Week of July 31, 2023

Spanish-Speaking Entrepreneurs Graduate from Entrepreneurship Training Program

On July 27, 2023, at the Panorama City Mall, EWDD’s BusinessSource partner ICON CDC held a graduation for 70 entrepreneurs who successfully completed the second Entrepreneurship Training Program (ETP). ICON’s Entrepreneurship Training Program, which is tailored specifically for fluent Spanish-speaking individuals, is an 8-week initiative designed to equip participants with the essential skills and knowledge needed to launch a successful business in the City of Los Angeles. Each week, the program focused on a different crucial aspect of entrepreneurship, including business planning, licenses and permits, credit and finances, marketing and sales, taxes, bookkeeping, human resources, access to capital, and cost structure.

Keynote speaker Councilwoman Imelda Padilla emphasized the crucial need to support LA’s Spanish-speaking communities' entrepreneurs. “Entrepreneurs are the backbone of our community, and their success drives economic growth and innovation,” Padilla said. “ICON CDC's dedication to creating programming tailored to our Spanish-speaking community has a tremendous impact on the economic growth and prosperity of the East San Fernando Valley. Providing essential resources and opportunities to empower these entrepreneurs is vital in ensuring our city thrives.”

Eric Lara, the ETP Manager, also expressed how proud he is of the accomplishments of the graduates and the importance of continuing to provide such programming. "Our mission is to empower the San Fernando Valley business community by equipping them with valuable tools and knowledge,” Lara said. “Congratulations to all 70 graduates, and we eagerly anticipate witnessing their businesses thrive and contribute to the growth of both the local community and beyond," he adds.

Free Entrepreneurial Training Programs will be provided quarterly to City of Los Angeles residents who wish to apply at ICON CDC’s two offices. Both in-person and virtual attendance options are available to meet participants' preferences and needs.

For detailed information, visit www.iconcdc.org/start-your-business/ or contact ICON CDC’s  Eric Lara, at 818-616-4118 or email elara@iconcdc.org. Registration for the third Spanish ETP scheduled for September 2023 is now open.

LA:RISE Helps Father-To-Be Find Permanent Employment

Prior to joining LA:RISE, Christopher was struggling with finding employment after his job was eliminated due to the pandemic. Since Christopher had no immediate family living in Los Angeles and his funds were running low, he found himself moving in with friends and former co-workers. This living arrangement worked fine until his girlfriend found out she was pregnant. Not comfortable with his pregnant girlfriend living in what he felt was a “frat house” and only living off of one source of limited income, Christopher was determined to find stable employment so he could support his new family.

At the recommendation of a former roommate, Christopher reached out to the Vernon/Central LATTC WorkSource Center, managed by EWDD WorkSource Center partner CRCD, for employment services. With guidance from both Career Coach Tatiana Penuelas and Employee Support Manager Trina Tyson, Chris was enrolled in the LA:RISE program for job training. He completed his 300 job training hours with the security company that works with CRCD, as well as received support services such as obtaining uniform pants and work boots and assistance with housing navigation.

Chris showed such great potential during his training that the security company offered him full-time employment. He also married his girlfriend and is excited about this new phase of his life.

EWDD is a leadership team partner of the Los Angeles Regional Initiative for Social Enterprise (LA:RISE), an innovative, collaborative partnership that unites the City and County of Los Angeles’ Workforce Development System with non-profit social enterprises and for-profit employers to help people with high barriers to employment get good jobs and stay employed.