Advocacy in Action: End of Year Wrap Up
Dear Business For Good Community,
The Advocacy Committee has been busy all year working alongside dedicated researchers, advocates, and values-driven small business owners to use data and research to educate the public and the broader business community on why it’s good business to support equity-focused policies.
We were proud to represent Business For Good San Diego as the only local business chamber willing to publicly, and on the record, voice support through public comment and e-comments for the following policies that passed:
- Support of the City’s Minimum Wage Increase for Hospitality Workers
Ensuring our local workforce can earn a living wage and meet the rising cost of living. - Support of the County’s Development of a Know Your Rights Training Program
A training program for small businesses and workers on what to expect when ICE or other federal agencies arrive. We ensured the program is culturally competent, trauma-informed, accessible both online and in person, and translated as needed. BFG is also hosting a series of online training sessions. - Support of the County’s Unlocking of Reserve Funds and Creation of an Ad-Hoc Fiscal Subcommittee to address Federal Funding Cuts
This work addresses the millions in federal funding gaps affecting essential services and programs. We educated elected officials, staff, and the business community about the negative impacts of the BBB, SBA cuts, and other federal funding reductions on microbusinesses, small businesses, and freelance contractors. We look forward to being the only small business group to state this publicly and on the record. - Support of the City + County Due Process + Safety Ordinances to protect San Diego residents from ICE/federal enforcement when accessing city/county facilities and services.
- Working with local advocates and city staff to ensure the City’s Updated Climate Action Implementation Plan is reflected in the city’s upcoming Fiscal Year 2026-27 budget.
- Supporting the full funding of the Immigrant Legal Defense Program in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Budget Cycle
- Representing Business For Good San Diego as a policy advocate on the following (three) coalitions:
- Immigrant Legal Defense Program Advocates
- Invest in San Diego Families Coalition
- Community Budget Alliance Coalition
As we look forward to 2026, we know our work has just begun. Join our monthly meetings to learn more about advocacy work in local communities, and be part of the lasting impact Business For Good imprints on the San Diego region!
In solidarity,
Erica Castilla & Mikey Knab, Advocacy Committee Co-Chairs
Take Action
Ways you can get involved with advocacy efforts in the coming year
Events and Meetings
Advocacy Committee Meeting Calendar
December 22, 2025 | 5 – 6:30 PM | Register to attend here (open to members only)
#Advocacy Slack Channel
Members can follow our channel to get the latest news about what we’re up to!
Want to learn more? Reach out to Advocacy Committee Co-Chair, Erica Castillo.
