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Image 4: Following the meeting, members stayed to network and continue conversations at Dulan’s on Crenshaw. (Nathan J. Lee/L.A. Sentinel)
The Crenshaw Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Spring Breakfast Meeting on Friday, April 4, at Dulan’s on Crenshaw.
A packed room of business owners, developers, nonprofit leaders, and civic stakeholders came together for a morning of strategic collaboration. Leaders used the forum to chart Crenshaw’s course for 2025.
Now in its 92nd year, the Chamber continues to serve as a vital voice for the district.
“We are a volunteer organization, but our advocacy gives the community a seat at the table,” said JC Lacey, president of the Chamber.
“When we put our seal behind a program or initiative, it means something.”
With unemployment in Crenshaw hovering around 8.4% — nearly double the citywide average — the need for sustainable economic initiatives was a central theme. The chamber emphasized upcoming collaborations, business readiness programs, and a year-long calendar of events designed to support local enterprise and foster job creation.
“The significance of today is all about energy and bringing people together,” said Lacey.
“Another pillar of our work is matchmaking and networking. We put out a call for collaborations—strategic advisors, members willing to help pro bono, people who want to pay it forward.”
Lacey described the meeting as a “condensed, concentrated effort” to announce a full calendar of events, ensuring attendees knew what was coming and how to get involved.
One of the key announcements came from the Southern California Virtual Business Center.
“We provide capacity training for diverse suppliers to be able to secure corporate and government contracts,” noted Kimberly Kelly Rolph, director of the SC Virtual Business Center.
The Center, in partnership with the University of Southern California, recently launched a 48-member business cohort through the Minority Business Development Agency’s Capital Readiness Program. D
esigned to prepare minority-owned businesses for public and private contract opportunities, this program is part of a broader regional push to ensure communities of color benefit from the economic boom expected from the upcoming 2028 Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup.
US Bank also announced its continued investment in Crenshaw, including a $40 million in new tax credits that generated almost $9 million for Destination Crenshaw.
“We want to make sure our community doesn’t get left behind,” said Delphine Pruitt, vice president and business access advisor.
“We’re making sure businesses are contract-ready—bringing direct access to capital and government contracts to Crenshaw.”
The morning included updates on major development projects, including Stocker Street Creative—a $200 million production studio spearheaded by an all-Black development team.
The space will feature four soundstages and 180,000 square feet of office space.
“We’re going to have another high-end sit-down restaurant on the rooftop,” explained James Daughrity, commercial real estate broker and board member of the African American Real Estate Professionals.
The Chamber announced a packed slate of events through the end of 2025. Every month includes an opportunity to network, learn, and grow.
One of the Chamber’s signature events, “Access to Capital for Small Businesses and Pathways to Homeownership,” will take place on May 22, from 10 a.m. to 12 noon at Consolidated Plaza, located at 3725 Don Felipe Drive in Los Angeles.
Lunch will be provided. This event is sponsored by City National Bank. RSVP details will be available soon at crenshawchamber.com
“This meeting was about matchmaking—connecting the dots between people, resources, and opportunities,” Lacey said.
“Our district is full of power and possibility. We just need to keep showing up for each other.”
For additional information, email info@crenshawchamber.com.
