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Black-Owned Business Spotlight- Taco Pete’s
Aaron Jones, owner of Original Taco Pete’s, a legacy business in the heart of South Central Los Angeles, recently spoke with EWDD about how the South Los Angeles BusinessSource Center helped his business succeed. Taco Pete has two locations and specializes in tacos, burritos, and a variety of other specialty items, which uniquely positions them as a Black-owned taco shop.
Taco Pete's and Jones come from a legacy of entrepreneurs that spans multiple generations and well over 50 years. In his conversation with the EWDD team, Jones stated he feels fortunate to have been in business for 34 short years.
In working with the South LA BusinessSource Center, Jones has gained information about the business programs and participated in business cohorts. Jones says the business coach "helps me understand my numbers, always helps me organize thoughts and ideas, at my reach.”
Jones envisions his business to continue growing and taking it to the next level, and credits the BusinessSource Center with helping him "get those thoughts out into a plan." When asked what advice Jones would give others interested in beginning a business, he stated, "don't do it now, do it yesterday" and to "reach out to people who [are] already doing it."
EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers provide small business owners with various cost-effective tools to make their business a success. To learn more, visit bit.ly/LABusinessSource to find the nearest BusinessSource Center.
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Black-Owned Business Spotlight- Boketto Cold Brew
To highlight more black-owned businesses that EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers have assisted, we interviewed Boketto Cold Brew’s owner, Benjamin Westley.
The concept behind Boketto came to be at a time in Westley’s life when he was entering fatherhood and was growing tired of working retail and freelance. Creating Boketto allowed him the opportunity to increase his income while at the same time having a flexible schedule to settle into his role of being a new father.
Since its inception in 2017, Boketto has catered at events, where they have served several flavorful coffees and teas, including Dark Single Ethiopian Cold Brew and a Medium Roast with a Guatemalan and Brazilian Cold Brew blend. Their product line also includes cold brew wellness teas, including hibiscus with natural fruits and herbs, and the best-selling OMG!, an orange, mango, ginger and hibiscus blend teas. These beverages are offered in 12-ounce bottles, 1.5-liter recyclable pouches by subscription, and nitro kegs.
In the process of establishing his business, Westley found he needed assistance with receiving funding to help his business flourish. So, Westley reached out to the Southeast Los Angeles BusinessSource Center (BSC). The Southeast LA BSC’s Loan Consultant, Ronald Lowe, identified and matched Westley with CDFI lender, Inclusive Action for the City, specializing in lending to micro businesses and street vendors. Lowe guided the entire loan process from start to finish, resulting in loan approval. The funding allowed Westley to purchase a Brew Bomb, one of the leading manufacturers of equipment for cold brew processing.
For the future, Westley aspires to serve more corporate clients, re-open a shop, increase subscriptions to cold brew pouches, and distribute products in stores such as Whole Foods.
EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers provide small business owners with various cost-effective tools to make their business a success. To learn more, visit bit.ly/LABusinessSource to find the nearest BusinessSource Center.
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Small Business Owners Attend Black Business Mixer in CD3
On February 8 in Council District 3, the Black Business Mixer happened at the Main Kitchen restaurant. At the event, more than 75 small business owners attended, eager to learn and connect with panel members and listen to stories of successful business owners.
Presenting welcoming remarks were Mayor Karen Bass, Councilmember Bob Blumenfield (CD3), and Councilmember John Lee (CD12).
To kick off the event, the audience heard small business success stories from Maya C. Entwistle, founder & CEO of Bubles Champagne, and Dr. Quinton Williams, founder of Chiropractor Elevated. Entwistle and Dr. Williams have businesses in the San Fernando Valley and are proof that small businesses can not only succeed but thrive as well. Both business owners shared with the crowd about their passion that ultimately led them to open a business and offered advice to future business owners. Common themes shared between both entrepreneurs were the importance of making meaningful connections and getting a coach who can help guide business plans.
Following the discussion and insights from these business owners, the event proceeded to a conversation with Black panelists EWDD General Manager, Carolyn Hull, and Civil + Human Rights and Equity Department General Manager, Capri Maddox. The panelists engaged in a discussion about the small business community in Los Angeles, with a focus on the experience of Black business owners. Carolyn touched on the importance of prioritizing small businesses and being intentional about supporting them. She reminded the crowd that EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers are a resource that continues to be available to small businesses. General Manager Capri Maddox complemented the discussion and offered words of encouragement to attendees by telling guests, "keep up the fight and the faith in all that you."
This robust conversation successfully brought together the black business community in the San Fernando Valley and allowed attendees to network and share in conversation with like-minded people. Attendees walked away with new connections, insights, and inspiration to make their businesses grow and thrive.
EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers provide small business owners with various cost-effective tools to make their business a success. To learn more, visit bit.ly/LABusinessSource to find the nearest BusinessSource Center.
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Groundbreaking Ceremony for the First Street North Project
On February 13, 2024, the Office of Mayor Karen Bass, Economic Workforce Development Department (EWDD), Little Tokyo Service Center, Go For Broke National Education Center, and the Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD), all participated in the Groundbreaking Ceremony for the First Street North Project. This mixed-use development, located at 232 N. Judge John Aiso Street in Little Tokyo, will consist of two towers with 248 units of affordable housing units as well as a combined 40,000 square feet of commercial space on the ground floor of both buildings.
First Street North was developed by social service & community development organization Little Tokyo Service Center and the nonprofit organization Go For Broke National Education Center. For this joint development entity, the organizations used a variety of funding sources including New Market Tax Credits and Low Income Tax Credits as well as $1.5 Million in Gap Financing. These allocations to finance the project are managed by EWDD and granted by the federal government agency Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through Community Development Block Grants (CDBG).
EWDD will also manage the commercial component of the project. Ground floor commercial units are being reserved for lease to legacy businesses under EWDD’s new LA Legacy Business Program, a program that ensures long-standing locally-owned businesses in changing neighborhoods, such as Little Tokyo, can afford to continue to stay and operate in the communities they call home. LAHD will coordinate the residential portion of the project.
At the groundbreaking ceremony, EWDD’s General Manager, Carolyn Hull, emphasized the importance this new development will have on the Little Tokyo community. “We are excited to continue to work towards many more developments like this one, that will keep residents housed, businesses running, and people employed.” Hull also acknowledged Little Tokyo Service Center, EWDD’s Economic Development Division, LAHD, and City Attorneys for their hard work and dedication in making this project possible.
The anticipated construction completion is February 2026.
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Bank of America - Small Business Finances Webinar Series @ Pico-Union/ Westlake BSC
March 6, 13, 20, 27 at 10am
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Content Marketing for Small Businesses: 6 Essential Tips and Tools @ Hollywood BSC
March 6 and April 10 from 1pm-2 pm
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Harmony3Productions Series II: Using AI for Digital Marketing @ Pico-Union/ Westlake BSC
March 14 and April 11 at 1pm
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Marketing with ChatGPT/AI @ Hollywood BSC
March 7 at 11am
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Your Next-Level Business - Building a Foundation that Lasts @ Hollywood BSC
March 13 and April 17 at 10am
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Mastering Business Financing: Best Practices, Rules, and Tools for Effective Financial Management @ Hollywood BSC
March 19 at 10am
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Canva para Pequeñas Empresas: Creando un Gran Impacto con Diseño Inteligente @ North Valley BSC
March 12 at 9:30am
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Estrategias Para Acceso A Capital @ North Valley BSC
March 20 at 9:30am
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How to Think Like an Entrepreneur @ South Valley BSC
March 18 at 3:00pm
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Discover SEO Strategies to Boost Your Online Visibility @ South Valley BSC
March 26 at 10am
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How To Start Your Business Workshop @ Harbor BSC
March 4
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El mes de la Mujer Celebrando a las Mujeres Empoderadas: Presupuesto 101 @ East LA BSC
March 5 at 5:30pm
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Capital for Entrepreneurs and Small Business Owners @ West Valley BSC
March 5 at 6pm
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Google Ads Fundamentals for Small Business Success @ West Valley BSC
March 1 at 11am
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*** For more webinars, follow EWDD's IG page! | |
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Legacy Businesses Program
EWDD is thrilled to announce the launch of the Business Legacy Program!
This program is an ongoing initiative to celebrate and support the visibility, legacy, and sustainability of Legacy Businesses, small businesses that have been operational for 20 years or more, with tangible benefits including technical assistance, promotional support, and access to capital, including grants. The program will support the visibility, patronage, and sustainability of long-standing small businesses within the City of LA that contribute to the city’s rich cultural and historical identity. The Legacy Business Program aims to foster economic empowerment by encouraging patronage of participating Legacy Businesses throughout Los Angeles.
The Legacy Business Program will provide tangible benefits to foster economic resilience and support the longevity of Legacy Businesses. Benefits include:
- Technical Assistance — Providing resources and support for operational and technical issues Legacy Businesses may encounter.
- Promotional Activities – Assisting Legacy Businesses with increased visibility and exposure to potential customers.
- Government Connections – Assisting Legacy Businesses in navigating the LA City government and contracts.
- Financial Assistance – Providing access to financial opportunities and capital to sustain or grow their business, including the opportunity to apply for grants up to $20k.
The Legacy Business Program is brought to you by the Los Angeles City Council, Mayor Karen Bass, and the Economic Workforce Development Department.
To learn more and apply TODAY, visit bit.ly/LAlegacy.
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Local Assistance Center
Earlier this month, EWDD staff assisted the public impacted by the 2024 early February storms at the three-day event at the Local Assistance Center located throughout Los Angeles.
Services offered included:
- One-stop shop to ask questions and obtain assistance
- Provided information about WorkSource and BusinessSource Centers
- Provided resources for small businesses impacted by the storms
If you couldn’t attend and need assistance, visit Emergency.LACity.gov/Recovery for more information.
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Permanent Al Fresco Program
In response to the success of the temporary program, the City is now making Los Angeles Al Fresco permanent. Applications are NOW OPEN to apply for this program.
To view eligibility requirements, visit https://lnkd.in/gFeqHfFE.
If your business is eligible, receive help applying for the program by contacting or visiting one of the City’s ten BusinessSource Centers. Business consultants are ready to assist at no cost. Find one by visiting bit.ly/LABusinessSource.
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If TTY/TTD is needed to contact us, please use 711 for Telecommunication Relay Services (TRS).
If you have any questions, comments, or wish to have a contribution considered for inclusion in an upcoming EWDD Updates, please contact EWDD's Comms Team at ewddcomms@lacity.org.
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