Labor Day is more than just a three-day weekend. It’s a time to honor the contributions of workers and the legacy of the American labor movement, while reflecting on both the challenges and opportunities facing today’s workforce, especially within San Diego’s diverse communities.

As the state’s third largest economy, San Diego is home to approximately 390,000 small businesses and accounts for nearly 59 percent of regional employment. However, only 1.2% of those San Diego small businesses are Black or African American-owned, according to the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp. 

Small business owners are vital to local job creation, but despite their significant contributions, many face mounting challenges in today’s increasingly expensive market.

The smaller the business, the harder it becomes to offer competitive wages.  On average, per the San Diego EDC, small businesses pay 38 percent less than companies with more than 100 employees. Microbusinesses with fewer than four employees face the steepest challenge when it comes to compensation.

It’s also worth noting that lower-wage jobs are disproportionately held by people of color, who remain underrepresented in the area’s highest-paying occupations. In San Diego, for example, more than half of healthcare support roles—including nursing, medical, and dental assistants—are filled by Black and Latino workers, yet the average total pay for these jobs falls below $20 per hour. By contrast, fewer than 20 percent of computer and mathematics roles—including statisticians, programmers, and software developers—are held by Black and Latino workers, but those positions average more than $50 per hour.

These disparities are often tied to barriers such as limited access to resources, support, and opportunity.

That’s where the California state Employment Development Department can help. As a leader in the state’s workforce development system, they provide free resources to help job seekers find meaningful employment, support businesses in hiring qualified employees, and deliver vital benefits to workers when they need them most.

This Labor Day, the EDD is reminding Californians that whether you’re looking for work,

building your career, or running a business, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Here

are six key ways they can support you every step of the way.

1. Looking for a job? Your next opportunity might be one step away.

Create a profile and upload your résumé to CalJOBS – California’s largest job

search engine. It’s fast, free, and helps connect you to thousands of employers.

Employers can post job openings, browse résumés, and find great candidates.

2. Ready to level up your skills or connect with employers?

Explore job fairs, résumé workshops, and career coaching at one of 181

America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) locations.

3. Need help applying for unemployment benefits? EDD makes it easy.

Apply for unemployment and manage your benefits anytime online through your

myEDD account. No need to visit an office – it’s all at your fingertips.

4. Looking for new ways to find and keep qualified employees?

The America’s Job Center of California (AJCC) network offers free in-person and

online resources to help employers across the state hire, train, and keep

Employees.

5. Are you a small business owner? Manage payroll taxes the smart way.

With e-Services for Business, you can file, pay, and stay on top of payroll taxes

Online.

6. Questions about your unemployment claim? Real help is just a phone call

Away.

Call 1-800-300-5616, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (excluding

holidays). EDD representatives are here to help.

EDD is committed to ensuring Black and African American Californians have meaningful

access to the support, resources, and tools that unlock opportunity and lasting success.

This Labor Day and every day, EDD is here is here to help you succeed. For more

information, visit edd.ca.gov/StrongerCA.