Joseph “Joe” Rouzan III will retire after six years as president/CEO of Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (VSEDC), making way for new leadership.
After dropping 30% during the pandemic, Black businesses are making a comeback. A recent study from the University of California, Santa Cruz cited the number of Black small-business owners rose 28% higher in the third quarter of 2021 in comparison to pre-pandemic times.
Many small businesses, particularly those founded by Black and Brown people, are often unaware of the expansive resources, including grants, loans, angel investors and venture capitalists, available within the community that are ripe for the picking.
As part of its commitment to strengthening communities by addressing critical needs that help advance racial equality and economic opportunity, Bank of America has awarded $11 million to 174 local nonprofits across greater Los Angeles last year.
The drive-thru only event to give away free groceries, PPE supplies, and more
Several South Los Angeles nonprofits and their top executives were recognized at the Los Angeles Business Journal’s annual Nonprofit and Corporate Citizenship Awards. The awards honor individual organizations and leaders whose focus is to improve the communities they serve. Finalists and winners and were recognized during the L.A. Business Journal virtual event in early May.
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In operation for more than 30 years, VSEDC offers tools to aid both start-up ventures and established owners
Grace United Methodist Church plans a “Karaoke Fundraiser” on May 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., at 4112 W. Slauson Ave., in Los Angeles, said Pastor Cedric Bridgeforth. The program, open to all ages, will feature Stan the Prayed-Up Man, music, line dancing, games and refreshments. The donation is $10 for adults and $5 for youth. On June 29, the “Back-to-Church Comedy Show” takes place at 5 p.m. Lester Barrie and Friends will perform along with professional comedians. All ages are welcome. The donation is $20. To learn more about both events, call (323) 294-6653 or visit graceumcla.com.
COGIC Southern California First Jurisdiction Business & Professional Women present their annual BPW Phenomenal Women’s Personal Development Conference on May 18, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 6161 Centinela Ave., in Culver City. The theme is “God’s Unlimited Power Unleashed in the Lives of Women@Work.” L.A. Superior Court Judge Patricia J. Titus will be the keynote speaker. Bishop Joe L. Ealy and U.S. District Court Judge Andre Birotte, Jr. will be honored. The donation is $40. Call (323) 293-7737 for details. Crenshaw United Methodist Church holds the Save our Sons Prison Ministry meeting on May
The organization can now provide more direct funding to small businesses in South L.A.
Continuing his meet-and-greets around the city, new LAPD Chief Michel Moore stopped by the L.A. Sentinel on June 19 and heard about the pressing policing concerns from South Los Angeles African American community representatives.
Empowered by the theme “Still Holding It Down…. Keeping the Legacy Alive”, on February 21st the Vermont Slauson Economic Development Corporation (“VSEDC”) held its 2018 VSEDC Legacy of African American Owned Businesses Celebration & Panel (“VSEDC Business Legacy Celebration”) in the Fellowship Hall on the campus of LA’s historic Holman United Methodist Church.