The West Valley BusinessSource Center (BSC) assisted grandmother and grandson team Dianna Briggs and Devin Rojas in building the social media presence of their company Dandelion Entertainment, which helped them secure their first production job. Through the City of LA's partnership with META's Career Connections Program, the company was assigned an intern who assisted them with developing their social media presence to promote their business.
The pair first visited the West Valley BSC in May 2022 for guidance on how to start their production company. West Valley BSC business consultant Marlen Lara conducted an initial assessment to identify business needs and helped them develop an action plan. Marlen guided them through the City's Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) application process and filing for a fictitious name. Dandelion Entertainment was born.
As Marlen continued to work with Dianna and Devin, she advised them to consider social media marketing strategies. Dianna said she was unfamiliar with social media platforms, while Devin said he had limited experience and found it time-consuming. Luckily, the City of LA recently partnered with META in their Career Connections program, an initiative that provides youth digital marketing training preparing them for internships with local businesses.
Dianna and Devin were assigned an intern who created a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter account for their business. The program also provided a $500 Facebook advertising grant, which the intern used to advertise Dandelion Entertainment.
As a direct result of Facebook advertising, Dandelion Entertainment secured its first two production jobs. One project was a music video and the other a contract for a short film. Dianna and Devin continue to work with Marlen and the West Valley BSC on grant programs and other resources that the City offers. They are extremely grateful for all the help they have received and are excited about their future projects!
META Career Connections interns must be enrolled in the City's Hire LA's Youth program. To apply, visit hirelayouth.com.
The pair first visited the West Valley BSC in May 2022 for guidance on how to start their production company. West Valley BSC business consultant Marlen Lara conducted an initial assessment to identify business needs and helped them develop an action plan. Marlen guided them through the City's Business Tax Registration Certificate (BTRC) application process and filing for a fictitious name. Dandelion Entertainment was born.
As Marlen continued to work with Dianna and Devin, she advised them to consider social media marketing strategies. Dianna said she was unfamiliar with social media platforms, while Devin said he had limited experience and found it time-consuming. Luckily, the City of LA recently partnered with META in their Career Connections program, an initiative that provides youth digital marketing training preparing them for internships with local businesses.
Dianna and Devin were assigned an intern who created a Facebook, Instagram and Twitter account for their business. The program also provided a $500 Facebook advertising grant, which the intern used to advertise Dandelion Entertainment.
As a direct result of Facebook advertising, Dandelion Entertainment secured its first two production jobs. One project was a music video and the other a contract for a short film. Dianna and Devin continue to work with Marlen and the West Valley BSC on grant programs and other resources that the City offers. They are extremely grateful for all the help they have received and are excited about their future projects!

META Career Connections interns must be enrolled in the City's Hire LA's Youth program. To apply, visit hirelayouth.com.
EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers offer resources to microenterprises, small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the City of Los Angeles. These efforts work to revitalize the local economy by helping business owners launch viable businesses, grow revenue streams, and stabilize and create jobs. Visit EWDD’s BusinessSource Centers and learn how EWDD's Business Services can help businesses of all sizes.
This story is part of the EWDD UPDATES from the week of August 29, 2022. Read this issue and more.