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L.A. stories of inspiration and success

L.A. stories of inspiration and success


(left to right) Ricardo Renteria, Karina Henriquez and EWDD General Manager Carolyn Hull with a representative from Senator Maria Elena Durazo’s office at the third quarterly Connect LA Job Fair held at LA City College in May 2022
On Thursday, May 26, 2022, EWDD’s WorkSource Center system hosted its third quarterly Connect LA job fair, this time at Los Angeles City College (LACC).

Connect LA is part of a series of quarterly job fair events that will rotate around the City. EWDD’s WorkSource Centers coordinate these job fairs in collaboration with

Co-founders of Automotus Jordon Justus (bottom far left) and Harris Lummis (top far right) with their Automotus staff at the LACI campus
In February of 2021, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator (LACI) launched the nation's first Zero Emissions Delivery Zone (ZE Delivery Zone) by coordinating joint ventures of private tech companies, local businesses and community organizations. The project enables electric vehicle home delivery to an area of 15,850 residents and a commercial zone that employs 28,900 workers in a wide range of industries.

Los Angeles-based cleantech startup Automotus, piloted its technology through

LA:RISE and Chrysalis stacked logos
As a re-entry job seeker, Vincent faced unique challenges in finding employment. Chrysalis Staffing and LA:RISE helped him overcome those barriers, build confidence, and find a full-time job.

It was difficult for Vincent to find work upon his release

Luis Benitez, owner of Cardinal Painting
The North Valley BusinessSource Center (BSC) helped Luis Benitez, owner of Cardinal Painting, obtain funding that is aiding his business' financial recovery from COVID-19 and paving the way for its growth.

Luis is a general contractor with more than 25 years of experience. In February 2016, he opened

Anthony, a LA:RISE and participant, demonstrating the solar installation skills he learned through Grid Alternatives
Anthony was at risk of experiencing homelessness when LA:RISE connected him with social enterprise partner Grid Alternatives. Anthony was enrolled in Grid's Installation Basics Training program to develop solar industry skills.

After learning job safety requirements, including fall protection, Anthony learned critical

Ana Maria Sotomayor Palomino, a Para Los Niños YouthSource alum, graduates from Princeton University in June 2022
Para Los Niños (PLN) YouthSource alum Ana Maria Sotomayor Palomino will soon be a Princeton graduate. Ana received a California Workforce Association (CWA) scholarship while enrolled in the YouthSource program and has maintained close ties with PLN.

“I am excited to announce that, upon graduating from Princeton University, I

Pictured with Bella Entrepreneurs staff, East LA BusinessSource Program Director Irma Vargas (pictured far left), and Pico-Union BSC Business/Loan Counselor Ivan Vasquez (pictured second from right)
Representatives from the East Los Angeles and Pico-Union/Westlake BusinessSource Centers recently participated in the Small Business Resource Expo at The Goddess Mercado BELLA (Brillantes Emprendedoras Latinas de Los Angeles) Takeover event, Celebrando Madres Emprendedoras. The event took place at the Hilda Solis Learning Academy parking lot in East LA.

“The BusinessSource Centers have

(left to right) Watts BSC business coaches Fernando Borja and Jonathan Kinnard are bilingual and available to assist entrepreneurs and small business owners in Spanish and English
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

collection of Southeast Los Angeles BusinessSource Center flyers at the newly opened location
Through the leadership and support of Los Angeles City Councilman Curren Price (representing Council District 9), the Southeast Los Angeles BusinessSource Center (BSC) recently opened its doors to provide one-on-one assistance to small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in the Southeast LA area.

Located on the Historic

David, National Dislocated Workers Grant (NDWG) program participant, restoring Monrovia Canyon Park
David first enrolled in the National Dislocated Workers Grant (NDWG) program in November 2021. As a local resident of Monrovia with personal experience enduring the Bobcat Fire, he was very motivated to assist with restoring Monrovia Canyon Park.

He wanted to help

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