Macedonia Community Development Corporation announced a $150,000 grant from the Amgen Foundation on Jan. 26, to support its Watts Entrepreneur Business Accelerator (WEBA) program.
The program provides technical assistance and access to capital to entrepreneurs and existing businesses in Watts and surrounding communities as well as businesses that hire Watts residents.
“The generous support of the Amgen Foundation allows us to continue meeting the needs of local entrepreneurs and equipping them to be successful,” said the Rev. Shane Scott, Macedonia CDC Chairman/CEO and pastor of Macedonia Baptist Church in the Watts area of Los Angeles.
“This is a great example of how our partnerships with public and private entities benefit Watts and directly advance historically marginalized communities.”
Through WEBA, entrepreneurs gain skills and access to resources that are required to build sustainable businesses and communities. The program provides in-depth business counseling, classroom training, and peer-to-peer learning and covers areas such as business plan development, marketing, permits and licensing, web development and more.
“Macedonia CDC is playing an important role in addressing economic inequality by focusing on providing the support that is required for entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Eduardo Cetlin, Amgen Foundation president.
“When people have access to these critical business resources, they become empowered to seize opportunities. I look forward to seeing the companies that this program will launch and grow.”
Macedonia CDC launched the WEBA program in 2017. One-on-one technical assistance is available Monday through Friday. To learn more, visit macedoniacdc.org.
