Announcing the Approval of 105 Legacy Businesses into the Legacy Business Program

In partnership with Mayor Karen Bass, EWDD is proud to announce the approval of the first 105 legacy businesses into the Legacy Business Program. This program was launched to support more than 50,000 businesses that have made economic and cultural contributions to LA’s local economy and identity. 

This program offers an opportunity for the business community to be part of the registry and have access to technical, marketing, and financial assistance. Additionally, they will receive support in navigating city government programs and contracts. These resources are vital to addressing challenges posed by gentrification, rising rent, and increased competition.

Small businesses that have operated for many decades across Los Angeles are critical to our local economy. The city encourages all eligible businesses to apply and utilize the available support. Apply and learn more at bit.ly/LAlegacy.

Legacy Business Program On-Site Support Event in CD8 and CD9

In an effort to enroll more small businesses into the LA Legacy Business Program, EWDD teamed up with Councilmember Curren Price’s and Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson's offices to host information sessions in their districts. EWDD’s Legacy Business team led the presentations and discussed the requirements, benefits, and the process to apply for the program. After the presentations, there was a Q&A session where business owners from varying industries asked questions about their qualifications to join the program. EWDD’s South and Southeast Los Angeles BusinessSource Centers were also present at each corresponding event to provide additional business resources such as business courses, tax incentives, and consulting. At the end of the sessions, EWDD’s team had one-on-one meetings with business owners to assist them with the application process. Attendees at the CD8 session were even granted free laptops and headphones courtesy of Destination Crenshaw.

HireLAX Construction Training Program Graduation

Fifteen participants from the Southeast Los Angeles WorkSource Center recently completed the 8-week HireLAX Construction Training Program at Los Angeles Southwest College. They and their families were honored at the graduation ceremony on June 3rd, held at the college. Speakers included Veronica Soto, Senior Advisor for Workforce Development and Economic Impact for the Los Angeles World Airports Capital Improvement Program; Dr. Anthony Culpepper, President of Los Angeles Southwest College; Francisco Rodriguez, Los Angeles Community College District Chancellor; Ernesto Medrano, LA/OC Building Trades Council Executive Secretary; and Jesus Fernandez, HireLAX Instructor. 

The HireLAX Construction Training program prepares individuals for a career in construction, preparing them to enroll in a union apprenticeship program or employment on an LAX project. The Southeast Los Angeles WorkSource Center provides enrolled participants with work readiness training, case management support, career exploration, and assistance with employment placement.  

Veronica Soto shared John Ackerman's, LAWA CEO, remarks by stating, "We have a 30-billion-dollar construction program underway at the airport. He is committed to making sure the graduates from HireLAX have a place on those projects and have a great pathway into apprenticeship. So that way, we can actually build LAX and most importantly, build the local economy and put more money into the families of Los Angeles."

For more information about this program, contact Alphonso Reed at the Southeast Los Angeles WorkSource Center at areed@wlcac.org or (323) 563-5673.

BusinessSource Center Operator Spotlight + Sidewalk Vending Success Story

EWDD’s North and South Valley BusinessSource Center operator, Initiating Change in Our Neighborhoods (ICON CDC), has served the San Fernando Valley business community for the past 13 years. To meet the needs of the business community, ICON offers an array of services such as but not limited to: business planning, financial management, and licensing/permits. They also provide programs such as the Sidewalk Vendor Program, which specializes in providing vendors with the tools and resources needed to legally establish and operate sidewalk vending businesses. Sonia Castillo is a recent graduate from this program.

Sonia Castillo’s journey from laid-off worker to proud owner of Tamales Castillo is a testament to her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. After facing the uncertainty of losing her job, she saw the opportunity to turn her passion into a thriving business in the San Fernando Valley.

Castillo has over a decade of experience with cooking and selling a wide variety of Mexican foods, from tacos to chiles rellenos. Her previous business experience includes managing several successful food businesses.

Through the Sidewalk Vendor Program’s 4-week course, Castillo learned how to create a business plan, acquired all the different licenses and permits needed to operate, received marketing and social media tips, and financial literacy. Her dedication also led to being awarded a $10,000 grant, which she used to purchase an approved tamale cart to start a sidewalk vending business. “I want to thank ICON CDC for helping us achieve our dreams, now I can go out on the street without being scared,” said Castillo. 

Formalizing her business with the help of the ICON CDC marks a significant milestone for Sonia.

EWDD's Kickball and Picnic Summer Event

On July 15, EWDD hosted a Picnic event to kick off summer at LA Historic Park alongside the Boyle Heights YouthSource Center and YDD staff.

It was an afternoon of fun-filled activities that included Kickball, Connect Four, Jenga, and Corn Hole. EWDD appreciates the commitment, hard work, and support staff members bring to the department on a daily basis and their contribution to the Los Angeles Workforce and Business communities. EWDD looks forward to continuing festivities to encourage team building and collaboration.