About 20 Carlsbad businesses will pilot a new certification program recognizing shops, restaurants and services that welcome families with young children.

The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce plans to launch the Carlsbad Family-Friendly Certified Program in the first quarter of 2027, Patch reported Tuesday, Aug. 25. The city's Economic Development Subcommittee voted in July 2026 to move forward with the pilot after the Chamber presented the concept.

The program is voluntary and free. Participating businesses will complete a self-assessment covering their operations and physical spaces, then earn one of three certification levels: Pathway, Certified or Gold. Each tier creates what the Chamber calls a roadmap for continuous improvement, according to a Chamber press release. The pilot will span seven industry categories, though the Chamber has not publicly listed which ones.

Mayor Pro Tem Priya Bhat-Patel collaborated on the program's development, according to the Chamber's program page. A self-certification form went live on that page Aug. 5, allowing businesses to document family-friendly practices at a specific location.

Bret Schanzenbach, president and CEO of the Carlsbad Chamber, said in a statement that the program gives local businesses a way to show their commitment to families while improving experiences for residents and visitors.

The Chamber represents more than 1,000 businesses in North San Diego County. It already administers a similar voluntary program, the Kindness Certified initiative run in partnership with Kids for Peace, which recognizes businesses for kindness practices.

After the pilot wraps, participants will provide feedback to refine the certification process before a broader rollout across Carlsbad. Chamber and city leaders will also explore whether the model could be adopted by other California communities.

Businesses interested in learning more can visit carlsbad.org/cffc.