FORGET BINGING. STREAM BUSINESS VIDEOS!
The North Hollywood Amelia Earhart Regional Library was packed Tuesday, March 14, 2023, in celebration of the 52 graduates that completed the Entrepreneur Training Program (ETP), a seven-week course that teaches business fundamentals. Led by ICON CDC, operator of the North and South Valley BusinessSource Centers, the hybrid in-person and virtual program guides aspiring entrepreneurs through topics including how to develop a business plan, access to capital and which licenses and permits are required to operate in the City of Los Angeles.
Council President Paul Krekorian (CD2) delivered welcome remarks congratulating the graduates for taking the first steps toward opening a small business. “You are basically saying that you see a better future in Los Angeles and for yourself. And in doing that, you’re also building a better future for our entire City.”
He also acknowledged EWDD and the BusinessSource Center system for connecting small businesses with City, state and federal resources to help them succeed.
“I just want to take a minute to thank our Economic and Workforce Development Department and our BusinessSource Centers, for not only this program but for being your continual source of support, information and assistance.”
EWDD Assistant Chief Grants Administrator Rosa Penaloza said that the City is advocating to bring more financial resources to help small businesses. “Let’s get that recovery and support that you need to make sure that you can become successful, that you are the next business that’s going to grow and create a lot of revenue and that you’re going to build that income to create those jobs here in your very own backyard in the City of Los Angeles!”
ETP graduate Rick Webb, owner of Webb and Son Landscape, Inc., said he often pulled over to the side of the road to listen to the virtual lessons in his truck in between landscaping jobs. “It puts you in the mindset to do the work. That two hours puts money in your pocket.” Mr. Webb said that the cumulative knowledge he gained from the course, especially the finance sections, provided valuable guidance that he will apply as he shifts his landscaping business to incorporate more sustainability practices, such as native plants.
ICON CDC Business Consultant Eric Lara followed Mr. Webb’s comment, adding, “If you have two hours to watch a movie once a week, you have two hours to take this class. You will be better informed with your business idea or your business that you have already started.”
To learn more about the Entrepreneur Training Program, email ICON CDC Entrepreneur Training Program Manager Eric Lara at elara@iconcdc.org and ICON CDC Program Manager Maria Luviano at mjluviano@iconcdc.org.
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