"The springboard program is one of the most unique and valuable programs an aspiring entrepreneur could ask for, the education, guidance and relationships that are part of the process are absolutely priceless. This sort of altruistic behavior is exactly what the American-dream is built on. Everyone wants to get ahead today but who takes the time to help the people promoting change and innovating, usually no one. At springboard the time and energy invested by the Entrepreneurs In Residence, advisers and organizers allow for real learning and business plan development. This sort of consultation is nearly impossible to find otherwise, or at the very least is one sided or overly expensive. I have a deep gratitude to SDSI, Connect and Springboard for helping me realize my dreams and create a context to do the same for others. Consider yourself lucky to be a part of the program."
-Isaiah Truman, CEO, EZIA Human Performance,
“When I was asked to become a
part of SDSI, it didn’t take long to say yes. The people involved, the
mission, the opportunity to help others and for me to learn from others
was too good to be true. I have basically spent my 41 years in retail
paying attention to my business and going to trade shows and industry
events…and I’ve been to more than I can count…but I finally realized it
was a bigger world and I needed to be a part of it…I’ve always believed
in change and learning but it was time to expand my 'box'… maybe even
get out of it!"
Dave Nash, President and CEO, Sun Diego
Boardshops
“SDSI has helped
tremendously in shaping the foundation of my business through exposure
and networking opportunities - and all before even becoming a member. In
just this past year, SDSI introduced me to Craig Dawson of Sports
Insurance Solutions who now provides our coverage. At another SDSI
event, "Science of Sports", I met the guys from Destroyer Equipment and
we now resell their skateboard pads. We are excited about becoming a
member of the SDSI organization and are truly grateful for the
opportunity…thank you Michael B."
Brad Beren, Founder and Owner, Boostamonte
Mountainboarding
“Tony Finn and I have formed 2 companies
as a result of the relationship that we built at SDSI. Without SDSI,
these two companies would not have been built.”
Marco
Thompson, Managing Director, Express Ventures
Tony Finn, Founder, Liquid
Force
"SDSI is the
only place in the country where our industry execs can get together and
meet in the type of forum. Not only should you join SDSI but you should
use the resources SDSI offers as much as you
can!"
Brian
Enge, VP Strategic Partners, Active Network (former CEO, Zoot
Sports)
“The more
you give the more you receive, CONNECT SDSI does a great job of
connecting people to build businesses”
Jim
Stroesser, CEO, Adio Footwear
"Since we began this journey, nothing has compared to the
fortune of what we gained from our relationship with SDSI. Their EIR's
give up valuable time to make a difference in the lives of our local
business owners. They are committed, passionate and genuinely driven by
seeing us succeed."
Keir Dillon, CEO,
Frends
"We have been
working really hard to prepare Shaper Studios for the Springboard
Program and couldn't be more excited to start the next chapter of
development with SDSI. This alignment will allow us to work closely with
some of the great business minds in Southern California as we grow and
add value to the San Diego sports community."
Chris
Clark, Founder & CEO, Shaper Studios
SD Sport Innovators is the heartbeat of the Southern California sports business community. We inspire sports innovation through connections, networking, mentoring, education and access to capital.
SD Sport Innovators (SDSI) is a non-profit, business accelerating, trade organization that connects and drives the growth of Southern California's vibrant sports economy by offering innovative programs and services for start ups, mature companies and service providers. We offer mentoring, education and capital funding opportunities for start-ups; best practice collaboration, access to new technology, and public policy advocacy for mature companies; as well as deal flow to our service providers and the Southern California Investment Community.