Expand to San Diego

Expand Your Business to San Diego

Looking to enter the U.S. market? Start with the right connections.

SACC San Diego helps Swedish startups, scaleups and established companies explore, enter and grow in the Southern California and U.S. markets.

Entering the United States can be exciting — but navigating a new market, understanding the business landscape and finding the right partners can be challenging. You don't have to do it alone.

As part of the Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce network, SACC San Diego connects Swedish innovation with one of the most dynamic business and technology ecosystems in the United States.

Why San Diego?

San Diego offers much more than an exceptional quality of life. It is a globally connected innovation hub with particular strengths in:

  • Life Science & Biotechnology
    A world-leading cluster of research institutions, universities, biotech companies, pharmaceutical companies, investors and entrepreneurs.

  • Defense & Dual-Use Technology
    Home to a significant U.S. Navy and Marine Corps presence, NAVWAR and NIWC Pacific, defense contractors, research organizations and a growing ecosystem of companies developing technologies with both commercial and defense applications.

  • Deep Tech & Innovation
    A strong environment for emerging technologies, wireless communications, AI, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing and other innovation-driven industries.

  • Blue Economy & Cleantech
    San Diego's coastal location, research capabilities and maritime economy create opportunities in ocean technology, sustainability, energy and climate innovation.

  • Research & Talent
    World-class universities and research institutions provide access to talent, technology, scientific expertise and opportunities for industry collaboration.

  • A Unique Cross-Border Region
    San Diego's location on the U.S.–Mexico border provides access to the binational CaliBaja region and opportunities in manufacturing, supply chains, research and international trade.

How SACC San Diego Can Help

Every company's U.S. journey is different. We work with companies to identify their priorities and connect them with the people, organizations and resources that can help move their business forward.

Market Orientation & Market Screening

Understand whether San Diego and Southern California are the right fit for your company.

We can help you explore:

  • Industry and market landscape

  • Potential customers and partners

  • Competitors

  • Relevant innovation ecosystems

  • Local business culture and market-entry considerations

Soft Landing & Business Development Support

For companies ready to explore San Diego more seriously, SACC San Diego can serve as a local connector.

Depending on your needs, we can help coordinate introductions, meetings, site visits and ecosystem engagement to make your time in San Diego productive.

Delegations & Customized Programs

Planning a company visit, innovation delegation or market-entry program?

We can help develop customized San Diego programs including company visits, industry meetings, roundtables, networking opportunities and introductions tailored to your objectives.

Strategic Introductions

The right introduction can save months of searching.

Through our network, we can help identify connections to:

  • Potential customers and strategic partners

  • Industry leaders

  • Investors and venture networks

  • Universities and research institutions

  • Accelerators and innovation organizations

  • Economic development organizations

  • Professional service providers

  • Government and trade organizations

Talent Mobility

Through the Swedish-American Chamber network, companies can also explore opportunities to bring Swedish talent to the United States through established talent mobility and trainee programs.

Access to the SACC-USA Network

Your opportunity may begin in San Diego, but your U.S. strategy doesn't have to end here.

SACC San Diego is part of the broader Swedish-American Chambers of Commerce network across the United States.

This gives companies access to regional expertise, business communities and connections in key U.S. markets.

If your growth takes you beyond Southern California, the SACC network can help you continue building relationships across the country.

One Swedish-American network. Multiple U.S. markets.

Tier 1 — Market Entry Connector

For startups exploring the U.S. market and looking for guidance, connections, and a strong starting point.

This package may include:

  • Initial strategy and market-entry consultation

  • Assessment of your U.S. goals and priorities

  • Overview of the San Diego/Southern California ecosystem

  • Identification of relevant organizations, industries, and potential partners

  • Curated introductions to selected contacts within the SACC San Diego network

  • Invitations and access to relevant SACC San Diego networking opportunities

  • Follow-up strategy session and recommendations for next steps

Best for:
Companies beginning to explore the U.S. market or companies that already have a U.S. strategy but need the right local connections.

Service Options

tier 2 — Strategic Soft Landing

For companies ready to actively build their presence, partnerships, and network in the U.S.

This higher-touch package includes the Market Entry Connector services plus more customized support, such as:

  • Customized U.S. market-entry roadmap

  • Targeted identification of potential customers, partners, investors, and industry contacts

  • Personalized introductions and meeting coordination

  • Support planning a San Diego market visit or business delegation

  • Curated meeting schedule based on company objectives

  • Introductions to innovation hubs, universities, economic development organizations, accelerators, and other ecosystem partners

  • Strategic networking support before, during, and after a market visit

  • Opportunities to participate in or be featured at relevant SACC San Diego programs and events

  • Ongoing strategic check-ins during the engagement

  • Follow-up support to help turn introductions into long-term relationships

Best for:
Companies that are actively preparing to enter the U.S. market and want SACC San Diego to serve as a local connector and strategic partner.

Your Bridge Between Sweden and San Diego

International expansion is built on relationships.

SACC San Diego combines local knowledge with a strong network across business, academia, innovation, government, and the Swedish-American community.

Whether you are beginning to explore the U.S. or are ready to establish a more active presence, we can help you find the right people, understand the ecosystem, and create a stronger path into the market.

Interested in exploring the U.S. market?

Contact SACC San Diego to schedule an introductory conversation and learn which level of support is right for your company.