After five years in the dry cleaning industry, Isabel Vides decided to become an entrepreneur and work as a sole proprietor. In 2021, she incorporated her business, Swiss Cleaners, based in Sylmar.

During the pandemic, Isabel's sales dropped and she closed her business temporarily to catch up on rent and utilities. In February 2021, she contacted the North Valley BusinessSource Center (BSC) for support. Business consultants helped her successfully apply for several COVID-19 financial relief programs to help her get back on her feet, including the City of Los Angeles' Comeback Checks Grant and Small Business Rental Assistance grants.

She returned to the North Valley BSC for assistance when one of her dry cleaning machines broke. Business coach Brandon Mojica guided Isabel in preparing a loan application for working capital. In February 2023, Isabel was approved for an $8,000 loan to repair the equipment, which allowed her to continue running her business.

Isabel recommends the North Valley BSC to any business owner who needs help. "The center helped me so much to keep me afloat and stabilize my business," she said. "Now, I'm growing the business and couldn't have done it without their help."

Swiss Cleaners is located in LA City Council District 7.


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.