The Prebys Foundation is exploring how impact investing and other financial tools can support San Diego County's creative sector through a survey targeting the county's for-profit creative businesses. Creative industries are drivers of innovation, jobs, and community vitality. The survey, in collaboration with Upstart Co-Lab aims to identify and better understand where capital is most needed.
"The survey is an opportunity to bring visibility and investment to San Diego's creative industries," said Emily Young, Vice President of Programs at Prebys Foundation. "By sharing their experience, creative businesses can help funders and investors identify opportunities and investment needs across the region."
The most recent analysis of San Diego's creative economy shows that our creative industries are highly diverse, from digital media to the music industry and architecture and design services. More than 80% of creative industries are small businesses. To grow this part of our economy, intentional investment is critical.
"Through the creative economy, investors can create on-ramps to economic opportunity in communities; grow quality 21st-century jobs for middle-skilled workers; connect ethical, sustainable supply chains with educated consumers; and bring diverse, culturally authentic stories to the big and small screen. We're excited to see specifically how impact investment can grow the creative economy in San Diego county," said Laura Callanan, founding partner at Upstart Co-Lab.
"San Diego's creative industries have tremendous potential to drive innovation, economic opportunity, and community vitality," said Jonathon Glus, Prebys Foundation Senior Fellow for Art + Design in Residence at the Downtown San Diego Partnership. "Understanding the needs and aspirations of the people who make up this ecosystem is a critical step toward unlocking that potential."
This is why broad participation in this survey matters. For-profit businesses in creative industries from across the county are encouraged to take part.
San Diego's creative industries include:
● Apparel & Fashion Goods
● Publishing & Printing
● Craft, Material & Object Manufacturing
● Creative Product Retailers & Wholesalers
● Publishing & Digital Content
● Film, Video & Sound
● Broadcast & Digital Media
● Creative Services, Advertising, Engineering & Design
● Visual & Performing Arts and Events
● Beauty Services and Products
● Food & Beverage Manufacturing, Retail and Service
The survey will be available starting July 15 and runs through September 30, 2026. For additional information on the San Diego Creative Industry survey, please visit prebysfdn.org/creativesurvey
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