Wave Staff and Wire Reports
SOUTH LOS ANGELES — Mayor Karen Bass celebrated the opening of the first federally recognized Women’s Business Center, which it is intended to help small businesses start, grow and develop in the city.
Bass was joined by Isabel Casillas Guzman, of the U.S. Small Business Administration, to highlight the facility at the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation. The mayor hopes the strong partnership between the city and federal government will encourage more businesses to open in the city and use resources available to them.
“I have worked with Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation for years and have seen firsthand the positive impact the organization is making for small businesses and their contributions to the South Los Angeles community,” Bass said in a statement. “Together with VSEDC and organizations like it, we are working to open the city for business and make sure that City Hall is an advocate, not a barrier, to helping small businesses grow and thrive.”
She added, “I want to thank the Small Business Administration and Administrator Guzman for the continued partnership and for awarding VSEDC with this significant, very well-deserved distinction.”
The Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation is a nonprofit that has operated in South Los Angeles since 1981. Over the past 40 years, it has grown from a grassroots neighborhood organization to an established institution providing economic resources in South Los Angeles.
It offers business courses and customized assistance to residents and small business owners, including business planning services, one-on-one business assistance and business training.
The South L.A. Women’s Business Center, under the direction of Tulani Watkins, seeks to empower women by supporting their innovative business ventures and assist existing businesses in securing the capital they need for growth.
The opening of the business center follows an earlier announcement from Bass, highlighting LA Optimized 2.0 — a program to help small businesses build and strengthen their digital presence. She also focused on LApreneur, a new online learning platform created to equip entrepreneurs with skills and information to thrive in the city.
The resources come as a direct result of the L.A. Region Small Business Summit, an ongoing partnership between the city and county of Los Angeles. The event drew more than 500 small business owners and entrepreneurs, according to Bass’ office.
Last year, Bass issued executive directive No. 4, which directed comprehensive action at City Hall to support small businesses.