The Watts BusinessSource Center (BSC) opened on April 1, 2022. Operated by EWDD contractor Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), the BSC will have a main office and a satellite office to accommodate the Watts community.
Currently, the main office of the Watts BSC is temporarily located in City Councilman Joe Buscaino’s regional office, located at 1513. E. 103rd Street. This summer it will move from Council District 15 offices to its permanent position at the Watts Historical Train Station, located at 1686 E 103rd Street. The satellite office is located at 10950 S. Central Avenue. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome at all locations.
Watts BSC business coaches Fernando Borja and Jonathan Kinnard, are bilingual and available to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in Spanish and English. BSC staff have reached out to more than 90 local businesses, with the goal of reaching out to 300 by the end of June.
Adrian Veliz, VSEDC senior program manager, is making sure the BSC is settling into the neighborhood. The Center has been engaging with Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) events, including a recent job fair. WLCAC also oversees the daily operations of EWDD’s Southeast LA WorkSource Center.
“The Watts Business Source Center will offer technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs who aim to launch a business,” Adrian said. “The focus will be on microenterprise and small business. These are legacy businesses that need a little business coaching to help them grow and create jobs. But we also see room for growth for sidewalk vendors in Watts, and look forward to helping them with the (City’s) permit process.”
The Watts BSC is excited to engage the Watts community with one-on-one business coaching, loan assessment and readiness, free business education webinars and the VSEDC small business and entrepreneurial free core curriculum. To make an appointment with the Watts BusinessSource Center, call 323-753-2335, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Currently, the main office of the Watts BSC is temporarily located in City Councilman Joe Buscaino’s regional office, located at 1513. E. 103rd Street. This summer it will move from Council District 15 offices to its permanent position at the Watts Historical Train Station, located at 1686 E 103rd Street. The satellite office is located at 10950 S. Central Avenue. Walk-ins and appointments are welcome at all locations.
Watts BSC business coaches Fernando Borja and Jonathan Kinnard, are bilingual and available to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in Spanish and English. BSC staff have reached out to more than 90 local businesses, with the goal of reaching out to 300 by the end of June.
Adrian Veliz, VSEDC senior program manager, is making sure the BSC is settling into the neighborhood. The Center has been engaging with Watts Labor Community Action Committee (WLCAC) events, including a recent job fair. WLCAC also oversees the daily operations of EWDD’s Southeast LA WorkSource Center.
“The Watts Business Source Center will offer technical assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs who aim to launch a business,” Adrian said. “The focus will be on microenterprise and small business. These are legacy businesses that need a little business coaching to help them grow and create jobs. But we also see room for growth for sidewalk vendors in Watts, and look forward to helping them with the (City’s) permit process.”
The Watts BSC is excited to engage the Watts community with one-on-one business coaching, loan assessment and readiness, free business education webinars and the VSEDC small business and entrepreneurial free core curriculum. To make an appointment with the Watts BusinessSource Center, call 323-753-2335, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
EWDD’s BusinessSource and WorkSource Centers offer a variety of Business Services, including several Financial Programs and Development Incentives for businesses of all sizes. Learn how EWDD can help.
This story is part of the EWDD UPDATES from the week of May 16, 2022. Read this issue and more.
