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 business community's needs, ICON offers an array of services that include business planning, financial management, and licensing and 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 of this program.
Sonia Castillo’s journey from laid-off worker to the 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 to create a business plan, acquired all the different licenses and permits needed to operate, received marketing and social media tips, and improved her 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,” said Castillo. “Now I can go out on the street without being scared.”
Formalizing Castillo’s business with the help of the ICON CDC marks a significant milestone for her, much like it has for numerous Valley business owners and entrepreneurs. 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 to create jobs. Visit our BusinessSource Centers page and learn how EWDD's Business Services can help businesses of all sizes.
Sonia Castillo’s journey from laid-off worker to the 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 to create a business plan, acquired all the different licenses and permits needed to operate, received marketing and social media tips, and improved her 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,” said Castillo. “Now I can go out on the street without being scared.”
Formalizing Castillo’s business with the help of the ICON CDC marks a significant milestone for her, much like it has for numerous Valley business owners and entrepreneurs. 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 to create jobs. Visit our BusinessSource Centers page and learn how EWDD's Business Services can help businesses of all sizes.
This story is part of the EWDD UPDATES from July 2024. Read this issue and more.
