet, capsule or liquid form that patients can take at home, rather than in an infusion clinic. Scripps physicians have seen exponential growth using this approach, with patients citing convenience as a major quality-of-life enhancement in their cancer treatment. This approach also allows treatments to be customized based on specific genetic mutations and a patient’s unique disease biology. Find out more about oral oncolytics here.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Meet San Diego’s leading healthcare professionals, delivering exceptional medical and dental care through innovation, expertise, and dedication to patients.
Unio Specialty Care is a multi-specialty practice specializing in urology, gastroenterology, and radiation oncology.
Unio’s Radiation Oncology team—Dr. Donald B. Fuller, Dr. Tahir Ijaz, Dr. Reza Shirazi, and Dr. Siavosh Vakilian—combines extensive clinical experience with a commitment to personalized cancer care. The RO team treats cancerous and non-cancerous conditions using precision therapies including SBRT, IGRT, and the CyberKnife® S7 System, the only system of its kind in Southern California. Their expertise spans prostate, breast, lung, gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and central nervous system cancers, as well as low-dose radiotherapy for osteoarthritis.
In 2026, Dr. Shirazi and Dr. Vakilian were recognized as San Diego Top Doctors, joining Dr. Fuller and Dr. Ijaz, who have previously received this distinction.
